Precision layout.
Engineered
for scale.

Our standard engagement model requires clients to provision VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) access for our engineers. All layout work is performed inside your remote environment using your EDA tool licenses — Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys Custom Compiler, or equivalent. Design databases, PDKs, and netlists never leave your systems. Engineers cannot download or export design files locally. Our contracts include robust NDA and IP assignment clauses reviewed by US legal counsel.

Yes. We operate exclusively at 28nm and above process nodes. Our engineers work within client-controlled VDI environments using client-provided EDA tool licenses — no controlled technology transfer occurs. Our compliance posture is reviewed by qualified US export control counsel, and we do not accept engagements involving advanced nodes (≤16nm), military/defense applications, or any end uses subject to ITAR.

Our engineers are experienced with Cadence Virtuoso (full custom analog/mixed-signal layout), Cadence Innovus (digital P&R), Synopsys Custom Compiler, Mentor Calibre (DRC/LVS), and PVS. All tool licenses are provided by the client via VDI — we do not supply or transfer EDA software. Engineers typically need 1–2 days to familiarize themselves with a new foundry PDK before productive work begins.

Our engineers are based in China (UTC+8), which is 15–16 hours ahead of US Pacific time. In practice this works well: engineers work their full day while the US team is offline, then submit progress reports and questions. The US team reviews in the morning and sends feedback — creating a near-continuous work cycle that often accelerates projects. We hold a brief bi-weekly sync call (scheduled at a time convenient to both sides) and are available for async communication via email and Slack throughout the day.

We typically work in monthly minimums of 80 hours per engineer (half-time). This ensures continuity and meaningful productivity. Most engagements are 3–12 months in duration, aligning with design-to-tape-out cycles. We can also support shorter-duration, block-level engagements (4–8 weeks) for specific circuit modules such as a PMIC block or a PLL layout.

You sign a Master Service Agreement (MSA) and Statement of Work (SOW) directly with Brightfound LLC, a US-registered limited liability company. Invoicing is monthly, based on engineer timesheets submitted weekly. Payment terms are Net-30 from invoice date, via ACH or wire transfer to our US bank account. We can provide W-9 and other standard vendor onboarding documentation upon request.

Fill out the contact form below or email us at contact@brightfoundllc.com. Tell us your process node, design type (analog, digital, or mixed), approximate timeline, and number of engineers needed. We'll respond within one business day with a proposed engineer profile and hourly rate. If it looks like a fit, we'll schedule a 30-minute intro call to align on technical requirements before proceeding to contract.