CAD Engineer - PDV
$150K - $277K/yr
As part of our Silicon Technologies group, you'll help design and manufacture our next-generation, high-performance, power-efficient processor, system-on-chip (SoC). You'll ensure Apple products and ...
CAD Engineer - PDV
$150K - $277K/yr
As part of our Silicon Technologies group, you'll help design and manufacture our next-generation, high-performance, power-efficient processor, system-on-chip (SoC). You'll ensure Apple products and ...
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
Senior Principal Engineer - Hardware Chip Lead, Connectivity BU
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$129K - $173K/yr
Pre-PA, PA, PSM, POR, Design Reviews, Tape-Out, and MPR • Coordinate and align cross-functional ... chip design, independently proposing and defining high-level technical solutions across the ...
Senior Principal Engineer - Hardware Chip Lead, Connectivity BU
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$129K - $173K/yr
Pre-PA, PA, PSM, POR, Design Reviews, Tape-Out, and MPR • Coordinate and align cross-functional ... chip design, independently proposing and defining high-level technical solutions across the ...
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
Physical Design Engineer
Sunnyvale, CA · On-site
$230 - $280/hr
Strong knowledge of block level and full-chip physical verification methodology. * Expert at optimizing for the best power/performance and area. * Experience with the complete physical design flow.
New
Physical Design Engineer
Sunnyvale, CA · On-site
$230 - $280/hr
Strong knowledge of block level and full-chip physical verification methodology. * Expert at optimizing for the best power/performance and area. * Experience with the complete physical design flow.
New
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
GenAI Physical Synthesis Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
$134K - $138K/yr
Do you love building intelligent solutions that revolutionize chip design? Do you see the transformative potential of GenAI in physical synthesis workflows? As part of our Silicon Technologies group ...
GenAI Physical Synthesis Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
$134K - $138K/yr
Do you love building intelligent solutions that revolutionize chip design? Do you see the transformative potential of GenAI in physical synthesis workflows? As part of our Silicon Technologies group ...
Lead RTL Design Engineer -- Hybrid High-Performance ASICs (Sunnyvale)
Sunnyvale, CA · On-site
$175K - $275K/yr
In this role, you will focus on chip design and collaboration with various teams to innovate semiconductor architectures. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of experience in RTL design and a ...
Lead RTL Design Engineer -- Hybrid High-Performance ASICs (Sunnyvale)
Sunnyvale, CA · On-site
$175K - $275K/yr
In this role, you will focus on chip design and collaboration with various teams to innovate semiconductor architectures. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of experience in RTL design and a ...
CAD Engineer - PDV
$115K - $194K/yr
As part of our Silicon Technologies group, you'll help design and manufacture our next-generation, high-performance, power-efficient processor, system-on-chip (SoC). You'll ensure Apple products and ...
CAD Engineer - PDV
$115K - $194K/yr
As part of our Silicon Technologies group, you'll help design and manufacture our next-generation, high-performance, power-efficient processor, system-on-chip (SoC). You'll ensure Apple products and ...
CAD Engineer - PDV
$150K - $277K/yr
As part of our Silicon Technologies group, you'll help design and manufacture our next-generation, high-performance, power-efficient processor, system-on-chip (SoC). You'll ensure Apple products and ...
CAD Engineer - PDV
$150K - $277K/yr
As part of our Silicon Technologies group, you'll help design and manufacture our next-generation, high-performance, power-efficient processor, system-on-chip (SoC). You'll ensure Apple products and ...
SoC Design Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$156K - $160K/yr
Perform chip bring-up, validation and debugging. Design, integrate and validate data pipeline according to PRD/design specification and system architecture of SoC products, following ASIC design flow ...
SoC Design Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$156K - $160K/yr
Perform chip bring-up, validation and debugging. Design, integrate and validate data pipeline according to PRD/design specification and system architecture of SoC products, following ASIC design flow ...
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
CAD Engineer - PDV
$115K - $194K/yr
As part of our Silicon Technologies group, you'll help design and manufacture our next-generation, high-performance, power-efficient processor, system-on-chip (SoC). You'll ensure Apple products and ...
CAD Engineer - PDV
$115K - $194K/yr
As part of our Silicon Technologies group, you'll help design and manufacture our next-generation, high-performance, power-efficient processor, system-on-chip (SoC). You'll ensure Apple products and ...
SoC Design Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$156K - $160K/yr
Perform chip bring-up, validation and debugging. Design, integrate and validate data pipeline according to PRD/design specification and system architecture of SoC products, following ASIC design flow ...
SoC Design Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$156K - $160K/yr
Perform chip bring-up, validation and debugging. Design, integrate and validate data pipeline according to PRD/design specification and system architecture of SoC products, following ASIC design flow ...
SoC Design Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
Perform chip bring-up, validation and debugging. Design, integrate and validate data pipeline according to PRD/design specification and system architecture of SoC products, following ASIC design flow ...
Quick apply
SoC Design Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
Perform chip bring-up, validation and debugging. Design, integrate and validate data pipeline according to PRD/design specification and system architecture of SoC products, following ASIC design flow ...
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing ... Description As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design ...
CAD Engineer - PDV
$150K - $277K/yr
As part of our Silicon Technologies group, you'll help design and manufacture our next-generation, high-performance, power-efficient processor, system-on-chip (SoC). You'll ensure Apple products and ...
CAD Engineer - PDV
$150K - $277K/yr
As part of our Silicon Technologies group, you'll help design and manufacture our next-generation, high-performance, power-efficient processor, system-on-chip (SoC). You'll ensure Apple products and ...
Chip Design information
See salary details
$42K - $56.5K
4% of jobs
$56.5K - $71K
8% of jobs
$81.6K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$71K - $85.5K
17% of jobs
The median wage is $99K / yr.
$85.5K - $100K
22% of jobs
$100K - $114.5K
15% of jobs
$114.5K - $129K
6% of jobs
$133.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$129K - $143.5K
7% of jobs
$143.5K - $158K
7% of jobs
$158K - $172.5K
8% of jobs
$172.5K - $187K
2% of jobs
$187K - $201.5K
2% of jobs
$42K
$114.5K
$201.5K
How much do chip design jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for chip design in the United States is $114,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
How to get a job in chip design?
To get a job in chip design, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field, along with strong skills in digital and analog circuit design, hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog, and familiarity with CAD tools. Gaining experience through internships, projects, or research can improve prospects, and advanced roles may require a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant area. Certifications or specialized training in semiconductor design can also be beneficial.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in chip design?
To excel in Chip Design, a strong background in electrical engineering, digital and analog circuit design, and semiconductor physics is typically required, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with electronic design automation (EDA) tools like Cadence, Synopsys, and Mentor Graphics, as well as proficiency in hardware description languages (HDLs) such as Verilog or VHDL, are standard prerequisites. Outstanding problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams set candidates apart. These competencies are essential for designing efficient, reliable integrated circuits and meeting the evolving needs of the semiconductor industry.
What are the typical career progression opportunities in chip design?
Chip Design offers a clear pathway for career growth, starting from entry-level positions such as Design Engineer or Verification Engineer and progressing to roles like Lead Designer, Project Manager, or Technical Architect. As you gain experience and demonstrate expertise, opportunities often open up in specialized areas such as physical design, timing analysis, or system architecture. Many professionals also advance to leadership or managerial positions, overseeing teams or entire design projects. Additionally, working in such a fast-evolving field keeps you engaged with the latest technologies and can provide options to transition into adjacent areas like product management or application engineering.
Is chip design a good career?
Chip design is a specialized field within electronics engineering focused on creating integrated circuits and microchips. It offers high demand, competitive salaries, and opportunities for innovation, especially for those skilled in hardware description languages and electronic design automation tools. The career typically requires a strong technical background and continuous learning to keep up with technological advancements.
What is a chip design?
A Chip Design job involves creating and developing semiconductor circuits used in electronic devices. Engineers in this field work on designing, verifying, and testing integrated circuits (ICs) to ensure performance, power efficiency, and reliability. They use specialized software tools for designing hardware and optimizing functionality. Chip designers collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring new processors, memory chips, or custom ASICs from concept to production. This role is crucial in industries like computing, telecommunications, and consumer electronics.
How much do chip designers make?
Chip designers, also known as integrated circuit designers, typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in hardware description languages and CAD tools can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $200,000 with experience and advanced certifications.
More about Chip Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Chip Design jobs? Cities with the most Chip Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chip Design jobs? The most popular types of Chip Design jobs are:
What states have the most Chip Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Chip Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chip Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chip Design jobs are:
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$150K - $277K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Retirement
Re-posted 10 days ago
Apple rating
8.0
Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
7th of 30 rated technology retailers
Job description
Do you love building elegant solutions to highly complex challenges? Do you intrinsically see the importance in every detail? As part of our Silicon Technologies group, you’ll help design and manufacture our next-generation, high-performance, power-efficient processor, system-on-chip (SoC). You’ll ensure Apple products and services can seamlessly and efficiently handle the tasks that make them beloved by millions! Joining this group means you’ll be responsible for crafting and building the technology that fuels Apple’s devices. Together, you and your team will enable our customers to do all the things they love with their devices.
As a member of our CAD team, you will architect, develop, maintain and improve physical design verification (PDV) flows. The role requires you to work on flow and runset development for various technology nodes and tool sets. Working alongside the CAD team, you will be collaborating with the custom digital/analog/mixed-signal design, physical design (PD) and chip integration teams. With good understanding of design rule checks (DRC) and layout versus schematic (LVS) runsets, you will develop rule decks from scratch and/or modify existing ones. You will also have opportunities to develop ML/LLM based automations and solutions.
Description
-Develop, improve and maintain various aspects of physical verification flow and methodology
-Coordinate the effort of validating flows, improving for custom checks and data generation
-Work with the design and PD teams to facilitate the chip design process
-Code custom PDV rule decks such as Electrical rule checks (ERC) and Programmable ERCs
-Collaborate with tool vendors and foundries for PDK performance enhancements
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge in Calibre/ICV/Pegasus runset coding
Knowledge of ML/LLM is a plus
Knowledge of parasitic extraction, SKILL coding, and PnR tools is a plus
Previous industry experience in Silicon chip design flows
IP/SOC level PDV debug experience in various technology nodes
Scripting skills in programming languages such as Python, Perl, Tcl, Shell, Makefile or C
Experience with flow automation and development
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum requirement of BS + 3 years of relevant industry experience
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
As a member of our CAD team, you will architect, develop, maintain and improve physical design verification (PDV) flows. The role requires you to work on flow and runset development for various technology nodes and tool sets. Working alongside the CAD team, you will be collaborating with the custom digital/analog/mixed-signal design, physical design (PD) and chip integration teams. With good understanding of design rule checks (DRC) and layout versus schematic (LVS) runsets, you will develop rule decks from scratch and/or modify existing ones. You will also have opportunities to develop ML/LLM based automations and solutions.
Description
-Develop, improve and maintain various aspects of physical verification flow and methodology
-Coordinate the effort of validating flows, improving for custom checks and data generation
-Work with the design and PD teams to facilitate the chip design process
-Code custom PDV rule decks such as Electrical rule checks (ERC) and Programmable ERCs
-Collaborate with tool vendors and foundries for PDK performance enhancements
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge in Calibre/ICV/Pegasus runset coding
Knowledge of ML/LLM is a plus
Knowledge of parasitic extraction, SKILL coding, and PnR tools is a plus
Previous industry experience in Silicon chip design flows
IP/SOC level PDV debug experience in various technology nodes
Scripting skills in programming languages such as Python, Perl, Tcl, Shell, Makefile or C
Experience with flow automation and development
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum requirement of BS + 3 years of relevant industry experience
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
About Apple
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.
Industry
Computer and electronic product manufacturing
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Cupertino, CA, US
Year founded
1976