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Entry Level Chip Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Amat

Engineer, Electrical or Mechanical

Santa Clara, CA

$124K - $171K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting ...

All JobsEntry Level Chip Design JobsEntry Level Chip Design Jobs in California

Entry Level Chip Design information

What is the difference between Entry Level Chip Design vs Entry Level ASIC Design?

AspectEntry Level Chip DesignEntry Level ASIC Design
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Computer EngineeringBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign teams in semiconductor companies, tech firmsASIC design teams in semiconductor and electronics companies
Industry UsageBroadly used in hardware development, consumer electronicsSpecialized in custom integrated circuit development
Common Search IntentEntry Level Chip Design roles and responsibilitiesEntry Level ASIC Design differences and career path

Entry Level Chip Design and Entry Level ASIC Design roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. However, ASIC Design is more specialized, focusing on custom chip development for specific applications. Both roles are essential in the semiconductor industry, with ASIC Design often requiring additional knowledge of verification and fabrication processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Chip Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Chip Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering or computer engineering, with a focus on digital logic, circuit theory, and semiconductor fundamentals. Familiarity with hardware description languages (HDLs) like Verilog or VHDL, EDA tools such as Cadence or Synopsys, and basic simulation software is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help you stand out in this collaborative and precision-focused environment. These skills and tools are crucial for designing reliable, efficient chips that meet industry standards and project requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level chip design engineers, and how can new hires effectively overcome them?

Entry-level chip design engineers often face challenges such as understanding complex design tools, adapting to rapidly evolving technology, and bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application. New hires can overcome these challenges by actively seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, participating in team knowledge-sharing sessions, and dedicating time to hands-on practice with industry-standard CAD tools. It's also helpful to collaborate closely with verification and layout teams to gain a holistic view of the chip development process, which accelerates learning and professional growth.

What are entry level chip design jobs?

Entry level chip design jobs are positions for individuals who are beginning their careers in the field of semiconductor design. These roles typically involve assisting in the design, testing, and verification of integrated circuits (ICs) or microchips under the supervision of experienced engineers. Responsibilities may include using hardware description languages like Verilog or VHDL, running simulations, and collaborating with other engineers on various design tasks. These positions are ideal for recent graduates with a background in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related fields.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chip Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Chip Design jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Chip Design jobs in California? For Entry Level Chip Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Chip Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Chip Design jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Chip Design jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Chip Design job openings:
Entry Level Chip Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Chip Design job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
System Validation Engineer (NCG 2026)

System Validation Engineer (NCG 2026)

Astera Labs

San Jose, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Astera Labs

Astera Labs is a rapidly growing semiconductor company redefining connectivity for AI and cloud infrastructure. Our intelligent connectivity solutions-built on PCIe, CXL, Ethernet, and custom fabrics-enable seamless data movement across compute, memory, and storage. As part of our team, you'll help validate the silicon that powers the world's most advanced AI platforms.

Role Overview

As an Entry-Level System Validation Engineer on the Taurus team, you will validate Astera Labs' Taurus Ethernet Smart Cable Modules and Taurus ASICs. You'll work on chip bring-up, system-level debug, and interoperability testing across real-world AI server and networking platforms, collaborating closely with electrical validation, firmware, and product applications teams.

Key Responsibilities
  • Execute system validation test plans for Taurus Ethernet Smart Cable Modules.
  • Perform chip bring-up and debug for Taurus ASICs in lab environments using oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, BERTs, and network switches
  • Validate high-speed interconnects and AI fabrics in custom silicon, including signal integrity, link training, FEC stats, and protocol compliance
  • Collaborate with electrical validation, firmware, and product applications teams to root-cause issues and drive resolution
  • Document validation results, debug findings, and contribute to bring-up notes and test reports

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • Strong academic foundation in circuit analysis, signals and systems, electromagnetics, or highspeed digital design through coursework and labs
  • Familiarity with PCIe, CXL, or Ethernet standards
  • Familiarity with fundamental signalintegrity concepts such as eye diagrams, jitter, noise, impedance, and transmission lines
  • Exposure to electrical lab equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, network analyzers)
  • Experience using scripting or programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, TCL, or C/C++
  • Comfortable working with lab tools and debugging hardware
  • Strong analytical and communication skills

Preferred Skills

  • Exposure to post-silicon validation or bring-up of connectivity IP blocks
  • Knowledge of signal integrity analysis and eye diagram interpretation
  • Familiarity with Linux systems, shell scripting, and version control (Git)
  • Understanding of AI workloads and how interconnect bandwidth impacts performance

Apply