ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

SWE Solutions

Design Engineer I

Chicago, IL

$33 - $48/hr

Description We are seeking a motivated Civil Design Engineer I to join our team and contribute to ... In this entry-level role, you will collaborate with experienced engineers and designers to develop ...

SWE Solutions

Design Engineer I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33 - $48/hr

In this entry-level role, you will collaborate with experienced engineers and designers to develop ... Stay current with advancements in civil engineering design practices, tools, and regulations.

SWE Solutions

Design Engineer I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33 - $48/hr

We are seeking a motivated Civil Design Engineer I to join our team and contribute to the ... In this entry-level role, you will collaborate with experienced engineers and designers to develop ...

ITW Automotive

Design Engineer

Elmhurst, IL

$75K - $85K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Design Engineer supports the development, validation, and continuous ... Physical activities in line with company safety guidelines. Compensation Information: $75,000-$85 ...

ITW Automotive

Design Engineer

Richton Park, IL

... Engineering experience required · 3D CAD design skills and experience required. · Order ... The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to ...

Epstein

Structural Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Design Engineer performs a variety of engineering tasks, and works with others on the design ... physical or mental disability, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, marital status ...

Motorola

RF Design Engineer

Schaumburg, IL

$63K - $127K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering. * Strong background in RF circuit design ... other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete ...

Fermilab

Jr. ASIC Design Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$70K - $93K/yr

We are looking for a Junior ASIC Design Engineer to lead and contribute to research activities and ... Executing physical and functional circuit and system verification. * Preparing documentation and ...

ICF

Substation Physical Engineer - REMOTE

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$101K - $129K/yr

ICF is seeking a Substation Physical Engineer, to work primarily on the design of projects on distribution substations at voltages from 12kV to 69kV with the goal of providing excellent quality work ...

Cadence

Application Engineer

Cary, IL

$74K - $137K/yr

This is an entry level rotational position for STEM bachelor level graduates who have limited ... Digital physical design and implementation * Sign-off for timing, IR drop, power analysis, SI ...

Kinectrics

Electrical Engineer-Entry Level 1

Naperville, IL · On-site

$75K - $83K/yr

Entry Level-Electrical Engineer Location: Naperville, IL Known for the technical excellence of its ... Our Design Engineering Division provides comprehensive engineering, design, analysis and consulting ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPhysical Design Engineer JobsEntry Level Physical Design Engineer JobsEntry Level Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Physical Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$71.5K

$121.6K

How much do entry level physical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level physical design engineer in Chicago, IL is $71,453.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,100.00 and $80,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Physical Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Physical Design Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Physical Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,453 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Design Engineer I

SWE Solutions

Chicago, IL

$33 - $48/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description

We are seeking a motivated Civil Design Engineer I to join our team and contribute to the successful planning, design, and implementation of infrastructure projects. In this entry-level role, you will collaborate with experienced engineers and designers to develop technical solutions for civil engineering challenges. This position offers an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in civil engineering while working on diverse projects in transportation, site development, utilities, and more.


 Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in the preparation of civil engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for projects such as roadways, drainage systems, grading, and utilities.
  • Perform calculations and analyses related to structural loads, hydrology, and other civil engineering requirements using industry-standard software.
  • Support the development of construction plans, details, and layouts in compliance with relevant codes, standards, and project requirements.
  • Collaborate with project teams to ensure the accuracy and quality of deliverables within established timelines and budgets.
  • Assist with the preparation of engineering reports, cost estimates, and other documentation.
  • Maintain communication with project stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies, as directed by senior engineers.
  • Stay current with advancements in civil engineering design practices, tools, and regulations.


Requirements

Education and Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited program.
  • Entry-level candidates and recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Technical Skills

  • Basic knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices, and design methodologies.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D or similar design software is highly desirable.
  • Strong math and analytical skills, with attention to detail in problem-solving and design.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Ability to travel to project sites as needed for field investigations or meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Internship or co-op experience in civil design or construction projects.
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal engineering standards and permitting processes.
  • Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification

Benefits

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
  • Professional development support, including licensure fees and continuing education.
  • Opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization.

Apply