ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Computer Chip Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nova Ltd.

Mechanical Engineering Tech Lead

Fremont, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

Take ownership of key subsystems designs from concept to release to manufacturing including ... computer chip built in the world. Nova dives deep into dimensions and layers at the atomic level to ...

Qualcomm

Mask Layout Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

RF high frequency circuit custom layout at chip, block, and device levels * Basic automation ... OR Associate's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering or related field and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsComputer Chip Designer JobsComputer Chip Designer Jobs in California

Computer Chip Designer information

See California salary details

$9

$40

$99

How much do computer chip designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer chip designer in California is $40.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $57.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money do chip designers make?

Computer chip designers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior designers with specialized skills or working in high-cost areas can earn higher salaries, and many roles require knowledge of hardware description languages and electronic design automation tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Chip Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Chip Designer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and semiconductor physics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in hardware description languages (such as VHDL or Verilog), CAD tools like Cadence or Synopsys, and knowledge of EDA (Electronic Design Automation) systems are essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help designers succeed in complex, collaborative projects. These combined skills ensure that chip designs are innovative, efficient, and meet stringent performance and reliability standards in a competitive industry.

What is the difference between Computer Chip Designer vs Hardware Engineer?

AspectComputer Chip DesignerHardware Engineer
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, CAD software, simulation toolsDevelopment labs, testing facilities, manufacturing environments
Industry UsageSemiconductor companies, tech firms, research institutionsElectronics manufacturing, product development, tech companies
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for design focus and specializationBroader engineering roles involving hardware development

Computer Chip Designers focus on creating the architecture and design of integrated circuits using specialized software, while Hardware Engineers work on developing, testing, and implementing electronic hardware systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate, but their primary responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are some common challenges faced by computer chip designers in collaborative projects?

Computer chip designers often work closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, software developers, and verification specialists. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment across these diverse groups, especially when integrating complex design requirements and meeting tight deadlines. Additionally, balancing innovation with strict industry standards and manufacturing constraints can require careful negotiation and problem-solving. Adapting quickly to changes in project scope or technology is also a frequent challenge, making flexibility and teamwork essential for success.

What does a Computer Chip Designer do?

A Computer Chip Designer is responsible for creating the architecture and layout of microchips used in computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. They use specialized software to design, simulate, and test integrated circuits to ensure they meet performance, power, and size requirements. The job involves close collaboration with hardware engineers, testing teams, and manufacturers to bring innovative chip designs from concept to production. Computer Chip Designers play a critical role in advancing technology by making devices faster, more efficient, and more capable.

Is chip design a good career?

Computer chip design is a specialized engineering field that involves developing integrated circuits and microprocessors, requiring skills in electronics, programming, and CAD tools. It offers high demand, competitive salaries, and opportunities for innovation, especially in industries like consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications.

How to become a computer chip designer?

To become a computer chip designer, typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog, and proficiency in CAD tools for chip design, are essential. Advanced roles may require a master's or Ph.D. and knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior computer chip designers or lead engineers in semiconductor companies can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in VLSI design, and often stock options or bonuses. Such high salaries are typically found in top-tier firms or executive-level roles within the industry.
What are popular job titles related to Computer Chip Designer jobs in California? For Computer Chip Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Chip Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Chip Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Computer Chip Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Computer Chip Designer job openings:
Computer Chip Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Chip Designer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,781 per year, or $40.8 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 21 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 245 rated software companies

Job description

Job Summary:
NVIDIA is a leading technology company known for its innovative contributions to the GPU market and AI. They are seeking a Senior C++ Software Engineer to develop and support infrastructure tools for chip design and verification processes, ensuring high performance and reliability for design engineers.
Responsibilities:
• 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.
Qualifications:
Required:
• BS (or equivalent experience) and 5+ years of software development experience.
• 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
Preferred:
• MS (or PHD) preferred.
• Good architecture and RTL design knowledge
• Strong expertise in modern C++, compiler, build systems, and database.
• Experienced with static and dynamic code analysis tools
Company:
NVIDIA is a computing platform company operating at the intersection of graphics, HPC, and AI. Founded in 1993, the company is headquartered in Santa Clara, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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

View All Nvidia Jobs

Apply