RTL Lead Engineer

About The Role

We're looking for a seasoned RTL Design Tech Lead to drive micro-architecture, RTL development, and technical execution for complex ASIC/SoC programs. This role combines deep hands-on design expertise with technical leadership, guiding teams from architecture through tapeout.

The ideal candidate has strong ownership mindset, has led successful silicon bring-ups, and can operate effectively in both structured and fast-paced environments. This candidate must be willing to be an individual contributor, while leading others. This is an on-site role and will require presence in the office 5 days a week. No hybrid option is available.

What You'll Do

Own end-to-end RTL design for major subsystems or full-chip blocks
Define micro-architecture aligned with PPA (Power, Performance, Area) targets
Lead and mentor a team of RTL engineers (junior to senior ICs)
Drive design reviews, coding standards, and best practices
Collaborate closely with:
Design Verification (DV)
Physical Design (PD)
STA / Timing / DFT teams
Ensure high RTL quality via:
Lint, CDC, RDC checks
Low-power (UPF) compliance
Debug complex issues across:
RTL simulation
Gate-Level Simulation (GLS)
Silicon bring-up
Work with foundry and backend constraints (timing, congestion, IR, etc.)
Drive schedule, risk mitigation, and execution toward tapeout

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical / Computer Engineering
10+ years of experience in ASIC/SoC RTL design
Expert-level proficiency in:
SystemVerilog / Verilog RTL coding
Micro-architecture design
Strong understanding of:
Timing (setup/hold, STA correlation)
CDC/RDC methodologies
Reset strategies and clocking architectures
Low-power design (UPF/CPF)
Proven experience leading blocks through multiple tapeouts
Hands-on experience with synthesis (e.g., Design Compiler)
Strong debugging and problem-solving ability
Excellent communication across cross-functional teams
Ownership and accountability for silicon success
Ability to operate under tight tapeout schedules

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in advanced nodes (e.g., 12FFC, 7nm, 5nm)
Strong GLS expertise (SDF, X-propagation, power-aware sims)
Knowledge of DFT (scan, MBIST, compression)
Experience with high-speed IPs (DDR, PCIe, SerDes) or memory subsystems
Scripting proficiency (Python / Tcl)
Prior collaboration with foundries such as TSMC
Experience in startup environments or first-silicon efforts
Exposure to packaging (flip-chip, bump planning, IO constraints)
Experience with low-frequency testchips or rapid prototyping
Government clearance is preferred

Leadership Expectations

As an IC, you will provide technical direction and architectural clarity
Mentor and grow team members
Drive high engineering standards and design quality
Influence cross-functional decisions
Balance hands-on work with leadership responsibilities.

Founded in 2018, LeadIC has evolved into a trusted partner for global semiconductor companies, supporting the complete chip development lifecycle with deep technical capability, strong execution ownership, and flexible engagement models. With engineering teams across India and Canada.

RTL design, Microarchitecture, SOC verification