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Chip Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astera Labs

Chip Lead, Senior Director

San Jose, CA · On-site

Drive chip development execution from RTL to GDSII, ensuring architecture, implementation, and ... Anticipate challenges early, drive alignment across all engineering functions, ensuring risks ...

Brahma Consulting Group

Head of AI

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$350K - $500K/yr

You should bring deep expertise in ML for chip design, as well as leadership experience in high-performance engineering teams. Responsibilities * Contribute to building the ML roadmap and research ...

Apply Early

Etched

Chip Simulation Software Intern

San Jose, CA · On-site

Backed by hundreds of millions from top-tier investors and staffed by leading engineers, Etched is redefining the infrastructure layer for the fastest growing industry in history. The roles Our chip ...

Apply Early

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsChip Engineer JobsChip Engineer Jobs in California

Chip Engineer information

See California salary details

$19.6K

$85.8K

$175.8K

How much do chip engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for chip engineer in California is $85,751.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,679.00 and $121,914.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are chip engineers?

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, and why are they important?

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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Chip Engineer jobs in California? For Chip Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chip Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Chip Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Chip Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Chip Engineer job openings:
Chip Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chip Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,751 per year, or $41.2 per hour.
Senior C++ Software Engineer - Chip Design Tools

Senior C++ Software Engineer - Chip Design Tools

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

NVIDIA has continuously reinvented itself over two decades. Our invention of the GPU in 1999 fueled the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI - the next era of computing. NVIDIA is a "learning machine" that constantly evolves by adapting to new challenges that are hard to tackle, that only we can pursue, and that matter to the world. This is our life's work, to amplify human creativity and intelligence. Make the choice to join us today!

Our team is responsible for development and support of infrastructure tools used by design engineers for build and verification of architectural, rtl, and gate level designs. As a software engineer, you will craft highly efficient software to automate and facilitate chip design and verification processes.

What You'll be Doing:

  • Work as a team to build reliable, scalable and high performance software that are easy to use by hundreds of engineers worldwide.

  • Develop software tools in C++/Golang to analyze and construct chip designs described in C++, Verilog or domain-specific languages (DSLs).

  • Research and develop software solutions to allow greater efficiency in architecture, hardware and software teams.

  • Optimize the daily workflows of the world's top chip modelers and designers.

What We Need to See:

  • BS (or equivalent experience) and 5+ years of software development experience., MS (or PHD) preferred.

  • Experienced with C++ or Golang, Unix/Linux.

  • Solid understanding of algorithms, computer architecture and computer science theory

  • Experienced with VLSI frontend design and verification

  • Flexibility/adaptability for working in a global and dynamic environment with different frameworks and requirements

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Good architecture and RTL design knowledge

  • Strong expertise in modern C++, compiler, build systems, and database.

  • Experienced with static and dynamic code analysis tools

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 152,000 USD - 241,500 USD for Level 3, and 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until May 11, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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