Process Design Kit Lead

Introduction

At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what’s next in computing and shaping the technologies the world will rely on tomorrow. From advancing AI and hybrid cloud to pioneering practical quantum computing, we anticipate challenges and unlock new opportunities for clients, partners, and society. Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud. You’ll collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, IBM Research offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.

Your role and responsibilities

We are seeking an R&D PDK Lead to own the end-to-end Process Design Kit (PDK) strategy, development, and continuous improvement across our technology platforms. You will drive the PDK roadmap, lead a cross-functional team, work closely with partners and customers to deliver robust, high-quality PDKs that accelerate product development. This role blends deep technical leadership with program management discipline and customer engagement.

Required education

Master's Degree

Preferred education

Doctorate Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

• 7+ years experience in design enablement/PDK/EDA development or closely related roles
• Hands-on experience delivering PDK content across at least one major EDA ecosystem
• Strong understanding of semiconductor process integration, device physics, and model-to-silicon correlation
• Experience in implementing regression test and drive quality improvements
• Experience in 2.5D/3DIC, package / assembly design kits (P/ADK), and system technology co-optimization (STCO)
• Strong communication and program management skill to lead and define PDK strategy

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Experience across advanced technology nodes
• Familiar with advanced modeling and QA techniques
• Experience in IP design
• Experience in PDK support with client facing role

IBM Research is the organic growth engine of IBM and an innovation engine for our customers and partners. As part of this mission, IBM Research anticipates and examines 'What's Next in Computing' to ultimately create and integrate the technologies the world relies upon to solve big challenges and unlock new opportunities. We create and pioneer new markets for IBM, our partners and customers as exemplified in our ongoing quest to reach practical and large-scale quantum computing. Across IBM Research, we realize the power and potential to accelerate discovery with our partners and clients by combining the power of high performance computing, AI, and Quantum, all integrated through the hybrid cloud.

In a world where technology never stands still, we understan