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Chip Engineer Jobs (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 ...

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Chip Engineer information

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$20K

$87.6K

$179.5K

How much do chip engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for chip engineer in the United States is $87,570.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $124,500.00 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.
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Chip Engineer jobs near you
CPU Full Chip Physical Integration Engineer

CPU Full Chip Physical Integration Engineer

Apple

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish! Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our commitment to leave the world better than we found it. Do you want join us in these pursuits? Join us to help deliver the next groundbreaking Apple product!
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a processor design effort interfacing with all disciplines, with a critical impact on getting functional products to millions of customers quickly.
Description
As a Full Chip Integration Engineer, you will be participating in the physical design, integration, and verification of high performance, low power processor development.
• Full chip floorplan, area optimizations, block partitioning and pin placements
• Own chip level place and route (PnR), final CPU layout database construction and verification (PDV)
• Develop and validate Power Grid, including routability analysis
• Drive custom layout integration, block and full-chip level EM/IR, electrical verification/analysis as well as formal verification
• Work with the implementation/CAD teams during the entire chip design cycle to drive signoff closure for tapeout
• Work with the SOC team to meet IP technical and delivery requirements
• Participate in establishing CAD and physical design methodologies and flow development for chip integration and analysis
• Scripting to automate tasks and improve debug efficiency
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of industrial standards and practices in Physical Design, including Floorplanning, Partitioning, Budgeting, Place and Route and Physical Verification
Experience in developing and implementing Power Grid and Clock specifications
Solid knowledge of Low Power Design, Physical Construction, Integration, EMIR (Drop/Noise), SIGEM Analysis, Formal Verification, Physical PDV, DRC/LVS Verification, and DFM
Solid understanding of verification tools such as Conformal LP, LEC, RedHawk, Calibre
Solid understanding of CMOS circuit design. Layout design background is a plus
Working knowledge of Extraction and STA methodology and tools
Working knowledge of Computer Architecture
Ability to work well in a team, being an excellent problem solver, and self motivated
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum BS and 3+ years of relevant industry experience
Experience with scripting in Perl or TCL

What Apple employees say

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Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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