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Chip Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Verification Engineer (Remote)

Salem, MA · Remote

$148K/yr

We're seeking a Verification Engineer to contribute to the validation of advanced chip designs. You'll help create and maintain UVM environments, write tests, and ensure functional coverage for high ...

... chip-scale implementation. This role focuses on translating advanced quantum and AI concepts into ... and system designs suitable for fabrication. It concentrates on high-fidelity simulation ...

As the Digital Design Engineer / Chip Lead, you will be the technical anchor of a small, senior ... Define interfaces between PHY hard macro, third-party soft IP, and internally designed blocks ...

Senior Silicon Photonics Designer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

The company's OCS is an ultra-low power consumption, high radix, compact chip-scale design ... Job Overview As Silicon Photonics Designer at nEye.ai, you will be responsible for the development ...

As the Digital Design Engineer / Chip Lead, you will be the technical anchor of a small, senior ... Define interfaces between PHY hard macro, third-party soft IP, and internally designed blocks ...

The company's OCS is an ultra-low power consumption, high radix, compact chip-scale design ... Job Overview As Silicon Photonics Designer at nEye.ai, you will be responsible for the development ...

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Showing results 1-20

Chip Designer information

See salary details

$21.5K

$65.4K

$112K

How much do chip designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for chip designer in the United States is $65,444.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Chip Designer vs ASIC Designer?

AspectChip DesignerASIC Designer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, offices, CAD softwareDesign labs, offices, CAD software
Industry UsageBroadly used in various electronics sectorsPrimarily in custom chip development for specific applications
Comparison FocusGeneral chip design processesDesigning specific Application-Specific Integrated Circuits

While both roles involve designing integrated circuits, a Chip Designer focuses on creating general-purpose chips, whereas an ASIC Designer specializes in designing custom chips for specific applications. The skills and work environments overlap significantly, but their project scopes differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chip Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chip Designer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, digital and analog circuit design, and semiconductor physics, typically with a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with hardware description languages (like VHDL or Verilog), CAD tools (such as Cadence or Synopsys), and knowledge of fabrication processes are crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are important soft skills that set top designers apart. These competencies ensure the creation of reliable, efficient, and innovative integrated circuits in a highly competitive industry.

What are chip designers?

Chip designers are engineers who create the blueprints for integrated circuits, also known as microchips, that power electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and cars. They use specialized software and hardware design tools to plan the architecture, layout, and functionality of these chips. Chip designers work closely with teams in hardware, software, and manufacturing to ensure the chip meets performance, power, and cost requirements. Their work is critical in advancing technology and enabling the development of faster and more efficient electronic products.

What are some common challenges chip designers face when working on complex integrated circuits?

Chip designers often encounter challenges such as balancing performance, power consumption, and area constraints while meeting tight project deadlines. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—including verification engineers, layout designers, and software developers—can add complexity, as design changes may impact multiple aspects of the chip. Additionally, keeping up with rapidly evolving semiconductor technologies and design tools requires continuous learning and adaptability. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are crucial for overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful project outcomes.
More about Chip Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Chip Designer jobs? Cities with the most Chip Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Chip Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,444 per year, or $31.5 per hour.
Princ Engineer Design Enablement Testsite

Princ Engineer Design Enablement Testsite

Globalfoundries

Malta, NY • On-site

$79K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


GlobalFoundries rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

About GLOBALFOUNDRIES:

GlobalFoundries is a world-leading contract manufacturer for the global semiconductor industry with facilities in Dresden, Singapore, New York and Vermont (USA). Our products are used in various technical applications, e.g. mobile communications, consumer electronics, automotive and Internet of Things. GlobalFoundries employs around 16,000 people worldwide, including 200 in Sofia.

Summary of Role:

Design, develop, and utilize testsites which are in-house chip designs used to develop and understand the technology of interest.
Typically performs one or more of the following in capacity of either an individual contributor (as directed and/or independently), or as a manager:
Perform in-house chip development to aid in understanding the customers design / technology
Design chip elements to get electrical data out of the chip to development
Evaluate and process customer design to mask
Perform various analytics and tests on designed chip to gain electrical data from design to understand how the technology behaves
Evaluate data analysis to optimize the chip
Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs
Work and collaborate on other projects and/or assignments as needed
See description for career level for general proficiency levels pertaining to Job Complexity, Accountability, Relationship Focus, and Knowledge, Skills & Abilities. These proficiency levels apply to all career levels. Some requirements may vary locally.

Essential Responsibilities:

Introduction

Design, develop, and utilize testsites which are in-house chip designs used to develop and understand the technology of interest.
Typically performs one or more of the following:

  • Perform in-house chip development to aid in understanding the customers design / technology

  • Design chip elements to get electrical data out of the chip to development

  • Evaluate and process customer design to mask

  • Perform various analytics and tests on designed chip to gain electrical data from design to understand how the technology behaves

  • Evaluate data analysis to optimize the chip

  • Use the Skill language to write Pcells and wiring scripts used in the design process

  • Be able to understand interpret DRC results on designs and collaborate with stakeholders to successfully resolve DRC issues

  • Be able to work collaboratively across time zones to support the needs of stakeholders across the globe

  • Be able to execute and debug internal automation which is used to create designs

  • Be familiar with Cadence Virtuoso and Mentor Graphics Calibre tools

  • Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs

  • Work and collaborate on other projects and/or assignments as needed

Job Complexity

  • Proficient in some aspects of a technical discipline.

  • Initiative and creativity are limited to fulfilling standard practices related to job responsibilities.

  • Uses standard engineering methods to analyze and resolve problems


Accountability

  • Completes a variety of routine projects, assignments and tasks.

  • Participates in teams


Relationship Focus

  • Directed contact at engineering level.

Other Responsibilities:

Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs.


Required Qualifications

  • Basic principles and practices in one technical discipline.

  • Requires a technical (University) degree. (Exceptions approved by local HR)

We Offer

We are constantly looking for specialists to strengthen our teams and would therefore be very pleased to receive your application. Upon receipt of your application, we will check the vacancies existing at this time and get back to you to coordinate the next steps.

GLOBALFOUNDRIES is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. For more information on GLOBALFOUNDRIES, visitwww.globalfoundries.com

Expected Salary Range

$79,100.00 - $145,800.00

The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.

The role you are applying for may require you to obtain a US Department of Defense Security Clearance at some time during your employment. Acceptance of this role commits to applying for such if requested. Further, the applicant consents to being asked questions about their citizenship and background to assess the likelihood of obtaining a Security Clearance. The applicant also acknowledges that GlobalFoundries can only nominate and submit an application for a Security Clearance. The granting of a Security Clearance is at the sole discretion of the U.S. Government and the Department of Defense.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at usaccommodations@gf.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.

GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential. GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory.

All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law


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