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Entry Level Physical Design Engineer Jobs in California

Description As a Package design engineer, you will lead advanced package architecture, drive next ... Proven experience in IC package physical design using Cadence Allegro or Mentor Xpedition platforms ...

Description As a Package design engineer, you will lead advanced package architecture, drive next ... Proven experience in IC package physical design using Cadence Allegro or Mentor Xpedition platforms ...

Design Engineer, Entry Level Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS ... age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other ...

Design Engineer, Entry Level Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS ... age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Physical Design Engineer information

What does an entry level physical design engineer do?

An Entry Level Physical Design Engineer works on the layout and implementation of integrated circuits (ICs), specifically focusing on translating logical circuit designs into physical layouts that can be manufactured. Their responsibilities often include tasks such as floorplanning, placement, routing, timing analysis, and design rule checking using specialized software tools. They collaborate with other engineers to ensure that the chip meets performance, power, and area requirements. Entry-level engineers are typically involved in supporting more experienced team members while learning industry-standard design flows and tools. This role plays a crucial part in bringing new electronic products to market.

What are some common challenges entry level physical design engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to industry roles?

Entry Level Physical Design Engineers often find that real-world projects are larger in scale and complexity compared to academic assignments. Adapting to industry-standard tools like Cadence or Synopsys, managing strict deadlines, and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams can be challenging at first. Additionally, understanding and following established workflows, as well as dealing with the nuances of process technology and design constraints, require a steep learning curve. However, many companies provide mentorship and training to help new engineers integrate smoothly and develop their expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level physical design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Physical Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, digital logic design, and VLSI concepts, typically supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics for layout, synthesis, and verification, as well as scripting languages such as TCL or Python, is essential. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the efficient translation of circuit designs into manufacturable layouts, driving successful chip development and collaboration in complex engineering environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Physical Design Engineer vs Digital IC Design Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Physical Design EngineerDigital IC Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Computer EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, CAD tools, chip fabrication facilitiesDesign teams, simulation tools, hardware labs
Industry UsageFoundries, semiconductor companies, EDA firmsSemiconductor companies, integrated circuit design firms
Common Search IntentEntry level, physical implementation, chip layoutDigital logic, circuit design, RTL coding

Entry Level Physical Design Engineers focus on translating digital circuit designs into physical layouts, ensuring manufacturability and performance. Digital IC Design Engineers primarily work on designing digital circuits at the RTL level. While both roles require a background in electrical engineering and involve working with semiconductor companies, physical design emphasizes layout and fabrication, whereas digital design emphasizes circuit functionality and logic.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Design Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Physical Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Physical Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Physical Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

IC Package Design Engineer

Apple

Los Angeles, CA

$122K - $214K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Our Packaging team defines, designs, and integrates advanced electronic packaging solutions for Apple’s internal and custom components across products including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. We’re looking for a Package Design Engineer to drive the physical design and integration of advanced semiconductor packages across SoC, memory, RF, and cellular technologies. You will play a key role in shaping the architecture, scalability, and efficiency of next-generation products while advancing design methodologies through automation and AI.
Description
As a Package design engineer, you will lead advanced package architecture, drive next-generation package structure and configuration optimization, and own Package/SiP/module physical design from concept through tape-out. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver optimized SI/PI performance across a wide range of silicon technologies You are expected to leverage AI tools to enhance design efficiency, quality and performance.","responsibilities":"Perform physical layout of package substrates for diverse silicon, including System-on-Chip (SoC), Memory, RF, and cellular integrated circuits (ICs).
Execute parasitic extraction (RLGC) and S-parameter modeling to validate that package designs meet Signal and Power Integrity (SI/PI) performance targets.
Lead cross-functional collaboration on package feasibility and system co-optimization; align with Product Design on chip floorplan, System Architecture on package configuration, and Silicon/SIPI teams on electrical performance.
Drive package design methodology improvements by evaluating new CAD tools and developing automated design and verification flows to enhance efficiency and streamline the release process.
Preferred Qualifications
Package Design Proficiency: Proven experience in IC package physical design using Cadence Allegro or Mentor Xpedition platforms, with knowledge of diverse package types (SiP, PoP, wirebond) and verification tools (Calibre, CAM350).
High-Speed & SI/PI Expertise: Strong understanding of high-speed interface layout constraints (DDR, PCIe) and Signal/Power Integrity (SI/PI) analysis, including experience with simulation tools like HFSS or PowerSI and parasitic extraction (RLGC, S-parameters).
Manufacturing & Materials Knowledge: Solid grasp of substrate manufacturing processes, design rules (DRC), design for manufacturability (DFM), and various sophisticated package configurations and assembly technology
Automation & Scripting Skills: Familiarity with a Unix/Linux environment and proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, Perl, or TCL to automate design tasks and improve workflows.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors degree required.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $122,700 and $214,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976