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Computer Chip Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Neuralink

Digital IC Design Engineer Intern

Fremont, CA · On-site

$35/hr

... computer interfaces. We have crafted a team of exceptional engineers whose mission is to push the ... You will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with chip designers, electrical engineers ...

Nova Ltd.

Mechanical Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

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

SpaceX

RFIC Layout Designer (RFIC Engineering)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

Work with the integrated circuit designers and chip leads to determine the chip floor plan; this ... Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering and 1+ years of professional experience as ...

Neuralink

Analog IC Layout Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$83K - $139K/yr

... computer interfaces. We have crafted a team of exceptional engineers whose mission is to push the ... You will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with chip designers, electrical engineers ...

SpaceX

RFIC Layout Designer (RFIC Engineering)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

Work with the integrated circuit designers and chip leads to determine the chip floor plan; this ... Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering and 1+ years of professional experience as ...

Qualcomm

CPU DFT Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$142K - $213K/yr

As a DFT Engineer you will work with chip architects, chip designers, implementation engineers and ... BA/BS degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering with 5+ years of practical experience * Strong ...

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Computer Chip Designer information

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How much do computer chip designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 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.

How hard is it to get into chip design?

Getting into chip design as a computer chip designer typically requires a strong background in electrical engineering or computer science, often including a bachelor's degree at minimum and advanced knowledge of digital logic, VLSI design, and CAD tools. Entry can be competitive, with many positions favoring candidates with internships, relevant certifications, or a master's degree. Developing skills in programming languages like Verilog or VHDL and gaining experience with chip design software can improve job prospects.

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.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior computer chip designers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in hardware architecture, and expertise in tools like VHDL or Verilog, can earn salaries of $500,000 or more annually. Such high compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives, typically found in leading technology companies or specialized semiconductor firms.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% As Needed, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,781 per year, or $40.8 per hour.
Digital IC Design Engineer Intern

Digital IC Design Engineer Intern

Neuralink

Fremont, CA • On-site

$35/hr

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

About Neuralink:
We are creating devices that enable a bi-directional interface with the brain. These devices allow us to restore movement to the paralyzed, restore sight to the blind, and revolutionize how humans interact with their digital world.
Team Description:
The Brain Interfaces Soc Department delivers chip architecture and silicon implementation of neural recording and stimulation system-on-chip (SoC) for high-bandwidth brain-computer interfaces. We have crafted a team of exceptional engineers whose mission is to push the frontiers of what is possible today and define the future.
Job Description and Responsibilities:
We are looking for experienced and hands-on engineers with a creative and initiative mindset, who are interested in exploring the next-generation chip design with advanced architectures and hardware accelerators with a goal of enhancing the energy efficiency, information entropy, and scalability of our wireless brain-computer interfaces towards the physical limit of silicon technology. The ideal candidates are energetic people who get excited about building things, are highly analytical, and enjoy tackling new problems. You will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with chip designers, electrical engineers, algorithms engineers, and software engineers on a small, agile team. As a Digital IC Design Engineer Intern, your responsibilities will include:
  • Micro-architecture design and RTL implementation of:
    • Low-power digital signal processors
    • Low-power general-purpose hardware accelerators
    • Low-power graphics processing units
    • Low-power radio MAC/PHY
    • Low-power serial link MAC/PHY
  • Design and implementation of hardware/software interface with firmware engineers
  • Application-specific architecture optimization including:
    • Complex system modeling for energy and performance benchmarks
    • Workload analysis and modeling
    • Leveraging architecture-level design trade-offs with process technology and workload type
    • Balancing energy efficiency and performance under manufacturing process variation
  • Complex system-on-chip verification
    • Behavioral level modeling and model equivalence check
    • FPGA emulation
    • Analog mixed-signal co-simulation
    • Design for testability
  • Collaboration on silicon bring-up tests with silicon validation engineers

Required Qualifications:
  • Evidence of exceptional ability in electrical engineering, computer science, or computer engineering
  • 2+ years of experience in digital design
  • Proficient in SystemVerilog, C/C++, Python
  • Experience working on complex digital systems from architecture, microarchitecture, and RTL, using industry standard tools
  • Experience in designing digital signal processing pipelines, from algorithm to RTL

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in architecture optimization with process technology customization
  • Experience in the verification of complex digital systems, using industry standard tools
  • Experience in the physical design of complex digital systems, using industry standard tools
  • Experience testing and debugging digital system-on-a-chips
  • Functional modeling experience and logic verification with SystemVerilog, SystemC/C++, or UVM
  • Experience automating tool flows
  • Experience with embedded design
  • Experience in processor instruction set architecture design
  • Experience in compiler back-end design and customization
  • Experience designing PCBs or writing firmware.

Expected Compensation:
The anticipated hourly rate for this position is listed below.
California Hourly Flat Rate:
$35/Hr USD
What We Offer:
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits listed below.
  • An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields
  • Growth potential; we rapidly advance team members who have an outsized impact
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan
  • Paid holidays
  • Commuter benefits
  • Meals provided
  • Equity (RSUs) *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
  • 401(k) plan *Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours
  • Parental leave *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
  • Flexible time off *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded

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