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Circuit Layout Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RFIC LAYOUT DESIGNER (RFIC ENGINEERING) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building ... Work with the integrated circuit designers and chip leads to determine the chip floor plan; this ...

RFIC LAYOUT DESIGNER (RFIC ENGINEERING) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building ... Work with the integrated circuit designers and chip leads to determine the chip floor plan; this ...

RFIC LAYOUT DESIGNER (RFIC ENGINEERING) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building ... Work with the integrated circuit designers and chip leads to determine the chip floor plan; this ...

RFIC LAYOUT DESIGNER (RFIC ENGINEERING) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building ... Work with the integrated circuit designers and chip leads to determine the chip floor plan; this ...

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Circuit Layout Designer information

See salary details

$40K

$100.7K

$169K

How much do circuit layout designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for circuit layout designer in the United States is $100,705.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a circuit layout designer do?

A Circuit Layout Designer is responsible for creating the physical design of electronic circuits, typically for printed circuit boards (PCBs) or integrated circuits. They translate electrical schematics into detailed layouts using specialized software, ensuring that all components and connections are correctly placed for optimal performance and manufacturability. Their work involves close collaboration with engineers to meet technical specifications, manage space constraints, and address issues like signal integrity and thermal management. Circuit Layout Designers play a crucial role in the development of electronic devices, from consumer gadgets to industrial equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a circuit layout designer?

To thrive as a Circuit Layout Designer, you need a strong background in electronics, circuit theory, and PCB design, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard CAD tools such as Altium Designer, OrCAD, or Mentor Graphics, as well as knowledge of design for manufacturability (DFM) guidelines, is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are important soft skills that help ensure precise and collaborative design processes. These competencies are vital for creating reliable, manufacturable circuit layouts that meet project specifications and industry standards.

What are some common challenges a circuit layout designer faces when working on complex PCB projects?

Circuit Layout Designers often encounter challenges such as managing tight space constraints while maintaining signal integrity and adhering to electrical and thermal requirements. Coordinating closely with electrical engineers and mechanical teams is crucial to ensure that the design meets all specifications and manufacturability standards. Additionally, keeping up with evolving design software and industry standards is important for success in this role. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to address design revisions and last-minute changes.

What is the difference between Circuit Layout Designer vs PCB Designer?

AspectCircuit Layout DesignerPCB Designer
Primary FocusDesigning circuit schematics and overall circuit layoutDesigning printed circuit boards (PCBs) based on schematics
Skills & CertificationsElectrical engineering knowledge, circuit design softwarePCB design software, electrical engineering fundamentals
Work EnvironmentElectronics design firms, manufacturing companiesElectronics manufacturing, prototyping labs
Industry UsageUsed in integrated circuit and electronic system designUsed in PCB fabrication and assembly

While both roles involve electronic design, a Circuit Layout Designer focuses on creating the overall circuit schematics and layout, whereas a PCB Designer specializes in designing the physical printed circuit boards based on those schematics. Both roles require electrical engineering knowledge and often use similar software tools, but their specific tasks and outputs differ.

What states have the most Circuit Layout Designer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Circuit Layout Designer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Circuit Layout Designer jobs?

For Circuit Layout Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Circuit Layout Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,705 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

RFIC Layout Designer (RFIC Engineering)

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$130K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

RFIC LAYOUT DESIGNER (RFIC ENGINEERING)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe. 
We are seeking motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious engineers who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems architecture, ASIC design, firmware, pre-silicon verification, post-silicon validation, product engineering, manufacturing/production, and more). In this role, you will be on a team working on multiple silicon projects that are driving more integration, lower power, mixed signal architectures and advanced silicon technology for deployment in space and ground infrastructures. You will be an integral part of the IC design team and lead the discipline of layout at the technical level, and will work with RFIC/mixed signal designers on full chip layout of custom analog and RFIC designs. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Work with the integrated circuit designers and chip leads to determine the chip floor plan; this includes strategies for power and ground distribution as well as working with packaging engineer to determine pad locations
  • Accurately estimate the schedule for the layout work and identify areas of complexity that need early investigation
  • Perform layout of custom RF and analog circuit blocks with attention to matching and minimizing parasitic capacitance in the layout
  • Perform design rule checking, electrical rule checking and layout versus schematic checks and resolve errors
  • Perform top-level layout integration with electrostatic discharge structures and pad assembly and perform final tape out (including density fill, running design for manufacturability checks and sharing GDS with the foundry)
  • Work with EDA suppliers to trial new tools and features
  • Generate guides and demos for others in the team to showcase improvements in layout technique

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering and 1+ years of professional experience as an IC layout designer; OR 3+ years of professional experience with integrated circuit layout design in lieu of a degree

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Strong analog layout skills
  • Experience in advanced node IC layouts such as 22nm, 16nm, 7nm, 5nm or below
  • Experience in layout of circuits with frequencies up to 50GHz
  • Experience in layout of sensitive RF blocks such as low noise amplifiers, voltage controlled oscillators and mixers
  • Experience with skill programming
  • Experience with shell scripting, Perl, Python or similar language
  • Experience managing revision control systems
  • Experience with circuit design
  • Understanding of layout considerations for device matching, coupling and noise isolation
  • Working knowledge of Linux
  • Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) are required
  • Able to work independently on challenging problems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $115,000.00 - $155,000.00
Level 2: $130,000.00 - $185,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US