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

? Valuable 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

📌 Chip top level RTL integration lead (Bengaluru)
🏢 HCLTech
📍 Bengaluru