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Computer Chip Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FortifyIQ

Verification Engineer (Remote)

Salem, MA · Remote

$148K/yr

We're seeking a Verification Engineer to contribute to the validation of advanced chip designs. You ... BSEE/MSEE or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Google

Chip CAD DevOps Engineer, Google Cloud

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$62 - $84.75/hr

... designs, with a specific focus on TPU architecture and its integration within AI/ML-driven systems ... As a Chip CAD Engineer, you will be working with a highly creative team, innovating new ways to ...

Neuralink

Analog IC Layout Engineer

Fremont, CA

... 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 ...

Nvidia

OR · On-site

What We Need to See: * BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science ... Deep familiarity with the hardware development lifecycle - you understand how chips get designed ...

Brooks Automation

Designer / CAD Drafter

Chelmsford, MA · On-site

... chip manufacturers worldwide. Our product portfolio includes a range of automation solutions ... Designer / CAD Drafter Brooks Automation is a global leader in advanced robotics, vacuum automation ...

Micron

DMTS Digital Design Engineer / Chip Lead

Boise, ID

$206K - $410K/yr

... Computer Engineering, or related field * 10+ years of ASIC/digital design experience with at least one prior tape-out in a chip lead, design lead, or senior designer role * Expert-level proficiency ...

Micron

DMTS Digital Design Engineer / Chip Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$206K - $410K/yr

... Computer Engineering, or related field * 10+ years of ASIC/digital design experience with at least one prior tape-out in a chip lead, design lead, or senior designer role * Expert-level proficiency ...

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 ...

Rambus

PE CAD Engineering

San Jose, CA · On-site

$126K - $234K/yr

Overview Rambus, a premier chip and silicon IP provider, is seeking to hire an exceptional CAD ... designs for memory interface chips, interconnect chips and silicon IP designs. Rambus offers a ...

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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 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer chip designer in the United States is $41.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $58.41 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.
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What cities are hiring for Computer Chip Designer jobs? Cities with the most Computer Chip Designer job openings:
What states have the most Computer Chip Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Computer Chip Designer jobs include:
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Computer Chip Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Chip Designer job openings in the United States 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 $85,906 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Sr. Full Chip Physical Verification Engineer (Silicon Engineering)

Sr. Full Chip Physical Verification Engineer (Silicon Engineering)

SpaceX

Sunnyvale, CA

$170K - $235K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. FULL CHIP PHYSICAL VERIFICATION ENGINEER (SILICON ENGINEERING)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering, ASIC implementation). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation silicon for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable. Your efforts will help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Own and execute full-chip DRC, LVS, ESD, PERC and antenna signoff using industry standard tools like Calibre, ICV, or Pegasus
  • Develop, maintain, and optimize physical verification flows for advanced node SoC's.
  • Interpret and implement foundry Design Rule Manuals (DRM) - translate rule updates into verified flow changes
  • Debug and resolve complex DRC/LVS violations across hierarchical full-chip designs
  • Perform ESD verification - validate protection strategies, current paths, and CDM/HBM compliance
  • Drive tapeout readiness by coordinating signoff across block and top-level and Hard IP design teams
  • Engage directly with foundry teams to resolve DRM ambiguities and waiver requests.
  • Develop/modify design flows as needed to meet the overall design quality of results and chip integration requirements.Leverage AI agents to automate rule deck validation, violation triage, and signoff reporting workflows

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or computer science
  • 5+ years of ASIC and/or physical design flow development experience in industry

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience and deep understanding of SOC top level physical design flows (floor-planning, I/O, bump & RDL planning, hard IP integration, partitioning, power/ground grid generation, pin assignment, DFT, partition hardening, special clock handling, feedthrough flows, special interface/interconnect planning and implementation)
  • Experience in IP integration (e.g. memories, I/O's, analog IPs, SerDes, DDR etc.)
  • Deep expertise in DRC, LVS, PERC and ESD verification methodologies
  • Hands-on proficiency with Calibre, ICV (IC Validator), or Pegasus
  • Direct foundry DRM experience - able to read, interpret, and implement complex rule decks
  • Experience at advanced nodes (4nm and below)
  • Experience with large SOC designs (>10M gates) with frequencies in excess of 1GHZ
  • Excellent scripting skills (csh/bash, Perl, Python TCL, Makefile etc.)
  • Self-driven individual with a can-do attitude, and an ability to work in a dynamic group environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Physical Design Engineer/Senior: $170,000.00 - $235,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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