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Entry Level Ic Layout Mask Designer Jobs in Washington

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Entry Level Ic Layout Mask Designer information

What does an entry level IC layout mask designer do?

An Entry Level IC Layout Mask Designer is responsible for creating the physical layouts of integrated circuits (ICs) based on schematic diagrams and design rules. They use specialized software to design the mask patterns that will be used in semiconductor manufacturing. Their work ensures that the final chip meets functional, performance, and manufacturing requirements. They collaborate closely with circuit designers and verification engineers to optimize layouts and resolve design issues. This role is often a starting point for a career in IC design and fabrication.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level IC Layout Mask Designer, you need a solid understanding of semiconductor physics, circuit design fundamentals, and a relevant degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard EDA tools such as Cadence Virtuoso or Mentor Graphics, and knowledge of design rules and verification processes, are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with engineers and ensuring design accuracy. These competencies are essential for producing high-quality, manufacturable integrated circuit layouts that meet stringent specifications and project timelines.

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

Entry-level IC layout mask designers often encounter challenges such as mastering complex design software, understanding stringent design rules, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Adjusting to the fast pace of project cycles and ensuring accuracy in layout to meet manufacturing requirements can also be demanding. To overcome these challenges, new designers should seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, actively participate in team meetings to clarify requirements, and practice using industry-standard EDA tools to build confidence and proficiency.

What is the difference between Entry Level Ic Layout Mask Designer vs Entry Level Semiconductor Process Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Ic Layout Mask DesignerEntry Level Semiconductor Process Engineer
CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, MicroelectronicsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Chemical, Materials, or Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, cleanrooms, CAD softwareManufacturing facilities, labs, process development
Industry UsageSemiconductor fabrication, chip designSemiconductor manufacturing, process optimization
Common Search/ComparisonDesign-focused, layout, mask creationProcess-focused, fabrication, process steps

The Entry Level Ic Layout Mask Designer primarily focuses on creating detailed mask layouts for semiconductor chips using CAD tools, working closely with design teams. In contrast, the Entry Level Semiconductor Process Engineer concentrates on developing and optimizing manufacturing processes. While both roles require a background in electrical or materials engineering and involve working in semiconductor environments, their core responsibilities differ—design versus process development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ic Layout Mask Designer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Ic Layout Mask Designer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Ic Layout Mask Designer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Ic Layout Mask Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Ic Layout Mask Designer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution.

Hardware Engineer (High Performance Computing Digital Design Engineering) - Entry Level (Maryland)

National Security Agency/Central Security Service

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site, Remote

$87K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Summary
Use your skills to create the systems and tools that will be used to enhance the operation of intelligence. You will advise, administer and perform scientific projects, such as planning, designing, and constructing specialized equipment, and ensuring adherence to sound engineering and scientific standards and principles. The NSA offers multiple areas of focus for facilities engineers, including computer, architectural, electrical, mechanical, and structural.
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Duties
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With the ever-increasing technological complexities in the world of supercomputers, we need talented computer and electrical engineers to be part of our team architecting, designing and verifying the next generation of high performance computing solutions (HPCS) that will support of our mission. Our goal is to provide supercomputers of the highest quality to ensure the success of the NSA and its partners.
The areas of responsibility may include one or more of the following:
- Accelerating application performance using Register Transfer Level (RTL) design
- Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) firmware development and integration
- RTL design closure using logic simulation, functional verification, synthesis, and timing analysis
- Printed Circuit Board (PCB) logic design, simulation and test
- PCB layout
- Signal Integrity / Power Integrity
- Commercial systems acquisition and contracting
- Create and maintain documentation on technical information
- Operate specialized scientific and technical equipment
- Attend conferences and communicate with people in a particular technical field to keep abreast of new technologies and information
- Conduct research including studies, experiments, and investigations
- Research emerging technologies for application(s) within the Agency
- Serve as a subject matter expert to support research and development efforts
- Work with customers to clarify their needs and to determine how their needs can be met
- Modeling and simulation to evaluate design alternatives
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.

Qualifications
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Engineering, Physics, Material Science, or related field (for example, electronics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics).
For Engineering degrees, if program is not ABET accredited, it must include specified coursework.*
*Specified coursework includes courses in differential and integral calculus and 5 of the following 18 areas: (a) statics or dynamics, (b) strength of materials/stress-strain relationships, (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics, (d) thermodynamics, (e) electromagnetic fields, (f) nature and properties of materials/relating particle and aggregate structure to properties, (g) solid state electronics, (h) microprocessor applications, (i), computer systems, (j) signal processing, (k) digital design, (l) systems and control theory, (m) circuits or generalized circuits, (n) communication systems, (o) power systems, (p) computer networks, (q) software development, (r) Any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, or soil mechanics.
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.
Salary Range: $87,362 - $123,388 (Entry/Developmental)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.
Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).
DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.