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Entry Level Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Associate Digital Design Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$131K/yr

ADI) is a global semiconductor leader that bridges the physical and digital worlds to enable ... About the Role As a Digital Design Engineer, you will contribute to the design, development, and ...

Substation Design Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$95K - $122K/yr

The Design Engineer performs engineering work with a focus on substation engineering design including both physical and protection & control practices. Requires knowledge of substation systems from ...

Hardware Design Engineer

Youngsville, NC · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

We are currently seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to join our talented engineering team and ... Work Environment/Physical Demands This position is onsite, Monday - Friday. It occasionally ...

Hardware Design Engineer

Youngsville, NC · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

We are currently seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to join our talented engineering team and ... Work Environment/Physical Demands This position is onsite, Monday - Friday. It occasionally ...

Substation Design Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$95K - $122K/yr

The Design Engineer performs engineering work with a focus on substation engineering design including both physical and protection & control practices. Requires knowledge of substation systems from ...

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Entry Level Physical Design Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$29.2K

$67.4K

$114.7K

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level physical design engineer in Raleigh, NC is $67,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,100.00 and $76,300.00 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 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 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 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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Physical Design Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Entry Level Physical Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Physical Design Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC 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 $67,425 per year, or $32.4 per hour.

Associate Design Engineer (Entry Level)On-Site

Voltage Llc

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Associate Design Engineer (Entry Level) On-Site

The Associate Design Engineer is an entry-level engineering role responsible for supporting the design and development of Electrical Balance of System (EBOS) solutions for utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) projects. This role provides an excellent opportunity for early-career engineers to develop technical skills in solar system design, code compliance, and cross-functional collaboration while working alongside experienced engineering professionals.

The Associate Design Engineer will assist with drawings, calculations, documentation, and product configurations while gaining exposure to utility-scale solar design and manufacturing processes.

This position requires bilingual fluency in both Mandarin and English, as the role will collaborate regularly with engineering and cross-functional teams in both the U.S. and China, supporting technical communication, design coordination, and project execution across global teams. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is an essential requirement for success in this role.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities
  • Assist in developing EBOS design solutions for commercial and utility-scale solar projects.
  • Support preparation of engineering drawings, layouts, and bills of material using AutoCAD and internal tools.
  • Assist in creating quotes for cables, spare parts, and replacement components.
  • Review construction drawings, single-line diagrams, and project specifications with guidance from senior engineers.
  • Support basic engineering calculations, including voltage drop, conductor sizing, and system layouts.
  • Help ensure designs align with NEC requirements and internal engineering standards.
  • Maintain engineering documentation and support version control of drawings and design records.
Project & Technical Support
  • Provide technical support to Project Engineering, Sales, Quality, and Production teams.
  • Assist in preparing technical documentation for proposals and customer deliverables.
  • Support value engineering efforts by identifying opportunities for efficiency and standardization.
  • Participate in design reviews and learn best practices related to manufacturability and installation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work collaboratively with engineering team members and support project execution activities.
  • Coordinate with Production to help ensure designs are clear and buildable.
  • Support quality and documentation activities associated with engineering deliverables.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives within Engineering.
Work Experience / Education / Skills Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or related technical field (recent graduates encouraged to apply).
  • 0–2 years of engineering, internship, co-op, or related technical experience.
  • Exposure to AutoCAD or similar drafting software.
  • Basic understanding of electrical fundamentals and engineering calculations.
  • Willingness to learn NEC code and utility-scale solar design principles.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Mandarin language skills are a plus; entry-level candidates with strong Mandarin and English skills are encouraged to apply.
  • Internship or academic project experience related to solar, power systems, or electrical design.
  • Familiarity with PV systems or renewable energy concepts.
  • Exposure to manufacturing or production environments.
  • Knowledge of AutoCAD, Excel, or other engineering tools.
Physical Requirements / Work Environment
  • Work is primarily performed in an office environment.
  • Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-growing, dynamic environment.
  • Traveling to customer sites and events (traveling up to 25%).

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. The Company will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment visa, including without limitation, H-1B, O-1,E-3, TN status, or I-485 job portability or similar immigration processes.

Voltage is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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