About SPHERICAL

SPHERICAL is transforming semiconductor chip design using agile techniques and model-based engineering approaches. We leverage advancements in software and machine learning to empower engineers while significantly increasing productivity by 10x. Our mission is to create high-quality electronics tailored for the space industry, including power and control products.

About the Role

We are seeking an EDA Engineer to develop and optimize advanced electronic design automation workflows for cutting-edge integrated circuit design in space applications. This role involves creating, configuring, and maintaining simulation, verification, and design environments for radiation-hardened systems, enabling reliable and efficient development of analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs for satellites, spacecraft, and deep-space missions. You will work closely with design teams to ensure tool flows meet the highest standards of accuracy, performance, and robustness in extreme environments.

Please note: this position is in our Software department. It is not intended to be a hybrid software / analog mixed signal design role. If analog mixed signal design is what you are passionate about, then please apply directly for one of these roles (if one is available) otherwise submit a speculative application.

Key Responsibilities & Qualifications:

Core EDA role

• Develop, customise, and maintain EDA Tools & Flows for analog, digital, and mixed-signal IC & HW design, targeting radiation-hardened space applications.

• Configure and validate PDKs (Process Design Kits) to ensure accurate technology representation and seamless integration across simulation, synthesis, and verification environments.

• Build and extend our in-house automation platform for design, simulation, results analysis, and layout.

• Collaborate closely with the IC design team to align tool flows, modeling standards, and verification strategies with project requirements.

• Perform benchmarking, profiling, and optimization of EDA workflows to improve turnaround time and computational efficiency.

Skills & Tools

• EDA Platforms: Experience of the following is beneficial, but it should be noted this role will not use these platforms as we are building our own: Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys Custom Compiler, Mentor/Siemens Calibre, Synopsys VCS, Siemens Questa, 

• Simulation & Verification: SPICE (HSPICE, Spectre, AFS), mixed-signal co-simulation, digital verification frameworks.

• Automation & Scripting: Python (at least 2+ year experience), C++ (or another low level programming language), Shell scripting, Make/CMake.

• PDKs & Technology Files: Integration, validation, and maintenance for advanced and radiation-hardened process nodes.

• Version Control & Collaboration: Git, GitLab CI/CD, workflow automation for multi-site design teams.

• OS & Environments: Linux (RHEL/Rocky, Ubuntu), containerized workflows (Docker, Podman).

• Specialized Domain Knowledge: Radiation effects modeling (SEE, TID), reliability analysis, and verification methodologies for mission-critical space systems.
  
  

What We Offer

• Innovative Opportunity: Revolutionise satellite system design using a system-driven IC design approach in the space industry.
• Strong Growth Trajectory: Join a well-funded and fast-growing startup backed by private venture capital and the European Space Agency.
• Expert Team: Collaborate with an ambitious, skilled, and experienced leadership team with strong technical and commercial backgrounds in satellite and semiconductor technology.
• Empowered Environment: Take a leading role in an environment that encourages initiative and supports reshaping industry paradigms.

Practicalities

• Full-time
• Based in the Randstad area, Netherlands
• Hybrid working environment, min. 1 day/week onsite to build strong team dynamic, focused work from home possible other days
• Reporting to Jack English, Head of Software Engineering

If you're passionate about electronic systems engineering and eager to contribute to innovative projects in the space industry, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Important!

If you think you have what it takes but are unsure that you check every box, we still want to hear from you. Your ability to creatively solve complex challenges and practical experience in designing/building/coding technology tops specific qualifications or tools.

Studies have shown that women and other marginalized groups apply to jobs only when they meet 100% of the qualifications. However, at SPHERICAL, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive workplace and encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement.

Please fill in this form to apply.