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Entry Level Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Jr. ASIC Design Engineer

Batavia, NY · Hybrid

$70.80K - $93.20K/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 ...

Engineer

Clifton Springs, NY · On-site

$74K - $85K/yr

These products are design to support a variety of applications targeting both Military and Commercial Aerospace vehicles and aircraft. An Engineer is an entry level position with an objective of ...

Engineer

Clifton Springs, NY · On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

... entry level position with an objective of gaining experience through applying standard engineering techniques and practices in support of fellow Senior or Principle Engineers. This includes design of ...

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Entry Level Physical Design Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$29.6K

$68.4K

$116.4K

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level physical design engineer in Rochester, NY is $68,437.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Entry Level Physical Design Engineer job openings:
Entry-level Electrical Design Engineer

Entry-level Electrical Design Engineer

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Rochester, NY

$62.40K - $72.50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Salas O'Brien rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

259th of 349 rated engineering


Job description

Design Engineer

M/E Engineering, a Salas O’Brien company.

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary:

The Entry-Level Electrical Design Engineer is an entry-level to early-career engineering role responsible for supporting the design and development of building systems across a wide range of project types. This position works under the direction of senior engineering staff to develop layouts, perform engineering calculations, assist in the creation of construction documents, and ensure technical quality.

This role is designed to build the foundational skills required to advance into a Project Engineer position. The Entry-Level Electrical Design Engineer is expected to demonstrate initiative, curiosity, technical competency, and strong collaboration skills while actively supporting project execution. Displays M/E Engineering's core values on a daily basis- Stewardship, Approachability, Design Excellence, Professionalism and Integrity.

Responsibilities:

  • Works with Senior Engineer, Project Engineer, and or Principal.
  • Independently perform assignments after instructions as to the general results expected.
  • Receives guidance on unusual problems and supervisory approval on developed plans.
  • Assists in the preparation of contract documents.
  • Plans, schedules, and conducts all phases of the work in a part of or a total project of moderate scope.
  • Performs conventional engineering work including standard designs.
  • Makes engineering calculations.
  • Develop elementary designs expanding on detailed schematic sketches.
  • Coordinates production and coordination with Senior Engineer/Designer or Project Engineer/Designer.
  • May supervise or coordinate the work of CAD Operators and Designers.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering (or related discipline/equivalent combination of experience and education).
  • Foundational understanding of building systems design (energy, etc.) preferred.
  • Basic knowledge of building codes, industry standards, and engineering principles preferred.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and design documents.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or Revit; basic understanding of BIM workflows preferred.
  • Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and critical thinking.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a team-oriented environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Location: Rochester or Buffalo, NY

Travel: Up to 15%

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected base salary range for this role is $62,400 - $72,500 USD per year, hourly, non-exempt. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement