Digital IC Backend Design Engineer

Meet Arago and the Aragonians Arago is an AI and computer hardware company whose mission is to drive the course of history forward. We do so by accelerating breakthroughs at the intersection of AI and semiconductors. Founded in 2024 by AI researchers and physicists with deep expertise in photonics, electronics, software, mathematics, and machine learning, Arago brings together a lean team of engineers and scientists from the world’s top companies and research labs. Composed of nine nationalities and operating from hubs in France, North America, and Israel, we believe in great science and fast achievements. Our work is guided by these core principles: Do great things: we deliver work we’re proud to sign our name to. High velocity: speed matters. We move quickly, one step at a time. One unit: we’re all in this together, with relationships grounded in trust, respect, and camaraderie. Arago is backed by executives from Apple, Arm, Nvidia, Microsoft, and Hugging Face, as well as prominent US and European deeptech venture firms and exited founders. What you’ll do As a Digital Backend Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the physical implementation of digital designs from RTL to GDSII, leveraging cutting-edge EDA tools and methodologies. You will collaborate closely with RTL design, DFT, and packaging teams to achieve optimal performance, power, and area (PPA), while meeting stringent timing and yield targets. Required Skills and Experience Master’s or PhD degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or a related field. 4+ years experience in digital IC backend implementation. Proficiency with backend EDA tools, particularly Cadence Innovus and Genus. Strong understanding of place & route (P&R), static timing analysis (STA), DRC/LVS verification, IR drop, and electromigration (EM) analysis. Experience with advanced technology nodes (22nm or below preferred). Skilled in Tcl scripting for automation of backend flows. Experience in hierarchical or full-chip implementation is preferred. Language: English at a proficient level. French is a plus. Responsibilities Execute full-chip and block-level physical design tasks including floorplanning, placement, clock tree synthesis, routing, and physical verification. Develop and optimize the digital backend flow. Drive timing closure, power optimization, and physical verification (LVS/DRC/ERC). Collaborate with front-end designers to address timing and logical/physical interface issues. Support tapeout preparation and final signoff processes. Pay and benefits Competitive cash compensation, with final package based on location, experience, and the pay of team members in similar positions. Meaningful stock option plan offered at the earliest stage of the company (included in the majority of full time offers). Relocation bonus and coverage of moving expenses for relocation within 20 minutes of the company’s location. Healthcare coverage (including family-friendly options), pension contributions, professional development support, and 25 days of PTO, in addition to public holidays. Ownership of a key technical domain, with significant vertical and/or horizontal growth opportunities, based on performance and individual drive. Reimbursement of 50% of the public transport subscription fee. A high-paced, multicultural (with 9 nationalities), and engineering-led environment. Our Hiring Process: Your Journey to Arago Screening Call : Get to know you beyond your CV. Technical meeting : Deep dive into your past projects and technical achievements. CEO Interview : Assess the fit with the team’s culture and long-term vision. Reference Calls: Mandatory calls with your former managers to validate strengths, weaknesses, and work style. Technical Assessment: Take-home technical assignment crafted to the role you’re applying for. Final Interview : Discuss your technical assignment and address any remaining questions with team members.