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Computer Chip Designer Jobs in Cambridge, MA (NOW HIRING)

Nvidia

Senior C++ Software Engineer

Westford, MA · Hybrid

Optimize the daily workflows of the world's top chip modelers and designers. What We Need to See: * Strong experience with C++ or Golang, Unix/Linux * Solid understanding of algorithms, computer ...

NVIDIA

Senior VLSI CAD Software Engineer

Westford, MA · On-site

$127K - $167K/yr

... chip design and visualization tools, with possible tasks ranging from modeling to algorithms • ... innovative, well-designed, high-quality new code for desktop engineering applications • ...

Nvidia

Senior VLSI CAD Software Engineer

Westford, MA

$127K - $167K/yr

Writing challenging, innovative, well-designed, high-quality new code for desktop engineering ... Interested in VLSI chip design concepts and EDA tools NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the ...

Draper

ASIC CAD Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$82K - $220K/yr

An ASIC CAD Engineer in the Integrated Circuits division is the technical partner for Digital ... Independently contribute to complex chip architectures and designs * Independently drive solutions ...

Draper

ASIC CAD Engineer

Cambridge, MA

$82K - $220K/yr

An ASIC CAD Engineer in the Integrated Circuits division is the technical partner for Digital ... Independently contribute to complex chip architectures and designs * Independently drive solutions ...

Draper Labs

ASIC CAD Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$82K - $220K/yr

An ASIC CAD Engineer in the Integrated Circuits division is the technical partner for Digital ... Independently contribute to complex chip architectures and designs * Independently drive solutions ...

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All JobsComputer Chip Designer JobsComputer Chip Designer Jobs in Cambridge, MA

Computer Chip Designer information

See Cambridge, MA salary details

$10

$44

$109

How much do computer chip designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer chip designer in Cambridge, MA is $44.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $63.51 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.
Computer Chip Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Chip Designer job openings in Cambridge, MA 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 $93,389 per year, or $44.9 per hour.
Senior C++ Software Engineer - Chip Design Tools

Senior C++ Software Engineer - Chip Design Tools

Nvidia

Westford, MA

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

NVIDIA has continuously reinvented itself over two decades. Our invention of the GPU in 1999 fueled the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI - the next era of computing. NVIDIA is a "learning machine" that constantly evolves by adapting to new challenges that are hard to tackle, that only we can pursue, and that matter to the world. This is our life's work, to amplify human creativity and intelligence. Make the choice to join us today!

Our team is responsible for development and support of infrastructure tools used by design engineers for build and verification of architectural, rtl, and gate level designs. As a software engineer, you will craft highly efficient software to automate and facilitate chip design and verification processes.

What You'll be Doing:

  • 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.

What We Need to See:

  • BS (or equivalent experience) and 5+ years of software development experience., MS (or PHD) preferred.

  • 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

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Good architecture and RTL design knowledge

  • Strong expertise in modern C++, compiler, build systems, and database.

  • Experienced with static and dynamic code analysis tools

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 152,000 USD - 241,500 USD for Level 3, and 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until July 11, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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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

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