At Ampere, our culture thrives on collaboration and mutual support, with no internal competition. Our team of highly experienced engineers is genuinely committed to creating outstanding products, understanding that success comes from working together. In the layout designer engineering group, we embrace a powerful motto: “Ask for help before you spend a ton of time on a problem.” This reflects our belief that leveraging the team’s collective knowledge not only saves time but also leads to better solutions.

We automated the creation of register file blocks because of the large database size, and it was a lot of fun learning a new tool that helped us deliver quickly. I love the chance to constantly try new things and dive into a variety of projects. Working with the latest technology is a huge bonus—how many people can say they get to do that?

My work is vital to Ampere’s mission to innovate and produce great chips. The mask I create is essential in forming the final product, driving innovation in the semiconductor industry and contributing to scientific and humanitarian advancements. Semiconductors are central to everyday life, from medical robots and cars to agricultural machinery.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about hiking and skiing, with the Bay Area offering stunning trails and the Dolomites providing unbeatable slopes and delicious mountain hut food. I love swimming in lakes, oceans, or the Mediterranean Sea—never in a pool. I also enjoy cooking and experimenting with different cuisines, even if the results aren't always Michelin-worthy!

At Ampere, our team feels like a family. Long hours as deadlines approach build strong bonds, and we support each other. If someone’s workload is too heavy, others step in to help meet milestones. We communicate openly with management about achievable timelines and make decisions based on honest discussions. We freely share ideas and knowledge to improve everyone's skills. As a small but mighty team of nine, unlike larger companies, each of us is exposed to all aspects of the job, from drawing standard cells to supporting full chip integration tasks.

I recently read that Mask Designers are the hidden gems of chip design, combining logic, intuition, and craftsmanship while adhering to complex design rules. Each designer has a unique style, much like an artist. Our latest project is a design for future AI products, where we blend custom analog, digital, and mixed-signal layouts with the Place & Route team's work. Both teams collaborate closely, sharing data and ideas to optimize the performance of our in-house IP, P&R blocks, and the final chip.

Our work adds a unique touch that elevates our chips' performance. While many companies rely on full automation, Ampere’s custom in-house IP provides a competitive edge, allowing us to tailor designs to the architecture team's specifications and keep our chips cutting-edge. It's rewarding to see a tangible product that you've helped build from the ground up.

I used to be an avid tennis player, but years of sports have taken a toll on my knees. Now, you'll mostly find me hiking. I love mentally challenging hikes, like conquering Mt. Whitney in a day or the multi-day hut-to-hut Laugavegur trail in Iceland. Living in the Bay Area offers incredible hiking opportunities right in our backyard. I also enjoy traveling and seeking out random, spontaneous adventures!

Our layout group is small compared to other companies, but we are mighty and consistently achieve our goals. With over 200 years of combined experience, our team possesses a wealth of knowledge that drives our success. This expertise allows us to tackle complex challenges and innovate continuously, maintaining Ampere's reputation for excellence.

I've been responsible for advancing the DL2s through the 7nm, 5nm, and 3nm processes, which has been both challenging and rewarding. My extensive experience with EM/IR tools and fixes enables me to assist others in resolving their IR issues, promoting collaboration and shared success within the team. It's fulfilling to contribute to projects that push the boundaries of technology.

My work plays a significant role in Ampere's mission. DL2s occupy substantial chip real estate and optimizing their size while matching sensitive circuits ensures power resources are effectively allocated at each layer. This precision enhances the performance and efficiency of our chips, aligning with Ampere's goals to innovate and lead in the semiconductor industry.

I work a lot, not because it's required, but because I genuinely enjoy what I do and find new technologies exciting. Outside of work, I have a small ranch in the Sierras where I engage in physical labor, offering a change of pace and a way to recharge for when I need a break from technology.