Project Lead ASIC Engineer

Draper Labs
United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge
555 Technology Square (Show on map)
Mar 10, 2025
Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com. Job Description Summary: Draper is looking for an energetic, service minded ASIC project leader, who enjoys helping others to succeed by providing team members and clients with motivation and support in a positive and professional work environment. We are seeking a highly motivated individual who will challenge teammates to achieve execution goals, while maintaining strong working relationships within Draper and with our customers in support of mission goals. Job Description: Duties/Responsibilities Design and simulate circuits at transistor-level to implement architecture and requirement specifications Contribute to system-level design Optimize hardware designs for performance, power, and cost Evaluate the hardware feasibility of complex algorithms and requirements Independently contribute to complex chip architectures and designs Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements Contribute to business development and proposal activities Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers Perform or guide physical layout, including floor-planning, and simulate circuits using extracted parasitics. Perform other duties as assigned Skills/Abilities Proficiency in integrated circuit design Understanding of integrated circuits, semiconductors, and general computer architecture Ability to write detailed design specifications Ability to manage small technical teams Excellent verbal and written communication skills Excellent mathematical skills Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to prioritize tasks Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals Education Requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering, or related field. Masters degree preferred. Experience Requires 5-7 years of experience with a bachelor's degree, or 3-5 years of experience with a master's degree, or 0-2 years of experience with a PhD in ASIC Hardware Engineering or related. Additional Job Description: Preferred Qualifications Lead a cross functional team on the execution and development of custom ASICs that support project and mission goals Work with wafer fabrication, assembly & test sites to guarantee schedule, cost, and quality Provide clear direction to both internal team and external support organizations like device fabrication and assembly and test sites Drive and motivate team members critical to the flawless execution of each ASIC and project Provide weekly and monthly updates to program management on status of projects, explaining the issues facing a project Interact with customers in support of project status, key milestones, and deliveries. This includes samples deliveries, wafer lot progress, assembly, and testing Drive reliability and characterization of integrated circuits to ensure they meet the requirement specifications and manufacturing requirements Work with failure analysis (FA) to determine root cause of any reliability and qualification failures Maintain thorough and up-to-date project schedules with all related milestones Develop and implement Qualification plans Communicate weekly to management on status of each project Effectively coordinate material logistics and shipment/assembly/test prioritization Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and set realistic plans based on required tasks with available resources Ability to effectively coordinate and lead geographically diverse development teams on projects that include design, silicon fabrications, test development, qualification and production ramp Ability to provide clear direction to both internal teams and external support organizations like device fabrication and assembly sites Knowledge of device packaging and wafer fabrication process Knowledge of reliability requirements and characterization methodology using statistical analysis Ability to work in a team environment and understand cross-functional team dynamics Ability to work with customers to align project schedules with customers' key milestones Demonstrated strong analytical and problem solving skills Strong verbal and written communication skills Ability to work in teams and collaborate effectively with people in different functions Strong time management skills that enable on-time project delivery Demonstrated ability to build strong, influential relationships Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment Ability to take the initiative and drive for results Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration. Job Location - City: Cambridge Job Location - State: Massachusetts Job Location - Postal Code: 02139-3563 Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers. Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.