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Chip 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 ...

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 ...

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Chip Engineer information

See California salary details

$19.6K

$85.8K

$175.8K

How much do chip engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 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 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,751 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Chip Lead / ASIC Director

Advanced Micro Devices

San Jose, CA • On-site

$180 - $220/hr

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago

Advanced Micro Devices rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

The Role

As ASIC Director – Chip Lead in our Product Development team, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership to one or more Adaptive & Embedded Computing Group (AECG) device programs. You will have sign‑off responsibility for the technical execution of device programs from conception and planning to release to manufacturing. Your leadership responsibilities will focus on problem solving in all aspects of the device development cycle including architecture, RTL, analog & custom design, design for test & manufacturing, verification, physical design & timing closure, physical verification, tape‑out and post‑silicon validation & qualification. When a problem does not clearly fall under the banner of one technical team or another it becomes the responsibility of the Chip Lead to bring expertise, experience and diplomacy together to coordinate a solution.

The Person

This position requires a wide breadth of understanding of and experience with ASIC design and development. It also requires strong interpersonal skills to resolve issues between highly skilled and experienced engineering colleagues. A successful candidate will work with senior silicon design engineers, architects, and micro‑architects from a wide variety of technical teams. The candidate will be attuned to the overall goals and objectives of the program and employ excellent communication and problem‑solving skills.

Qualifications
  • 15+ years of experience required in ASIC Development Lifecycle. FPGA technical experience is a huge plus
  • 5+ years of experience in a leadership role with a semiconductor company
  • Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
  • Post‑silicon validation experience is a strong asset
  • Strong understanding of semiconductor industry and products. Experience working with Product Planning and Marketing teams is preferred
Key Responsibilities
  • Chip Definition and Feasibility – identify critical trade‑offs and architectural decisions
  • Advise on feasibility including early estimates of schedule, cost, size, power, floorplan and identify key implementation decisions
  • Serve as Engineering’s interface to Technical Marketing; ensuring the product meets customer needs and supports the required functions and usage modes
  • Define/identify new device‑specific functionality (with Marketing and Architecture)
  • When needed, negotiate for a new, new version or new variant of an IP (with the IP/COE Lead)
  • Be aware of devices and programs throughout the organization; foster engineering re‑use
  • Help resolve issues and guide trade‑offs that arise during any phase of the program but especially in Physical Design
Execution

The Chip Lead works with one or more Program Managers. The Program Manager tracks that IP and chip development milestones and deliverables are achieved as scheduled. The Chip Lead engages and resolves the problem when some aspect of the program is not meeting its planned objectives. When engineering or marketing initiates a change to the program, the Chip Lead communicates the change and its consequences to all stakeholders.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee‑based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal‑opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third‑party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

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