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Computer Chip Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lattice Semiconductor

SoC Chip Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

Lattice is a worldwide community of engineers, designers, and manufacturing operations specialists ... Computer Engineering with 20+ years of FPGA/SoC design experience * Established track record ...

Apple Inc.

CAD Engineer - Signoff Infrastructure

Austin, TX · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

We're seeking a CAD Engineer to join our team and develop full-stack web applications that power ... Signoff is the critical final verification stage in chip design where designs are validated against ...

Apple

CAD Engineer - Signoff Infrastructure

Austin, TX · On-site

We're seeking a CAD Engineer to join our team and develop full-stack web applications that power ... Signoff is the critical final verification stage in chip design where designs are validated against ...

GCR Technical Staffing

Be Seen First

PCB CAD Designer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$75/hr

Onsite / Hybrid / Remote Must be a US Citizen, no dual citizens ----- Electronic CAD Designer ... Experience with bare die techniques such as wire bond, flip chip, and interposer design * Formal ...

Nova Ltd.

Mechanical Engineering Tech Lead

Fremont, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

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

Stellant Systems

PCB Designer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

PCB Designer Job Location: Torrance, CA Salary: $80,000-$130,000/yr DOE Stellant Systems, Inc ... Mentor Graphics PADS, AutoCAD, Inventor, Creo, Solidworks or other mechanical CAD. * Chip and wire ...

Stellant Systems

PCB Designer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

PCB Designer Job Location: Torrance, CA Salary: $80,000-$130,000/yr DOE Stellant Systems, Inc ... Mentor Graphics PADS, AutoCAD, Inventor, Creo, Solidworks or other mechanical CAD. * Chip and wire ...

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Computer Chip Designer information

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How much do computer chip designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 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.

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.

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 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 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.

Are computer chip designers in demand?

Computer chip designers are in high demand due to the growing need for advanced semiconductor technology in electronics, automotive, and telecommunications industries. Skilled professionals with knowledge of VLSI design, CAD tools, and industry standards are particularly sought after, and employment opportunities are expected to grow as technology advances.

How do you become a computer chip designer?

To become a computer chip designer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience with hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog, and developing skills in circuit design and computer-aided design (CAD) tools, is essential. Advanced roles may require a master's or doctoral degree and a strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes.

How much do computer chip designers make?

Computer chip designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $120,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $80,000 to over $180,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced skills in hardware description languages and experience with CAD tools can influence earning potential.
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Cities with the most Computer Chip Designer job openings:

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Computer Chip Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Chip Designer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,906 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

CAD Engineer - Design Verification Methodology

Austin, TX • On-site

Apple
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Appleexternal

$150K - $277K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Do you love building elegant solutions to highly complex challenges? As part of our Silicon Technologies group, you’ll help design and manufacture our next-generation, high-performance, power-efficient processor, system-on-chip (SoC). You’ll ensure Apple products and services can seamlessly and efficiently handle the tasks that make them beloved by millions. Joining this group means you’ll be responsible for crafting and building the technology that fuels Apple’s devices. Together, you and your team will enable our customers to do all the things they love with their devices!
Description
As a member of our CAD team, you will develop, maintain, and enhance existing sophisticated software systems for regression-testing Apple’s silicon designs in software simulation, to find and report defects in our chip designs, and thus ensure that Apple tapes-out world-class silicon. Your experience and innovative ideas will inform the design of the next generation of these regression systems. Your experience and insight, your skill at diagnosing the root cause of complex problems, and your ability to guide engineers who come to you with problems will be important contributions to an extended CAD team that comprehensively supports Apple’s DV and chip design engineering efforts. You will work closely with EDA vendors to incorporate new capabilities of their commercial tools, and to resolve problems.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience debugging vendor tool problems
Experience developing, maintaining, and enhancing an existing system for regressing RTL
Experience with TCL or Perl is a plus
Experience with artificial intelligence and machine learning
Experience with interacting with DV team(s) to help solve their problems.
Experience in implementing new functionality to solve emerging problems or to optimize already existing methods.
MSEE/CE/CS preferred
Knowledge in Verilog and SystemVerilog; familiarity with VHDL a plus
Experience with Synopsys VCS, XCelium, or Modelsim
Good communications skills are required and prior customer support experience is a plus
Experience writing or maintaining a script or Makefile that builds a simulation model from RTL is a plus
Familiarity with Verdi and/or Indago is considered a plus
Knowledge of C and C++ is a plus
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum of BS degree + 3 years of relevant experience
Python programming background
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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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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