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Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer Jobs in Rochester, MN

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Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$10

$41

$102

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

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance ic layout mask designer in Rochester, MN is $41.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $59.38 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.

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For Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,323 per year, or $42 per hour.

Sr High-Speed SerDes Design Engineer (Remote)

Encore Semi, Inc.

Rochester, MN • Remote

$135K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Sr High-Speed SerDes Design Engineer (Remote)
Full-Time: Competitive Salary + Benefits + Bonuses | Contractor Opportunities Available
Work Authorization: US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
Location: 100% Remote (Anywhere in the USA)
We are looking for a Sr High-Speed SerDes Design Engineer who enjoys solving some of the toughest challenges in analog/mixed-signal IC design. If you have hands-on experience designing high-speed SerDes, PLLs, TX/RX data paths, and have worked through the realities of advanced process nodes (5nm and below), we would love to connect.
You will be part of a highly skilled engineering team developing next-generation high-performance silicon where speed, power, jitter, and reliability matter.
Required Qualifications
BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
8+ years of hands-on analog/mixed-signal IC design experience.
Strong expertise in the design of High-Speed SerDes, including PLLs, TX/RX circuits, CDRs, clock generation, and high-speed analog interfaces.
Proven transistor-level circuit design experience from architecture through silicon validation.
Successful tapeout experience in advanced CMOS process technologies (FinFET and 5nm beyond preferred).
Experience working with one or more leading semiconductor foundries.
Proficiency with industry-standard analog and mixed-signal IC design, simulation, verification, and physical verification EDA tools.
Strong understanding of signal integrity, jitter analysis, power optimization, and high-speed circuit design techniques.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with silicon bring-up, characterization, and post-silicon debug.
Familiarity with high-speed interface standards such as PCIe, Ethernet, CXL, USB, MIPI, DDR, HBM, UCIe, or similar protocols.
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including Layout, Digital Design, Physical Design, Verification, Packaging, Test, and Systems Engineering.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and technical leadership skills.
Experience mentoring junior engineers and leading technical initiatives.
Why Join Us
Work on challenging, high-impact silicon designs with a team of engineers who are passionate about pushing the limits of performance and innovation.
If you have designed SerDes at the transistor level and want to work on genuinely hard problems, we’d love to hear from you.
The anticipated annual base salary for this position is between $135,000 to $165,000, which also includes a comprehensive benefits package.
Full-Time Benefits:
• 15 days of PTO per calendar year
• 10 paid Holidays per calendar year
• Comprehensive Medical Benefits: Company covers 80% of premiums for Employee and Dependents
• Dental & Vision: Company covers 50% of premiums for Employee and Dependents
• Voluntary Benefits: Life Insurance, FSA (Health and Dependent, Limited Purpose), HAS, and Gap Insurance
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
• 401k - Traditional & Roth
• Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability
• Tuition reimbursement
Equal Opportunity Policy Statement
Encore Semi, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, ancestry, marital status, civil union status, medical condition, disability (mental and physical), military and veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.
Encore Semi is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.
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