Staff Physical Design Engineer, ML/AI

Tenstorrent is seeking an innovative AI/Machine Learning Engineer to revolutionize our physical design workflows through cutting-edge ML techniques. You'll collaborate with experienced ASIC engineers to develop ML-powered tools that enhance PPA and dramatically reduce turnaround time across all chip implementation stages.

This role is hybrid, based out of Santa Clara, CA, or Austin, TX.

We welcome candidates at various experience levels for this role. During the interview process, candidates will be assessed for the appropriate level, and offers will align with that level, which may differ from the one in this posting.

Who You Are

• An ML expert with deep understanding of VLSI design fundamentals and physical design methodologies.
• Experienced in building production-ready ML systems and processing massive technical datasets.
• Innovative problem-solver who thrives at the intersection of AI/ML and semiconductor design.
• Strong communicator who can bridge the gap between ML techniques and practical PD engineering needs.

What We Need

• Master's or Ph.D. in EE/ECE/CE/CS with 5+ years in PD methodology or CAD flow development.
• Deep expertise in ML/DL frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) and data analysis libraries (NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn).
• Hands-on experience with synthesis, place and route, or timing analysis on leading-edge designs.
• Strong Python programming skills and familiarity with EDA tools (Cadence/Synopsys) and scripting languages.

What You Will Learn

• How to apply state-of-the-art ML techniques to solve real-world chip design optimization challenges.
• Advanced strategies for building ML pipelines that process and analyze massive PD datasets at scale.
• Cross-functional collaboration methods to deploy AI-powered workflows in production silicon development.
• How your innovations directly impact PPA and productivity for next-generation AI accelerators.

Compensation for all engineers at Tenstorrent ranges from $100k - $500k including base and variable compensation targets. Experience, skills, education, background and location all impact the actual offer made.

Tenstorrent offers a highly competitive compensation package and benefits, and we are an equal opportunity employer.

This offer of employment is contingent upon the applicant being eligible to access U.S. export-controlled technology.  Due to U.S. export laws, including those codified in the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the Company is required to ensure compliance with these laws when transferring technology to nationals of certain countries (such as EAR Country Groups D:1, E1, and E2).   These requirements apply to persons located in the U.S. and all countries outside the U.S.  As the position offered will have direct and/or indirect access to information, systems, or technologies subject to these laws, the offer may be contingent upon your citizenship/permanent residency status or ability to obtain prior license approval from the U.S. Commerce Department or applicable federal agency.  If employment is not possible due to U.S. export laws, any offer of employment will be rescinded.