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Chip Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Eridu AI

ASIC Chip Design Lead

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$250K - $280K/yr

The company is in execution mode and has a world-class engineering team with decades of experience ... Position Overview We are seeking a hands-on ASIC Chip Design Lead to own chip design execution from ...

OMNIVISION

SoC Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$156K - $160K/yr

SoC Design Engineer Job Duties: Be responsible for digital design of ASIC cores within image sensor ... Perform chip bring-up, validation and debugging. Design, integrate and validate data pipeline ...

NVIDIA Gruppe

Senior SOC Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$136 - $218.50/hr

As a Senior SOC Design Engineer, you'll work at the forefront of technology, integrating advanced ... Spot inefficiencies in the front‑end chip implementation process and propose actionable ...

OMNIVISION

SoC Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$156K - $160K/yr

SoC Design Engineer Job Duties: Be responsible for digital design of ASIC cores within image sensor ... Perform chip bring-up, validation and debugging. Design, integrate and validate data pipeline ...

OMNIVISION

SoC Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

SoC Design Engineer Job Duties: Be responsible for digital design of ASIC cores within image sensor ... Perform chip bring-up, validation and debugging. Design, integrate and validate data pipeline ...

ChipAgents

Senior Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$180K - $350K/yr

About ChipAgents ChipAgents is revolutionizing chip design and verification with agentic-AI ... This is an engineering role for someone with exceptional product judgment and strong opinions about ...

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Chip Design Engineer information

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$40K

$87K

$156.4K

How much do chip design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for chip design engineer in California is $86,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the salary of chip design engineer?

The average salary of a chip design engineer varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. Senior engineers with specialized skills in VLSI design and FPGA development can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $180,000. Certifications and proficiency in tools like Cadence or Synopsys can also influence compensation.

What are some typical projects or daily tasks for a chip design engineer?

As a Chip Design Engineer, your daily tasks often include designing and simulating integrated circuits, reviewing schematics, writing and verifying code in hardware description languages, and collaborating closely with layout engineers and verification teams. You may also participate in design reviews, troubleshoot potential issues, and optimize chip performance to meet specific requirements. Working with cross-functional teams, including software engineers and product managers, is common to ensure the chip integrates seamlessly with end products. This role provides opportunities to see your designs progress from concept to final manufacturing, offering valuable hands-on experience at each stage of development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chip design engineer?

To thrive as a Chip Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, digital and analog circuit design, and experience with VLSI principles, usually backed by a relevant degree. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Cadence, Synopsys, and experience in HDL languages (such as Verilog or VHDL) is highly valued, as are certifications like Certified IC Designer. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help set you apart. These competencies are critical for developing reliable, high-performance chips in a collaborative and deadline-driven environment.

What is a chip design engineer?

A Chip Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing integrated circuits (ICs) used in electronic devices. They work with hardware description languages (HDLs) like Verilog or VHDL to create digital or analog circuit designs. Their role includes logic design, verification, simulation, and testing to ensure performance and power efficiency. They collaborate with teams across hardware, software, and manufacturing to bring chips from concept to production. Chip Design Engineers are essential in industries like consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications.

What does a chip design engineer do?

A chip design engineer develops and designs integrated circuits and microchips used in electronic devices. They use electronic design automation (EDA) tools, create schematics, simulate circuit performance, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure the chips meet specifications and quality standards.

How much do chip design engineers make?

Chip design engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $90,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior engineers with specialized skills in VLSI design or FPGA development can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

What are popular job titles related to Chip Design Engineer jobs in California?

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What job categories do people searching Chip Design Engineer jobs in California look for?

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What cities in California are hiring for Chip Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Chip Design Engineer job openings:

Chip Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chip Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,995 per year, or $41.8 per hour.