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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

SoC Physical Design Engineer, PnR

Waltham, MA · On-site

$146K - $151K/yr

... CAD, timing and logic design teams, with a critical impact on delivering best in class designs Knowledge of basic chip architecture, back end chip design flow, physical synthesis, floor-planning ...

Nvidia

Senior Fullstack Software Engineer

Westford, MA · Hybrid

$127K - $167K/yr

... computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited ... Optimize the daily workflows of the world's top chip modelers and designers. What We Need to See:

Nvidia

Senior CPU Design Engineer

Westford, MA · Hybrid

Support hardware engineering activities including chip floor plan, power/clock distribution, chip ... high speed designs, ideally in CPU subsystems. * Exposure to Computer Architecture and Digital ...

Nvidia

Senior Physical Design Engineer

Westford, MA · On-site

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than ... Daily work involves all aspects of physical chip development (RTL2GDS) - trial synthesis, power and ...

Lightmatter

Sr. Design for Test (DFT) Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$154K - $218K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities * Create new chip, module, and system-level DFT solutions for our highly ... Computer Engineering, or related field with 3+ years of industry experience working on ASIC designs ...

Draper

Senior Electronics Design Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$82.30 - $245/hr

... chip (SOCs). It is expected that this engineer can start quickly on sophisticated PCB designs ... Additional MS in Electrical or Computer Engineering preferredExperience leading teams of engineers ...

Draper

Senior Electronics Design Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

... chip (SOCs). It is expected that this engineer can start quickly on sophisticated PCB designs ... MS in Electrical or Computer Engineering preferred * Experience leading teams of engineers with ...

Draper

Senior Electronics Design Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

... chip (SOCs). It is expected that this engineer can start quickly on sophisticated PCB designs ... MS in Electrical or Computer Engineering preferred * Experience leading teams of engineers with ...

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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.

CPU Design Verification Engineer

Apple

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$148K - $181K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our commitment to leave the world better than we found it. Do you want join us in these pursuits? Join us to help deliver the next groundbreaking Apple product!
In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a chip design effort collaborating with all disciplines, with a critical impact on getting functional products to millions of customers quickly.
Description
As a CPU Design Verification Engineer owning the verification of a certain area of functionality in a CPU design, you will have the responsibilities as follows:
• Work closely with architecture and RTL designers on verifying the functional correctness of the design
• Develop test plans and test environments
• Develop tests in assembly, C, or vectors according to test plans
• Develop coverage monitors and analyze coverage to ensure all the test cases in the plans are covered
• Develop checkers and SystemVerilog or C-base transactors to verify the design
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum BS
Academic experience in CPU architecture
Programming experience in at least one of the following languages: C, C++, or SystemVerilog
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor of Science or Engineering in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science
Internships or other academic project experience in hardware verification and/or design
Academic experience in digital logic design, chip architecture, and microarchitecture
Should be a great teammate with excellent communication skills and be able to work independently on the verification efforts for a block/area of the design

What Apple employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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