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Computer Chip Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Neuralink

Digital IC Design Engineer Intern

Fremont, CA · On-site

$35/hr

... 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 ...

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 ...

Rambus

PE CAD Engineering

San Jose, CA · On-site

$126K - $234K/yr

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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$10

$41

$100

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:
What job categories do people searching Computer Chip Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Chip Designer jobs are:
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.
CAD Engineer - Signoff Infrastructure

CAD Engineer - Signoff Infrastructure

Apple

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

We're seeking a CAD Engineer to join our team and develop full-stack web applications that power the Signoff infrastructure across all Apple SOC design groups within the Hardware Tech group. Signoff is the critical final verification stage in chip design where designs are validated against manufacturing, timing, and power criteria before tapeout. This role focuses on building and enhancing Signoff dashboards, CAD flow metrics collection, and data visualization tools that design and CAD teams rely on daily. You'll also participate in the development of our Signoff AI assistant and integrate modern AI/RAG capabilities into our platform.
The Signoff Infrastructure developer will develop, support, and enhance the Signoff dashboards, CAD flow metrics collection, and visualization tools used for Signoff by all Apple SOC design groups. We are looking for a passionate, self-driven software engineer with the ability to work on complex software, a team player who pays a high level of attention to detail, strives for software quality, and prefers a test-driven development approach. The role requires providing Signoff infrastructure support and interfacing with the design and CAD teams to develop high-impact web applications to improve our Signoff process. You'll work across the full stack using Python and JavaScript/TypeScript, build and maintain backend services and APIs, develop interactive frontend dashboards, and work with SQL databases to manage and query enterprise-scale design data. As our platform evolves, you'll also contribute to integrating RAG and AI-powered features to enhance how teams discover and interact with Signoff data.
Proficiency in Python or JavaScript/TypeScriptExperience with web development frameworks and libraries (Angular, React, or Express.js)SQL database experience with MySQL or PostgreSQLUnderstanding of software engineering best practices including version control, testing, and CI/CDBS in Computer Science or related field with 3+ years of relevant industry experience
Background in Chip Design, Chip Verification, or CADExperience with embedding models and LLM integration patternsUnderstanding of RAG pipelines, including embeddings, chunking, and retrieval optimizationExperience with vector databasesExperience with containers and KubernetesExperience with monitoring and observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana)Test-driven development experience in production environments

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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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