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

Apple

CPU Design Verification Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$148K - $181K/yr

In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a chip design effort collaborating with ... designers on verifying the functional correctness of the design • Develop test plans and test ...

Apple

CPU Design Verification Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$148K - $181K/yr

In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a chip design effort collaborating with ... designers on verifying the functional correctness of the design • Develop test plans and test ...

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

Computer Chip Designer information

See Cambridge, MA salary details

$11

$45

$110

How much do computer chip designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer chip designer in Cambridge, MA is $45.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $63.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer chip designer?

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.
Computer Chip Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Chip Designer job openings in Cambridge, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,894 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Integrated Circuit Designer

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

The Advanced Imager Technology Group develops imaging platforms that enable impactful national security capabilities and scientific discovery. From fundamental device research to developing camera technology for fielded systems, our group covers the full technology development spectrum from concept to prototype. Research areas include novel imager and detector design with in-house silicon and compound semiconductor microfabrication facilities, leading-edge integrated circuit design, and advanced packaging and 3D integration capabilities. Examples of our technology include large-format focal planes, high-speed imagers, time-of-arrival detectors (LADAR receivers), and low-light-level imagers.  The group's efforts span the range of device and materials development, integrated circuit design and fabrication, custom packaging, detector hybridization, and the development of control and readout electronics for system-level demonstrations.

Job Description

The Advanced Imager Technology Group is seeking to hire a Technical Staff member to develop next generation readout integrated circuit architectures as part of the group’s portfolio of imager technology.  Current research areas include designs in advanced technology nodes (< 32 nm) and on-chip digital processing and reconfigurable logic.  The position requires broad knowledge of integrated design techniques and tools from concept development and modeling to physical implementation and tapeout. 

The candidate will be a member of a design team and must value teamwork, collaboration, and creative thinking.  The design team fits within a larger vertically integrated team whose goal is to develop imaging systems for a wide variety of applications.  The successful applicant must have a growth mindset with an expectation for continuous improvement of self and others through shared learning.

Requirements

Candidates should have a deep expertise in at least two of the following areas:

  • Digital IC design
  • Industry standard IC design flows (Cadence, Mentor, Synopsys)
  • HDL programming and simulation
  • Synthesis and Place and Route
  • Functional verification
  • Timing analysis techniques
  • Scripting (Python, Perl)
  • FinFET and multi-gate transistor design techniques
  • Advanced process design kits (PDKs) for sub-22nm nodes
  • Multi-patterning and litho-friendly design practices
  • Power management and leakage mitigation in advanced nodes
  • Signal integrity and parasitic extraction for nanoscale designs
  • Design for manufacturability (DFM) at advanced technology nodes
  • Low-power design techniques (power gating, dynamic voltage/frequency scaling)

Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. In lieu of a PhD, candidates with a MS degree and 5+ years of experience will be considered.

Preferred Experience

Experience in more than two of the technical skills above as well as the following:

  • Full custom design
  • Physical verification

Familiarity with imaging systems or digital signal processing is desirable. 

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200 - $170,000 

Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200 - $220,000  

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:  

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans 

  • MIT-funded pension 

  • Matching 401K 

  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.) 

  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs 

  • Mentorship programs 

  • A range of work-life balance options 

  • ... and much more!   

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks. 

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance. 

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required. 

Requisition ID: 42931 

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