Professional Role and Affiliations
Viji Ranganna currently serves as the Director of Silicon Implementation Physical Design and CAD at Google, a position she has held since April 2022. Prior to this, she held the role of Senior Director, Engineering at Qualcomm and has also worked at LSI Logic and Intel. Her current location is Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, while earlier Google references cite Mountain View, California, indicating a possible dual presence or relocation.
Career Trajectory
Ms. Ranganna's career reflects a broad and progressive leadership path in semiconductor and silicon engineering domains, moving from senior engineering roles to directorships. She transitioned from Qualcomm’s senior leadership back to Google in a critical role focused on silicon physical design and computer-aided design (CAD). Her professional experience spans multiple industry-leading semiconductor and technology firms, demonstrating deep domain expertise in silicon chip design and engineering leadership.
Education and Certifications
- Holds a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (earned prior to 1995).
- Completed a Mini-MBA for Engineers and Technology Managers at Rutgers Business School.
- Has additional certification in Graphic design elements related to engineering management.
Technical Expertise and Contributions
- Specialist in silicon implementation and physical design, with focus on chip design, Tensor GB-pixel pro system on chip (SoC) architectures, and integration of machine learning hardware accelerators such as Google’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs).
- Participated in the development and release of Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, notable consumer electronics products from Google, highlighting her involvement in high-profile product launches.
- Recognized as a mentor and advocate for women in technology, having been the only woman in several boardrooms during her career, leveraging this to promote mentorship and growth opportunities for women in engineering.
Industry Recognition and Influence
- Frequently represents Google at major technology conferences and events, such as Grace Hopper Celebration India 2024, delivering keynote presentations on silicon engineering and physical design.
- Featured in media and industry profiles including Women in Tech initiatives, emphasizing her role breaking gender barriers and fostering diversity in tech leadership.
- Participation in innovation forums relating to chip technology and AI hardware solutions positions her as a thought leader in the semiconductor design community.
Geographic and Network Details
- Based primarily in Bengaluru, India, with over 500 LinkedIn connections indicating a substantial professional network.
- Cross-continental experience with early career work in California and engagement in global technology leadership.
Summary of Relevant Points for Engagement
- High-level decision-maker in silicon physical design at Google, overseeing teams related to CAD and chip fabrication processes.
- Directly involved in product development cycles of flagship Google hardware products, indicating a strong product-to-market expertise and familiarity with cross-functional collaboration in technology development.
- Education combining engineering depth with business management upgrades her capability to integrate technical strategy with managerial acumen effectively.
- Proactive in mentorship and advocacy, particularly in supporting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
- Historically associated with multiple industry-leading semiconductor companies, enhancing her insight into competitive technology landscapes and innovation practices.
This profile outlines a senior executive with deep technical knowledge and leadership experience in semiconductor engineering at a top-tier technology company, complemented by strong industry recognition and active involvement in fostering diversity.
