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Chip Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chip Lead

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

AI & Chip Engineering team defines and develops System on Chip, ASIC's, Digital and Analog IP's for a wide range of products, including Automotive microprocessors, Application processors, Data Center ...

Chip Lead

Austin, TX ยท Hybrid

$101K - $133K/yr

AI & Chip Engineering team defines and develops System on Chip, ASIC's, Digital and Analog IP'sfor a wide range of products, including Automotive microprocessors, Application processors, Data Center ...

Chip Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$140 - $210/hr

San Francisco Bay Area, CA ยท Hybrid ยท Full-time We are looking for a Chip Design Engineer who works on strategic customer engagements, developing custom IP and optimizing designs for power ...

New

Packaging Engineer- Flip Chip

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$110 - $170/hr

We're seeking experienced engineers to contribute to flip chip package development and assembly processes for advanced semiconductor devices (2.5D/3D/chiplet/fan-out/flip-chip). This spans bump ...

We're seeking experienced engineers to contribute to flip chip package development and assembly processes for advanced semiconductor devices (2.5D/3D/chiplet/fan-out/flip-chip). This spans bump ...

Packaging Engineer- Flip Chip

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$110 - $170/hr

We're seeking experienced engineers to contribute to flip chip package development and assembly processes for advanced semiconductor devices (2.5D/3D/chiplet/fan-out/flip-chip). This spans bump ...

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Chip Engineer information

What is a chip engineer?

Chip engineers, also known as semiconductor or integrated circuit (IC) engineers, design, develop, and test microchips that power electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and automotive systems. They work with complex circuitry, ensuring that chips meet performance, size, and energy efficiency requirements. Chip engineers collaborate with other specialists in areas like software, hardware, and manufacturing to bring advanced semiconductor products from concept to production.

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

To thrive as a Chip Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, semiconductor physics, and integrated circuit (IC) design, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with tools like CAD software (e.g., Cadence, Synopsys), HDL languages (such as Verilog or VHDL), and familiarity with industry standards or certifications are critical. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork make someone excel in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for designing reliable, high-performance chips that meet rigorous technical requirements and tight project deadlines.

What are some typical challenges a chip engineer faces when working on new semiconductor designs?

Chip Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing power consumption, performance, and area (PPA) during the design process. Meeting aggressive timelines while ensuring design verification and manufacturability can also be demanding. Additionally, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams like software, hardware, and testing engineers is crucial for resolving integration issues and optimizing chip functionality. Staying updated with rapid advancements in fabrication technologies and EDA tools is essential for success in this fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Chip Engineer vs Hardware Design Engineer?

AspectChip EngineerHardware Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, fabrication facilities, simulation softwareDesign labs, schematic tools, testing environments
Industry UsageSemiconductor companies, electronics firms, tech companiesElectronics manufacturers, consumer device companies, aerospace
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Chip Engineers focus on designing and developing integrated circuits and chips, often working on the entire chip architecture. Hardware Design Engineers concentrate on creating detailed schematics and layouts for electronic hardware components, including circuit boards and systems. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, Chip Engineers typically work more on the semiconductor level, whereas Hardware Design Engineers focus on the physical hardware implementation.

How do you become a chip engineer?

To become a chip engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience with semiconductor design, circuit analysis, and tools like CAD software is important, and advanced roles may require a master's degree or certifications in relevant areas.

How much do chip engineers make?

Chip engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, location, and education level. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand areas or with advanced knowledge of semiconductor design tools.

What does a chip engineer do?

A chip engineer designs, develops, and tests integrated circuits and microchips used in electronic devices. They work with electronic design automation (EDA) tools, understand semiconductor physics, and often collaborate with hardware and software teams to optimize chip performance and power efficiency.
More about Chip Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Chip Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Chip Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Chip Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chip Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Chip Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

$101K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Business Line Description:
  • AI & Chip Engineering team defines and develops System on Chip, ASIC's, Digital and Analog IP's for a wide range of products, including Automotive microprocessors, Application processors, Data Center and network processors.

Job Summary:
  • Lead product execution for Automotive ASIL-B/D SoC's & Data Center SOCs
  • Work with Systems, Marketing, PE/TE and Arch engineering to define the part. Generate and analyze data to take right and cost effective architecture decision
  • Work with IP, Technology, packaging partners to assess the right IP/packages and technology options for the part.
  • Work with IP and SoC functions (frontend, verification, AMS, DFT, Emulation, Validation, Physical implementation) to understand and resolve inter/intra functional handoff and challenges.
  • Oversee definition management and make sure the implementation complies with the requirements
  • Work closely with downstream teams dependent on SOC, who are working on post-silicon activities, to make sure their needs are addressed
  • Work closely with Test and Product engineering teams to enable productization.
  • Work closely with post silicon evaluation teams (functional and analog Validation, Characterization, Application and Software teams) and address design issues.
  • Work with Program management office for management attention and clearly articulate dependencies and help needed for timely execution of projects.
  • Assess workload and resource demands based on complexity and create predictable project plans meeting customer requirements
  • Mentor engineers across various functions

Key Challenges:
  • Automotive SoC development pose additional challenges specific to implementation of safety mechanism
  • Automotive SoC development requires ensuring very high quality and reliability, ensuring a very low ppm defectivity over an long product life time.
  • The role includes leading the teams in a matrix organization, assimilating information from across functional teams and analyzing it in product context
  • Understand impact of architecture on logical and physical realizability
  • Working within resource and schedule constraints

Cross functional aspects:
  • This role is primarily about leading cross functional teams
  • During part definition is includes a close interaction with Business, Systems, Architects, third party IP vendors
  • During execution a close interaction and decision making is required between Technology, packaging, IP, Architecture, Various implementation functions, Test and Product Engineering.
  • Post silicon, close collaboration is needed with Software, Test and production engineering, Application and Field teams.
  • Overall, Chip lead is central design point of contact for all cross functional teams associated with the part.

Job Qualifications:
  • Bachelors in Engineering with at 15 years of design development experience, with at least 5 years of leading complete design and design functions.
  • MS in Electrical Engineering preferred (higher level education may substitute for some experience).
  • Experience in leading Global cross functional teams
  • Experience in leading designs in smaller geometries desired

Job location:
  • The role is based in Austin/US. This is a hybrid role with a few days in the office each week and the remaining days are work from home.

More information about NXP in the United States...
NXP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer regardless of age, color, national origin, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status as a disabled veteran and/or veteran of the Vietnam Era or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, NXP will provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.
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