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Chip Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

EDA Workflow Optimization Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$130K - $154K/yr

As an engineer in our EDA Workflow Optimization team, you will partner closely with our engineering ... You will understand workflows covering the full chip design process from inception through study ...

EDA Workflow Optimization Engineer

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$110K - $130K/yr

As an engineer in our EDA Workflow Optimization team, you will partner closely with our engineering ... You will understand workflows covering the full chip design process from inception through study ...

On/Off-Chip SI/PI Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$121K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

On/Off-Chip SI/PI Engineer Office Location: San Jose, CA Job Type: Full-Time Work Model: Onsite About SK hynix America At SK hynix America, we're at the forefront of semiconductor innovation ...

EDA Workflow Optimization Engineer

Durham, NC · Hybrid

$107K - $127K/yr

As an engineer in our EDA Workflow Optimization team, you will partner closely with our engineering ... You will understand workflows covering the full chip design process from inception through study ...

On/Off-Chip SI/PI Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $320K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

On/Off-Chip SI/PI Engineer Office Location: San Jose, CA Job Type: Full-Time Work Model: Onsite About SK hynix America At SK hynix America, we're at the forefront of semiconductor innovation ...

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related ... You will own the implementability of the entire chip, driving the convergence of Performance, Power ...

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Showing results 21-40

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.

How much do chip engineers make in the US?

Chip engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $110,000, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $80,000 and experienced engineers earning over $150,000. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and specific skills such as VHDL or FPGA design.

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 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.
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 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Senior Principal Engineer- SoC/Chip Lead

Renesas Electronics

San Jose, CA • On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Renesas is one of the top global semiconductor companies in the world. We strive to develop a safer, healthier, greener, and smarter world, and our goal is to make every endpoint intelligent by offering product solutions in the automotive, industrial, infrastructure and IoT markets. Our robust product portfolio includes world leading MCUs, SoCs, Analog and power products, plus Winning Combination solutions that curate these complementary products. We are a key supplier to the world's leading manufacturers of electronics you rely on every day; you may not see our products, but they are all around you.
Renesas employs roughly 21,000 people in more than 30 countries worldwide. As a global team, our employees actively embody the Renesas Culture, our guiding principles based on five key elements: Transparent, Agile, Global, Innovative, and Entrepreneurial. Renesas believes in, and has a commitment to, diversity and inclusion, with initiatives and a leadership team dedicated to its resources and values. At Renesas, we want to build a sustainable future where technology helps make our lives easier. Join us and build your future by being part of what's next in electronics and the world.
Job Description
  • Own end-to-end technical leadership and execution of complex SoC programs from architecture through silicon production.
  • Drive SoC planning, integration strategy, execution schedules, risk management, and tape-out readiness.
  • Lead cross-functional teams across digital design, verification, physical design, DFT, firmware, validation, packaging, and product engineering.
  • Define chip-level architecture, integration requirements, performance targets, and power/area objectives.
  • Drive technical decision-making and trade-off analysis across architecture, implementation, and product requirements.
  • Oversee subsystem and IP integration, ensuring successful deployment of complex multi-domain SoCs.
  • Partner with analog and SerDes teams to integrate high-speed interfaces and mixed-signal subsystems into the overall chip architecture.
  • Lead design reviews, execution reviews, silicon readiness assessments, and post-silicon debug activities.
  • Drive issue resolution across the development lifecycle and ensure successful first-pass silicon execution.
  • Mentor senior engineers and provide technical leadership across multiple engineering organizations.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 20+ years of semiconductor industry experience with substantial leadership responsibility.
  • Proven experience as a Chip Lead, SoC Lead, Technical Program Lead, or equivalent role for large-scale ASIC/SoC products.
  • Demonstrated success leading advanced-node SoCs, preferably at 3nm and/or 5nm technology nodes.
  • Deep understanding of SoC architecture, integration methodologies, and full-chip development flows.
  • Strong experience working across:
    • RTL Design, Design Verification, Physical Design, DFT, Static Timing Analysis, Low-Power Design Methodologies and Silicon Bring-up and Productization.
  • Experience managing complex schedules, technical dependencies, and cross-functional execution across global teams.
  • Strong communication, stakeholder management, and engineering leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience with:
    • High-performance switching silicon
    • Network-on-Chip (NoC) architectures
    • Data movement and interconnect fabrics
    • High-bandwidth memory-centric systems
    • Complex multi-die or chiplet-based architectures
  • Hands-on experience integrating:
    • High-speed SerDes interfaces, Analog front-end (AFE) subsystems, Mixed-signal IPs and Advanced PHY technologies.
  • Experience with high-bandwidth and low-latency interconnect technologies.
  • Knowledge of packaging technologies and signal integrity considerations for high-speed systems.
  • Experience in AI, HPC, networking, connectivity, data-center, or memory infrastructure products.
  • Prior exposure to UALink, Ethernet switching, switch fabrics, or similar high-performance interconnect technologies is highly desirable.

Additional Information
Renesas is an embedded semiconductor solution provider driven by its Purpose, To Make Our Lives Easier. With a global team of over 21,000 engineers and problem solvers in more than 30 countries, we offer the opportunity to work on world-leading technology for Automotive, Industrial, Infrastructure, and IoT, shaping a safer, healthier, greener, and smarter future.
At Renesas, TAGIE is our culture, grounded in being Transparent, Agile, Global, Innovative, and Entrepreneurial. It shapes how we work, grow and deliver on our purpose together. This collaborative spirit and mindset drive our semiconductor technology to transform industries and impact millions of lives.
We believe in rewarding our employees with a competitive benefits package alongside their salary. More information will be provided during the hiring process.
Are you ready to join our team and shape the future with us?
Renesas Electronics is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to supporting diversity and fostering a work environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For more information, please read our Diversity & Inclusion Statement.