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Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Senior Design Evaluation Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Our team of IC designers, mask designers, and design evaluation engineers work in various sites ... Experience with design and PCB layout tools such as SPICE, PADs logic, ORCAD, and Allegro

Senior Design Evaluation Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Our team of IC designers, mask designers, and design evaluation engineers work in various sites ... Experience with design and PCB layout tools such as SPICE, PADs logic, ORCAD, and Allegro

Production Graphic Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

We expect you to be actively using AI in your design workflow today - for layout iteration, asset ... bring freelance partners up to speed when needed. What Success Looks Like * A steady stream of ...

Production Graphic Designer

Raleigh, NC

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

We expect you to be actively using AI in your design workflow today - for layout iteration, asset ... bring freelance partners up to speed when needed. What Success Looks Like * A steady stream of ...

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Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer information

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How much do freelance ic layout mask designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance ic layout mask designer in Raleigh, NC is $40.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $56.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance IC layout mask designer?

Freelance IC Layout Mask Designers are professionals who specialize in creating the physical layouts for integrated circuits (ICs) using specialized electronic design automation (EDA) tools. They translate circuit schematics into detailed geometric representations, known as masks, which are used in the photolithography process during semiconductor manufacturing. As freelancers, they typically work independently on a contract basis, providing layout design services to companies in the electronics or semiconductor industry. Their expertise ensures that IC designs meet performance, manufacturability, and reliability requirements while complying with foundry-specific design rules.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance IC layout mask designer?

To thrive as a Freelance IC Layout Mask Designer, you need a solid understanding of semiconductor physics, IC layout design principles, and experience with industry-standard EDA tools, typically backed by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in tools such as Cadence Virtuoso, Mentor Graphics, and DRC/LVS verification systems is essential, along with knowledge of relevant process design kits (PDKs). Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help ensure designs meet both technical specifications and client requirements. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing accurate, manufacturable layouts and maintaining client satisfaction in a competitive, fast-paced industry.

What are some typical challenges freelance IC layout mask designers face when working with remote clients?

Freelance IC Layout Mask Designers often encounter challenges such as aligning on specifications and design expectations due to limited face-to-face interaction. Clear and frequent communication is essential to ensure that layout iterations meet client requirements and project timelines. Additionally, freelancers need to stay updated on the latest EDA tools and process design kits (PDKs) to seamlessly integrate their work with clients’ design flows. Successfully managing time zones, file transfers, and version control systems are also common aspects of remote collaboration in this role.

What is the difference between Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer vs Freelance Semiconductor Process Engineer?

AspectFreelance Ic Layout Mask DesignerFreelance Semiconductor Process Engineer
CredentialsCAD software proficiency, electronics backgroundEngineering degree, process knowledge
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, client sitesResearch labs, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageIntegrated circuit manufacturingSemiconductor fabrication processes
Common Search/ComparisonDesign focus, mask creationProcess optimization, fabrication

While both roles are integral to semiconductor manufacturing, Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designers focus on creating detailed circuit layouts and masks, whereas Freelance Semiconductor Process Engineers optimize fabrication processes. The roles differ in their core responsibilities but often collaborate within the industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ic Layout Mask Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Ic Layout Mask Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,508 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Circuit and Mask Design Engineer

Micross Components

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

The Circuit and Mask Design Engineer will be responsible for the layout/design and procurement of photolithography masks in support of Micross AIT's post-CMOS wafer processing technologies, including advanced interconnect (TSV, copper RDL, and wafer bumping) and IR emitter pixel fabrication. The die and wafer layouts will successfully interface with customer CMOS pads (or I/O's) per customer specifications. Duties will include generating die layouts and wafer-level layouts for review by the customer (internal or external), ordering lithography masks (Stepper reticles or contact aligner mask), and reviewing mask vendor data before vendor fabricates the masks. As part of their training, the engineer is expected to become familiar with basic wafer processes in Micross AIT's microfabrication facility (deposition, lithography, and etch) and how process biases may affect mask designs.
The Circuit and Mask Design Engineer will routinely interact with Program Managers, and Engineering, Quality, as well as External Customers and Suppliers as needed, to provide outstanding design support to ensure revenue and customer satisfaction goals are met!
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Die-level and wafer-level layouts for 100mm, 150mm, 200mm, and 300mm post-CMOS wafer processing using L-Edit
  • Become familiar with Micross AIT's wafer process biases
  • Assist with development and design of interconnect in support of advanced packaging projects
  • Support operation of semiconductor processing equipment
  • Drive yield improvement through design

Job Qualifications:
  • Associate, or BS in electrical engineering, or 3+ years of mask layout and design experience
  • Good understanding of integrated circuit design and related device performance (electrical)
  • Due to export control rules, must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
  • Semiconductor wafer processing experience in a cleanroom environment is a plus.
  • Understanding of designing for engineered products and packaging

Other Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures.
  • Comply with all quality and ITAR policies, practices and procedures;
  • Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals
  • Communicate effectively with all levels of employees;
  • Protect confidential information by not communicating, disclosing to, or using for benefit of 3rd parties.
  • Maintain the highest degree of honesty and integrity at all times;
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Other Job Skills:
  • Good hands-on lab skills, and good verbal and written communication skills
  • PC proficiency and familiarity with mask layout software is a must
  • Working knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Proactive self-starter capable of working independently with minimal supervision and capacity to support multiple tasks with varying levels of complexity;
  • Good organization, time management and prioritization skills are required

At Micross, our Core Values of integrity, communication, teamwork, quality and execution, self-discipline and accountability are cultivated throughout all levels of the organization. Micross provides a challenging and enjoyable workplace for members and supports the needs of the community.
Micross provides competitive benefits including medical, HSA and FSA plans, dental, vision, company paid basic Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401k with employer match, paid leave, vacation, holidays, generous tuition assistance, 529 College Savings, Pet insurance, Legal insurance, and a range of well-being programs available.
www.Micross.com
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.