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Custom Layout Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... custom ASIC / SOC and electronics development across the Semiconductor, Medical and Defense ... The team has an exciting opportunity for a IC Layout Design Engineer V to join our diverse team ...

Execute RTL-to-GDS development flow, including synthesis, schematics design, and supervising custom layout. * Check timing closure, and analyze the performance/power/area of designed IPs. * Support ...

Staff Layout Designer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$72 - $122/hr

Skilled in developing and applying custom layout, floor-planning, signal-planning and power-planning methodologies * Strong verbal and written communication skills * In-depth understanding of design ...

Staff Layout Designer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$72 - $122/hr

Skilled in developing and applying custom layout, floorplanning, signal-planning and powerplanning methodologies * Strong verbal and written communication skills * In-depth understanding of design ...

Job Title: Analog Layout Design Engineer Job location: Santa Clara, CA, 95054 Job Duration: 3 ... High level of proficiency in custom, as well as standard cell-based, floorplanning and hierarchical ...

Sr. Manager, Layout Design

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Requisition ID: 77798 Summary The Sr Manager, Layout Design, will work on designing high performance custom analog and mixed signal layout for integrated circuits using design rules and expert ...

Experience with Cadence Virtuoso Layout Editor or Synopsys Custom-Compiler is preferred. Responsibilities: * Own and execute the layout design of analog modules, including floorplanning, routing, and ...

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Custom Layout Design information

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$10

$41

$100

How much do custom layout design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for custom layout design 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 are some common challenges faced by professionals in Custom Layout Design, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in Custom Layout Design often face challenges such as meeting tight project deadlines, managing complex design rules, and ensuring seamless collaboration with circuit and verification engineers. Overcoming these obstacles requires strong time management skills, a deep understanding of electronic design automation (EDA) tools, and effective communication with cross-functional teams. Staying updated on the latest industry standards and regularly participating in design reviews can also help ensure high-quality layouts and minimize design iterations.

What is custom layout design?

Custom layout design refers to the process of creating unique, specialized layouts for integrated circuits (ICs) or printed circuit boards (PCBs) tailored to specific requirements, rather than using pre-designed or standard cells. This work involves detailed placement and routing of electronic components to optimize performance, area, and power consumption. Custom layout designers use sophisticated electronic design automation (EDA) tools to ensure the final design meets all functional and manufacturing constraints. This role is critical in developing high-performance chips for applications like processors, memory, and analog devices.

What is the difference between Custom Layout Design vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCustom Layout DesignGraphic Designer
CredentialsDesign degree or related certificationDesign degree or related certification
Work EnvironmentWeb, print, or multimedia projectsPrint, digital, branding, advertising
Industry UsageWebsites, magazines, marketing materialsBranding, advertising, visual communication
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on layout customization and user experienceFocus on visual aesthetics and branding

Custom Layout Design primarily emphasizes creating tailored layouts for digital or print media, focusing on user experience and functionality. Graphic Designers, while also skilled in visual composition, often work on branding, logos, and marketing visuals. Both roles require design skills and similar credentials but differ in their specific focus areas and project types.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Custom Layout Designer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Custom Layout Designer, you need expertise in VLSI design principles, semiconductor physics, and layout tools, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard EDA tools like Cadence Virtuoso and familiarity with design rule checking (DRC) and LVS verification are crucial. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and smooth collaboration with design teams. These skills are vital for creating reliable, manufacturable integrated circuit layouts that meet performance and quality standards.
More about Custom Layout Design jobs
Infographic showing various Custom Layout Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 25% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,906 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Senior Photonic Layout Design Engineer

Senior Photonic Layout Design Engineer

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Are you seeking an outstanding opportunity? We are looking for a Senior Photonic Layout Design Engineer - someone who is excited to join a growing group of diverse individuals responsible for handling high-speed mixed-signal & Silicon Photonic Designs! NVIDIA has continuously reinvented itself over two decades. Our invention of the GPU in 1999 fueled the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI - the next era of computing. NVIDIA is a "learning machine" that constantly evolves by adapting to new opportunities that are hard to solve, that only we can pursue, and that matter to the world. This is our life's work, to amplify human creativity and intelligence. Join our diverse team today!

What You'll Be Doing:

  • As a Senior Photonics Layout Engineer, you will take ownership of the physical design and verification of cutting-edge photonic integrated circuits (PICs), guiding designs from initial proof-of-concept phases to high-volume manufacturing readiness. You will work within a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team of photonics, CMOS, packaging, and systems engineers to drive next-generation Silicon Photonics (SiPh) and SERDES products.

  • Layout Execution & Tape-out Ownership: Lead complex, full-loop manual and automated layout designs for waveguides, modulators, photodetectors, and mixed-signal functions (high-speed/general I/Os, ESD structures). Drive the full tape-out process, including floor planning, waveguide routing, and mask data preparation.

  • Verification & Mitigation: Execute rigorous post-layout verification (DRC, LVS, fill, density) across multiple stepping versions. Trace defect sources, mitigate layout-dependent issues, and ensure DRC/LVS cleanliness prior to tape-out.

  • Test Vehicle & Component Development: Own the layout of complex test structures, active/passive full loops, and certification vehicles with large Design of Experiments (DOEs) to optimize for process windows.

  • Automation & AI-Assisted Workflows: Develop and implement AI-assisted design methods, layout automation scripts, and custom Pcells to improve productivity, reduce development cycle times, and customize DRC/LVS checking flows.

What We Need to See:

  • To succeed in this role, candidates must possess a deep technical understanding of advanced node semiconductor fabrication, sophisticated automation capabilities, and a proven track record of first-time success on high-density chip designs.

  • BS, MS, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field (or equivalent experience). At least 6+ years of hands-on, full-chip layout design experience in semiconductor, analog, or silicon photonics industries.

  • Deep understanding of analog circuit layout, Silicon Photonic constraints, and device physics within advanced sub-micron CMOS and SiPh technologies.

  • Proven expertise with Cadence Virtuoso (Custom Layout, SDL) and industry-standard verification suites (Calibre, Hercules, ICV, Dracula, or Primeyield).

  • Strong proficiency in programming and scripting languages (Python, SKILL, Perl, TCL, or C++) for layout automation, file I/O, data processing, and tape-out flows.

  • Ability to optimize workflows using best-known methods (BKMs), and proactively collaborate with integration, and design rule teams to achieve high-yield manufacturing goals.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 132,000 USD - 207,000 USD for Level 4, and 148,000 USD - 235,750 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until May 22, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993