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Entry Level Ic Layout Designer Jobs in Seattle, WA

... IC design environment used by silicon design, layout, verification, physical design, and ... The role focuses on keeping EDA tools reliable, PDK and flow usage reproducible, and designers ...

... IC design environment used by silicon design, layout, verification, physical design, and ... The role focuses on keeping EDA tools reliable, PDK and flow usage reproducible, and designers ...

... IC design environment used by silicon design, layout, verification, physical design, and ... The role focuses on keeping EDA tools reliable, PDK and flow usage reproducible, and designers ...

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Entry Level Ic Layout Designer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$11

$47

$114

How much do entry level ic layout designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level ic layout designer in Seattle, WA is $47.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $66.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level IC layout designer do?

An Entry Level IC Layout Designer is responsible for creating the physical layout of integrated circuits (ICs) based on circuit schematics and design rules. They use specialized software tools to position transistors, wires, and other components on silicon chips, ensuring that the design meets performance, area, and manufacturing requirements. This role often involves collaborating with circuit designers and verification engineers to optimize layouts for efficiency and manufacturability. Entry level designers typically work under the supervision of more experienced engineers and gain hands-on experience with industry-standard EDA tools. Over time, they develop a deeper understanding of IC design principles and fabrication processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level IC layout designer?

To thrive as an Entry Level IC Layout Designer, you need a solid understanding of semiconductor fundamentals, circuit design basics, and a relevant degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in CAD tools such as Cadence Virtuoso, Mentor Graphics, or Synopsys, along with familiarity with design rule checking (DRC) and layout versus schematic (LVS) verification, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate within engineering teams are standout soft skills. These skills ensure accurate and efficient IC layouts, compliance with manufacturing constraints, and smooth teamwork throughout the design process.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level IC layout designers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level IC layout designers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex design rules, adapting to new EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools, and ensuring layouts meet both electrical and manufacturing constraints. Collaborating closely with senior designers and verification engineers is essential to resolve issues quickly and learn best practices. It’s helpful to proactively seek feedback, participate in team reviews, and continuously practice with layout tools to build confidence and expertise in this highly detail-oriented role.

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Ic Layout Designer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Ic Layout Designer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Ic Layout Designer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,764 per year, or $47 per hour.

High-Speed Electro-Optical IC Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$145K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
HIGH-SPEED ELECTRO-OPTICAL IC ENGINEER (RFIC ENGINEERING)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious Electrical-optical Silicon photonics IC engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering). In this role, you will be developing cutting-edge next-generation PIC/EIC for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has not previously been available, affordable or reliable. Join us to help deliver cutting-edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, simulate and model electro-optical building blocks for a silicon photonics solution
  • Design, simulate and model RF/analog/mixed signal circuits and systems
  • Derive specifications for the Photonics IC/Electrical IC subsystems and circuits
  • Develop Analog/Mixed-Signal/RF/Microwave circuits in SiGe or CMOS processes
  • Work with system architects, DSP and electro-optics, and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software domains
  • Perform IC floor planning and layout
  • Model package and external parasitic components
  • Evaluate, characterize and measure electrical and optical building blocks of a high-speed optical link solution
  • Assist in the development of automated test lab equipment for lab measurements
  • Work with manufacturing engineers on production testing and qualification of the EIC/PIC components and systems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science
  • 2+ years of photonics or electro-optical integrated circuit design

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering or computer engineering with an emphasis in electro-optics integrated circuit design
  • Experience using simulation tools such as Spectre, ADS, HFSS or Momentum, Ansys Lumerical, COMSOL
  • Photonics design skills, and experience performing analysis and simulation of optical building blocks such as MZM and Microring modulators, Ge Photo diodes, dWDM filters, waveguides, couplers, dividers and polarization management circuitry
  • Electrical circuit design skills, and experience performing analysis and simulation of both linear and non-linear circuits such as high bandwidth modulator drivers, TIAs, CTLEs, filters, low noise and power amplifiers.
  • Knowledge of advanced packaging technology for optical engine integration in a co-package optics (CPO) solution
  • Experience working on wideband circuit designs supporting high speed Serdes links with more than 100Gbps data rate and BW exceeding 10s of GHz
  • Familiarity with high speed SerDes architecture, modulation schemes such as NRZ and PAM4 and link protocols
  • Familiarity with optical and radio related test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, high speed oscilloscopes and BERTs
  • Experience characterizing EIC/PIC performance for high speed optical Serdes

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $125,000.00 - $165,000.00
Level 2: $145,000.00 - $200,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US