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Entry Level Rtl Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Rtl Design information

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$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do entry level rtl design jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level rtl design in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level RTL Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level RTL Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of digital logic design, computer architecture, and proficiency in Hardware Description Languages (HDLs) like Verilog or VHDL, typically backed by a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with simulation tools (such as ModelSim or Synopsys VCS), version control systems, and basic ASIC/FPGA design flows is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills set high performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure accurate, efficient hardware designs and smooth collaboration within complex engineering projects.

What are typical challenges faced by entry-level RTL design engineers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level RTL design engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex hardware description languages, managing tight project deadlines, and ensuring their designs meet both functional and timing requirements. Adapting to industry-standard tools and workflows can also be a learning curve. To overcome these challenges, new engineers should seek mentorship from experienced team members, actively participate in code reviews, and utilize available training resources. Regular collaboration with verification, synthesis, and physical design teams can also help deepen their understanding and improve design quality.

What are Entry Level RTL Design jobs?

Entry Level RTL (Register Transfer Level) Design jobs involve creating hardware designs using hardware description languages such as Verilog or VHDL. These roles are typically suited for recent graduates or those new to the semiconductor industry who assist in developing, simulating, and verifying digital circuits for chips and systems. The work usually includes collaborating with senior engineers, implementing design specifications, and debugging hardware. This is a foundational position that helps build expertise in digital logic design and contributes to the development of ASICs or FPGAs.

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

AspectEntry Level Rtl DesignEntry Level Digital IC Design
Required SkillsVerilog/VHDL, RTL coding, basic digital logicVerilog/VHDL, digital logic, simulation, synthesis
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, semiconductor companies, EDA toolsSemiconductor industry, chip design firms, EDA tools
CertificationsNone mandatory, but VLSI or digital design courses helpfulSimilar certifications, focus on digital design fundamentals

Entry Level Rtl Design and Entry Level Digital IC Design roles share core skills like Verilog/VHDL and digital logic. While RTL Design focuses on writing register-transfer level code for hardware description, Digital IC Design encompasses broader tasks including simulation and synthesis of digital circuits. Both roles are common in semiconductor companies and require similar foundational knowledge, making them closely related entry-level positions in the digital hardware industry.

More about Entry Level Rtl Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Rtl Design jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Rtl Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rtl Design jobs? The most popular types of Rtl Design jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Rtl Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Rtl Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Rtl Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
ASIC Design Verification Engineer - New College Grad 2026

ASIC Design Verification Engineer - New College Grad 2026

Nvidia Corporation

Austin, TX • On-site

$134.80K - $164.50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

NVIDIA has continuously reinvented itself over two decades. Our invention of the GPU in 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI - the next era of computing. NVIDIA is a "learning machine" that constantly evolves by adapting to new opportunities which are hard to solve, that only we can pursue, and that matter to the world. This is our life's work, to amplify human inventiveness and intelligence.
The NVIDIA System-On-Chip (SOC) group is looking for an entry level ASIC Verification Engineer! In this position you will have the chance to create a high-level and broad impact at NVIDIA working on a system-level IP responsible for measuring performance on multiple projects. Your focus will be on verifying and improving the related verification methodologies for the corresponding design (RTL). For this position, you should have real passion for verification methodologies and implementation that enable high quality system-level IP design and robust verification at multiple environment levels (e.g., unit, sub-system, and SOC).
What you'll be doing:
  • Design and maintain the unit level/sub-system Verification environment.
  • Understand the architecture specifications, develop and carry out the test plan to verify the design.
  • Create the UVM components, sequences, tests and scoreboards.
  • Sign off on the verification efforts with very high quality code and functional coverage.
  • Launch regressions, resolve the issues, and make forward progress towards achieving the DV milestone targets
  • Automate the manual steps involved in launching build, regression, and triages.
  • Collaborate with architects, designers, and software engineers to achieve the project goals.
  • Pro-actively contribute to improving the efficiency of the testbenches by embracing the latest techniques.

What we need to see:
  • Completing an MS or higher in Computer or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
  • Experience in System Verilog, UVM and in general OOPS based programming.
  • Strong coding skills in Python or other industry-standard scripting languages.
  • Strong understanding of RTL design (Verilog).
  • Good understanding of computer architecture fundamentals.
  • Familiarity with verification tools such as VCS or equivalent simulation tools, and debug tools like Verdi.

With industry-leading salaries and a generous benefits package, we are widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. The most forward-thinking engineers in the world do their life's work at NVIDIA. If you're creative and autonomous, with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you.
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 116,000 USD - 189,750 USD for Level 2, and 136,000 USD - 218,500 USD for Level 3.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until January 13, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993