As a CPU Synthesis CAD engineer, you will build and support the world's best synthesis and implementation tools and flows to ensure our custom CPUs have industry-leading power, performance, and area.
As a CPU Synthesis CAD engineer, you will build and support the world's best synthesis and implementation tools and flows to ensure our custom CPUs have industry-leading power, performance, and area.
CPU Physical Design Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$159K - $164K/yr
As a CPU Physical Design Engineer, you will drive or participate in the following: • Drive RTL-to-GDS design convergence through logic synthesis and place-and-route tools targeting ambitious PPA ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$159K - $164K/yr
As a CPU Physical Design Engineer, you will drive or participate in the following: • Drive RTL-to-GDS design convergence through logic synthesis and place-and-route tools targeting ambitious PPA ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$159K - $164K/yr
As a CPU Physical Design Engineer, you will drive or participate in the following: • Drive RTL-to-GDS design convergence through logic synthesis and place-and-route tools targeting ambitious PPA ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$159K - $164K/yr
As a CPU Physical Design Engineer, you will drive or participate in the following: • Drive RTL-to-GDS design convergence through logic synthesis and place-and-route tools targeting ambitious PPA ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
Beaverton, OR · On-site
$141K - $145K/yr
As a CPU Physical Design Engineer, you will drive or participate in the following: • Drive RTL-to-GDS design convergence through logic synthesis and place-and-route tools targeting ambitious PPA ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
Beaverton, OR · On-site
$141K - $145K/yr
As a CPU Physical Design Engineer, you will drive or participate in the following: • Drive RTL-to-GDS design convergence through logic synthesis and place-and-route tools targeting ambitious PPA ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
Beaverton, OR · On-site
$141K - $145K/yr
As a CPU Physical Design Engineer, you will drive or participate in the following: • Drive RTL-to-GDS design convergence through logic synthesis and place-and-route tools targeting ambitious PPA ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
Beaverton, OR · On-site
$141K - $145K/yr
As a CPU Physical Design Engineer, you will drive or participate in the following: • Drive RTL-to-GDS design convergence through logic synthesis and place-and-route tools targeting ambitious PPA ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
$134K - $138K/yr
Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ... Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field with 2+ years of ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
$134K - $138K/yr
Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ... Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field with 2+ years of ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
$134K - $138K/yr
Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ... Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field with 3+ years of ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
$134K - $138K/yr
Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ... Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field with 3+ years of ...
... engineer for our CPU Gate Level Synthesis role to assess and optimize design quality ... In this role, the candidate would be a part of Apple's industry-leading CPU design team, working in ...
... engineer for our CPU Gate Level Synthesis role to assess and optimize design quality ... In this role, the candidate would be a part of Apple's industry-leading CPU design team, working in ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
$134K - $138K/yr
Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ... Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field with 6+ years of ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
$134K - $138K/yr
Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ... Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field with 6+ years of ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
$134K - $138K/yr
Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ... Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field with 2+ years of ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
$134K - $138K/yr
Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ... Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field with 2+ years of ...
... engineer for our CPU Gate Level Synthesis role to assess and optimize design quality ... In this role, the candidate would be a part of Apple's industry-leading CPU design team, working in ...
... engineer for our CPU Gate Level Synthesis role to assess and optimize design quality ... In this role, the candidate would be a part of Apple's industry-leading CPU design team, working in ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
$134K - $138K/yr
Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ... Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field with 6+ years of ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
$134K - $138K/yr
Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ... Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field with 6+ years of ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
$134K - $138K/yr
Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ... Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field with 3+ years of ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
$134K - $138K/yr
Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ... Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field with 3+ years of ...
... engineer for our CPU Gate Level Synthesis role to assess and optimize design quality ... In this role, the candidate would be a part of Apple's industry-leading CPU design team, working in ...
... engineer for our CPU Gate Level Synthesis role to assess and optimize design quality ... In this role, the candidate would be a part of Apple's industry-leading CPU design team, working in ...
... engineer for our CPU Gate Level Synthesis role to assess and optimize design quality ... In this role, the candidate would be a part of Apple's industry-leading CPU design team, working in ...
... engineer for our CPU Gate Level Synthesis role to assess and optimize design quality ... In this role, the candidate would be a part of Apple's industry-leading CPU design team, working in ...
CPU Core Physical Design Engineer
Folsom, CA · On-site
$105K - $200K/yr
The CPU Physical Design Engineer: * Performs physical design implementation of custom CPU designs ... Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ...
CPU Core Physical Design Engineer
Folsom, CA · On-site
$105K - $200K/yr
The CPU Physical Design Engineer: * Performs physical design implementation of custom CPU designs ... Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
$147K - $272K/yr
Description As a CPU Physical Design Engineer, you will drive or participate in the following: • Drive RTL-to-GDS design convergence through logic synthesis and place-and-route tools targeting ...
CPU Physical Design Engineer
$147K - $272K/yr
Description As a CPU Physical Design Engineer, you will drive or participate in the following: • Drive RTL-to-GDS design convergence through logic synthesis and place-and-route tools targeting ...
CPU Core Physical Design Engineer
$105K - $200K/yr
The CPU Physical Design Engineer: * Performs physical design implementation of custom CPU designs ... Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ...
CPU Core Physical Design Engineer
$105K - $200K/yr
The CPU Physical Design Engineer: * Performs physical design implementation of custom CPU designs ... Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock ...
CPU Gate Level Synthesis Engineer
$181K - $318K/yr
... engineer for our CPU Gate Level Synthesis role to assess and optimize design quality ... In this role, the candidate would be a part of Apple's industry-leading CPU design team, working in ...
CPU Gate Level Synthesis Engineer
$181K - $318K/yr
... engineer for our CPU Gate Level Synthesis role to assess and optimize design quality ... In this role, the candidate would be a part of Apple's industry-leading CPU design team, working in ...
CPU Gate Level Synthesis Engineer
$147K - $272K/yr
... engineer for our CPU Gate Level Synthesis role to assess and optimize design quality ... In this role, the candidate would be a part of Apple's industry-leading CPU design team, working in ...
CPU Gate Level Synthesis Engineer
$147K - $272K/yr
... engineer for our CPU Gate Level Synthesis role to assess and optimize design quality ... In this role, the candidate would be a part of Apple's industry-leading CPU design team, working in ...
Cpu Synthesis Design Engineer information
See salary details
$40.5K - $51.2K
2% of jobs
$51.2K - $62K
11% of jobs
$67.7K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$62K - $72.7K
23% of jobs
The median wage is $79.6K / yr.
$72.7K - $83.4K
22% of jobs
$83.4K - $94.1K
17% of jobs
$94.4K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$94.1K - $104.9K
9% of jobs
$104.9K - $115.6K
6% of jobs
$115.6K - $126.3K
3% of jobs
$126.3K - $137K
3% of jobs
$137K - $147.8K
2% of jobs
$147.8K - $158.5K
1% of jobs
$40.5K
$88.2K
$158.5K
How much do cpu synthesis design engineer jobs pay per year?
As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for cpu synthesis design engineer in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are the main challenges a CPU Synthesis Design Engineer faces when transitioning from RTL to gate-level implementation?
One of the primary challenges for CPU Synthesis Design Engineers during the transition from RTL to gate-level implementation is balancing timing, area, and power constraints while ensuring functional correctness. This process often involves iterative synthesis runs and close collaboration with both RTL designers and physical design teams to resolve timing violations and meet performance targets. Additionally, engineers must be adept at analyzing synthesis reports and debugging issues related to logic optimization or tool constraints, which requires a strong understanding of both the CPU architecture and EDA tool flows.
What is the difference between Cpu Synthesis Design Engineer vs Cpu Verification Engineer?
| Aspect | Cpu Synthesis Design Engineer | Cpu Verification Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Designing and optimizing hardware logic for CPU synthesis | Verifying CPU functionality and performance through testing |
| Required Skills | Hardware description languages, synthesis tools, digital design | Hardware description languages, verification methodologies, simulation tools |
| Work Environment | Design teams, hardware development labs | Testing labs, simulation environments |
| Industry Usage | Semiconductor companies, CPU design firms | Semiconductor companies, CPU manufacturers |
The Cpu Synthesis Design Engineer focuses on creating and optimizing hardware logic for CPU synthesis, while the Cpu Verification Engineer concentrates on testing and verifying CPU functionality. Both roles require knowledge of hardware description languages and are essential in CPU development, but they serve different stages in the design process.
What are CPU Synthesis Design Engineers?
CPU Synthesis Design Engineers are specialized hardware engineers who transform digital CPU designs described in hardware description languages (HDL) into gate-level representations that can be manufactured as integrated circuits. They work on optimizing the CPU design for performance, power, and area, ensuring the design meets specification and is ready for fabrication. Their responsibilities often include logic synthesis, timing analysis, and collaborating closely with architecture and verification teams.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CPU Synthesis Design Engineer, and why are they important?
To thrive as a CPU Synthesis Design Engineer, you need a strong background in digital design, hardware description languages (such as Verilog or VHDL), and computer architecture, usually supported by a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard EDA tools for synthesis (like Synopsys Design Compiler or Cadence Genus), timing analysis, and scripting languages (such as TCL or Python) is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you excel in cross-functional engineering environments. These skills ensure efficient and reliable CPU designs that meet performance, power, and area requirements in competitive semiconductor markets.
Qualcomm rating
9.6
Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
4th of 186 rated software companies
Job description
Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > CPU Engineering
General Summary:
Our mission is to reimagine silicon and create computing platforms that will transform the industry. You will have the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and passionate engineers in the world to create designs that push the envelope on performance, energy efficiency, and scalability. As a CPU Synthesis CAD engineer, you will build and support the world's best synthesis and implementation tools and flows to ensure our custom CPUs have industry-leading power, performance, and area.
Roles and Responsibilities
Preferred Qualifications
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Level of Responsibility
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$198,700.00 - $298,100.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > CPU Engineering
General Summary:
Our mission is to reimagine silicon and create computing platforms that will transform the industry. You will have the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and passionate engineers in the world to create designs that push the envelope on performance, energy efficiency, and scalability. As a CPU Synthesis CAD engineer, you will build and support the world's best synthesis and implementation tools and flows to ensure our custom CPUs have industry-leading power, performance, and area.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Develop, integrate, and release new features in our high-performance synthesis CAD flow
- Architect and recommend methodology improvements to ensure best-in-class power, performance, and area
- Maintain, support, and debug synthesis and implementation flows, and resolve project-specific issues
- Work closely with worldwide CPU physical design teams and provide synthesis methodology guidance
- Work with EDA vendors to define roadmaps and resolve synthesis tool issues
Preferred Qualifications
- 8+ years of hands-on experience in synthesis and place-and-route of high-performance chips
- High level of proficiency in Tcl as well as Python
- Experience with automation
- Experience with front-end tasks including logic and physical synthesis, LEC, UPF, and front-end signoff
- Experience with advanced technology nodes (5nm or lower)
- Strong user of synthesis tools such as Cadence Genus or Synopsys Fusion Compiler
- Proven track record of managing and regressing synthesis flows
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Leverages advanced knowledge of computer architecture, micro-architecture, logic design, circuits, and physical design
- Anticipates, identifies, and solves highly complex problems to ensure design completeness, power, and performance
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams to define requirements, specifications, and trade-offs
- Evaluates the design lifecycle from architecture definition through post-silicon validation
- Writes and reviews detailed technical documentation for highly complex CPU designs
Level of Responsibility
- Works independently with minimal supervision
- Provides supervision and guidance to other team members
- Decision-making significantly affects work beyond the immediate group
- Requires strong verbal and written communication skills
- Tasks require independent planning, problem-solving, and prioritization
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$198,700.00 - $298,100.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.
About Qualcomm
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.
Industry
Technology, communication and media
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
San Diego, CA, US
Year founded
1985