Chip top level RTL integration lead

Chip Top-Level RTL Integration Lead

Role Overview

Lead and own SoC RTL integration for complex chips, ensuring seamless assembly of multiple IPs/subsystems into a functionally correct, synthesis-ready top-level design. This role is central to aligning architecture, design, verification, and physical teams for successful tapeout.

Key Responsibilities

RTL Integration Ownership

Own top-level RTL integration of SoC:

Integrate multiple IPs, subsystems, and third-party blocks

Ensure clean connectivity, hierarchy, and modular structure

Deliver synthesis-ready, lint-clean, and CDC-clean RTL

Architecture Alignment

Work closely with architecture teams to:

Translate SoC architecture into RTL structure

Ensure correct implementation of:

Interconnects (NoC / bus-based)

Address maps

Reset and clock architecture

Interface & Connectivity Management

Define and validate:

IP interfaces and protocols (AXI, AHB, APB, etc.)

Address decoding and interconnect connectivity

Resolve:

Interface mismatches

Integration conflicts across teams

Clock, Reset & Power Integration

Define and integrate:

Clocking architecture (multiple clock domains)

Reset strategies (global/local resets)

Power domains (UPF/CPF alignment)

Ensure:

Clean CDC/RDC implementation

Proper low-power intent integration

Quality & Signoff Readiness

Drive RTL quality checks:

Lint (SpyGlass, Lint tools)

CDC/RDC analysis

Basic synthesis checks

Ensure RTL is:

DV-ready

DFT-ready

PD-friendly

Collaboration Across Teams

Interface with:

IP/RTL design teams

DV teams (for testbench integration support)

DFT teams (for scan/test readiness)

PD/STA teams (for implementation alignment)

Act as central integration point across all domains

Debug & Issue Resolution

Lead debug of:

Integration bugs

Boot-up and reset sequence issues

Connectivity and functional mismatches

Support system-level bring-up in simulation/emulation

Automation & Flow Development

Develop scripts/tools for:

RTL stitching

Connectivity checks

Build and regression flows

Improve integration efficiency and repeatability

Leadership

Lead and mentor RTL integration engineers

Drive integration schedules, milestones, and reviews

Act as owner of top-level RTL quality and readiness

Required Skills & Expertise

Technical

Strong expertise in:

Verilog/SystemVerilog RTL design

SoC integration and architecture

Deep understanding of:

Bus protocols (AXI/AHB/APB)

Clock/reset domain design

Low-power design (UPF/CPF basics)

Experience with:

Lint, CDC/RDC tools

Synthesis awareness

Experience

12–18+ years in RTL design/integration

Proven experience in:

Chip-level RTL integration ownership

Multiple SoC tapeouts

Tools

Lint: SpyGlass / Questa Lint

CDC: SpyGlass CDC / Questa CDC

Synthesis: Design Compiler / Genus (basic awareness)

Version control: Git/Perforce

Soft Skills

Strong system-level thinking

Excellent coordination across large teams

Problem-solving and debugging mindset

Good to Have

Experience in:

NoC-based SoC architectures

Emulation/FPGA bring-up

Firmware/boot flow understanding

Scripting:

Python / TCL / Perl

Success Metrics

Clean, integration-ready RTL (lint/CDC clean)

Smooth handoff to DV, DFT, and PD teams

Minimal integration bugs at system level

Predictable integration schedules

First-pass success in SoC bring-up