1

Asic Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

DSP Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$145K - $169K/yr

Collaborate with ASIC, RF, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and performance optimization * Develop and test FPGA modules using Verilog/VHDL for high-reliability and ...

DSP Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$145K - $169K/yr

Collaborate with ASIC, RF, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and performance optimization * Develop and test FPGA modules using Verilog/VHDL for high-reliability and ...

DSP Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$145K - $169K/yr

Collaborate with ASIC, RF, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and performance optimization * Develop and test FPGA modules using Verilog/VHDL for high-reliability and ...

FPGA Engineer

Linthicum, MD · On-site

$128K - $164K/yr

FPGA Engineer, Linthicum Heights, MD We are looking for multiple FPGA Engineer candidates at ... ASIC/FPGA, create specification documents. - Develop RTL designs using SystemVerilog, with emphasis ...

Senior FPGA Engineer

Linthicum, MD · On-site

$128K - $164K/yr

Senior FPGA Engineer, Linthicum Heights, MD We are looking for multiple candidates at multiple ... ASIC/FPGA, create specification documents. - Develop RTL designs using SystemVerilog, with emphasis ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Asic Engineer information

See Maryland salary details

$80.1K

$153.6K

$162.6K

How much do asic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for asic engineer in Maryland is $153,583.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $161,100.00 and $161,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ASIC engineer?

An ASIC Engineer works with the design and verification of an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). This type of integrated circuit is designed for a specified purpose, like digital voice recording or cryptocurrency mining. An ASIC engineer has experience and skills that they use to program the integrated circuit based on defined requirements. They are capable of designing and producing ASICs that have over 100 million logic gates.

What are some typical challenges faced by ASIC engineers during the design and verification process?

ASIC Engineers often face challenges such as meeting tight performance, power, and area constraints while ensuring design correctness. Debugging complex issues during simulation and post-silicon validation can be time-consuming and require strong problem-solving skills. Additionally, coordinating with cross-functional teams—such as software, hardware, and verification engineers—is crucial to resolve integration issues and keep projects on schedule. Staying updated with evolving EDA tools and industry standards is also important for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ASIC engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an ASIC Engineer, you need a solid background in digital design, hardware description languages (HDLs) like Verilog or VHDL, and a relevant degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with electronic design automation (EDA) tools, simulation software, and knowledge of the ASIC design flow are typically required, with certifications in hardware design being advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help set top performers apart. These skills are essential for delivering reliable, efficient chip designs while collaborating with cross-functional teams and meeting project specifications.

What is the difference between Asic Engineer vs FPGA Engineer?

AspectAsic EngineerFPGA Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, VLSI Design, or related fields; certifications like IEEE or VLSI certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Digital Design, or related fields; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing custom integrated circuits in labs or design centersImplementing and testing FPGA designs in labs or development environments
Industry UsageUsed in semiconductor companies, electronics manufacturers, and high-performance computingCommon in prototyping, testing, and flexible hardware solutions across industries

While both roles involve digital design and hardware development, Asic Engineers focus on creating custom chips for mass production, whereas FPGA Engineers work on programmable hardware for testing and rapid prototyping. The skills and certifications overlap, but their work environments and end goals differ significantly.

Are ASIC engineers in demand?

ASIC engineers are in high demand due to the growing need for custom integrated circuits in industries like telecommunications, consumer electronics, and automotive. Their expertise in hardware design, verification, and FPGA tools makes them valuable in developing efficient, specialized chips, with job growth expected to remain strong as technology advances.

How much does an ASIC engineer make?

An ASIC engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in hardware description languages and verification tools can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $180,000 per year.

What does an ASIC engineer do?

An ASIC engineer designs, develops, and tests application-specific integrated circuits used in electronic devices. They work with hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog, perform simulations, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize chip performance and power efficiency. Strong knowledge of digital logic, circuit design, and CAD tools is essential for this role.
Infographic showing various Asic Engineer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,583 per year, or $73.8 per hour.

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 75 rated research


Job description

Description

Do you love building and prototyping robust electrical systems?

Are you passionate about providing real impact to the country’s toughest national security problems?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The Miniature Device Technologies Group develops highly customized tools and techniques required to carry out missions around the globe. Whether it be a quick reaction need from the field or the long-term development of a novel capability, we work hand in hand with our government sponsors to conceive and realize solutions to their most challenging problems. We leverage our multi-disciplinary set of capabilities in custom application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), printed circuit board (PCB), embedded software, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and signal processing design to create ultra-small, low-power solutions that exceed comparable commercial alternatives.

We are seeking an experienced senior physical design ASIC design engineer, to help us advance the state-of-the-art in miniature systems for a wide range of applications. In this role, you will be responsible for all back-end flow aspects, including synthesis, top-level floor-planning, timing analysis and design partitioning to meet timing requirements, SCAN and BIST insertion, and physical verification checks. You will be working closely with the ASIC design team to identify back-end issues, and assist in addressing these issues, both in the RTL and gate-level phases of the design. You will help explore process selection for new proposals and designs, assessing aspects such as achievable size and power, and availability of the necessary design features and intellectual property (IP.) Additionally, you will perform custom physical design as needed, both to complete custom block layouts, and to perform custom modifications necessary at the top level of the ASIC.

As a Senior ASIC Physical Design Engineer...

  • Your primary responsibility will be digital back-end flow, from synthesis to a completed, verified top-level layout, ready for tapeout submission
  • You will contribute to process selection for new designs and proposals
  • You will floorplan the top-level layout of the digital and mixed-signal ASICs
  • You will perform timing analysis and design partitioning
  • You will perform SCAN and BIST insertion for maximum defect coverage
  • You will work with digital designers to debug and address back-end related RTL and gate-level issues
  • You will perform all physical verification, including DRC, DRC+, MCD, and LVS
  • You will perform custom physical layout
  • You may assist with ASIC design environment enhancements and scripting
  • You will demonstrate initiative by identifying and driving process improvements, and implementing innovative solutions to complex design challenges
  • You will build and maintain strong working relationships with cross-functional teams, including digital design, verification, and software teams
  • You will provide leadership and guidance to junior physical design engineers, and contribute to their growth and development
  • You will collaborate with the team to achieve project goals and objectives, and drive results through effective teamwork and problem-solving
  • You will foster open communication and collaboration with digital designers, junior physical design engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

  • Possess an Associate’s degree in a technical field, or a combination of equivalent level experience/education/certifications.
  • Are skilled at using Cadence ASIC design tools for back-end flow implementation
  • Are skilled at using Siemens Calibre physical verification tools
  • Have 6+ years of experience specifically performing back-end ASIC design
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

  • Have experience with custom physical layout in Cadence Virtuoso
  • Are skilled at using Siemens ASIC design tools for back-end flow implementation
  • Have extensive knowledge and experience in ASIC technology characterization for process selection
  • Hold an active clearance and/or have successfully undergone single-scope background investigations in the past.

#LI-AG1


About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.


Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually

What Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom