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Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SRI International

IC Layout Engineer III

Princeton, NJ · On-site

$92K - $122K/yr

Layout of IC designs for existing technologies (CMOS, BiCMOS, Bipolar etc) * Generating and/or supervising the creation of IC layout rules (LVS,DRC,ERC) for technologies in development * Evaluating ...

SRI International

IC Layout Engineer III

Princeton, NJ

$92K - $122K/yr

Layout of IC designs for existing technologies (CMOS, BiCMOS, Bipolar etc) * Generating and/or supervising the creation of IC layout rules (LVS,DRC,ERC) for technologies in development * Evaluating ...

SRI International

IC Layout Engineer III

Princeton, NJ · On-site

$92K - $122K/yr

Layout of IC designs for existing technologies (CMOS, BiCMOS, Bipolar etc) * Generating and/or supervising the creation of IC layout rules (LVS,DRC,ERC) for technologies in development * Evaluating ...

Impinj

Senior Staff Design Engineer, IC Layout

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Leverage Top-Down Bottom-Up (TDBU) floorplan methodology to create and refine the RFID or Reader IC floorplan - collaborating with circuit and block-level layout designers on sizing, pin rings, inter ...

Cirrus Logic

IC Layout Design

Greensboro, NC · On-site

Solving layout design issues and applying proactive intervention * Proactively work with design engineers to achieve efficient circuit performance * Design analog & mixed-signal layouts * Understand ...

SpaceX

RFIC Layout Designer (RFIC Engineering)

Palo Alto, CA

$130K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will be an integral part of the IC design team and lead the discipline of layout at the technical level, and will work with RFIC/mixed signal designers on full chip layout of custom analog and ...

Cirrus Logic

Layout Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Associates Degree in Electronic/IC layout CAD specialization or related program and 10+years of IC layout experience Responsibilities * Solving layout design issues and applying proactive ...

SpaceX

RFIC Layout Designer (RFIC Engineering)

Irvine, CA

$120K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will be an integral part of the IC design team and lead the discipline of layout at the technical level, and will work with RFIC/mixed signal designers on full chip layout of custom analog and ...

SpaceX

RFIC Layout Designer (RFIC Engineering)

Redmond, WA

$120K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will be an integral part of the IC design team and lead the discipline of layout at the technical level, and will work with RFIC/mixed signal designers on full chip layout of custom analog and ...

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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 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance ic layout mask designer in the United States is $41.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $58.41 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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Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Ic Layout Mask Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,906 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

IC Layout Engineer III

SRI International

Princeton, NJ • On-site

$92K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Overview

SRI International (formerly Sarnoff Corporation) is looking for a capable IC Layout Engineer in our Princeton, NJ office. The successful candidate will be presented with challenges in IC Layout and will be working closely with the SRI Princeton foundry and Design team in the development of form, fit and function emulation (not duplication) of obsolete microcircuits for the U.S. Government.  Target microcircuits are emulated with pre-established gate arrays with only metallization determining the actual circuit function.  The emulated design must meet all specifications and characteristics of the original microcircuit. 

Responsibilities
  • Layout of IC designs for existing technologies (CMOS, BiCMOS, Bipolar etc)
  • Generating and/or supervising the creation of IC layout rules (LVS,DRC,ERC) for technologies in development
  • Evaluating layout requirements for designs targeting different technologies (analog or digital)
  • Documenting critical technology information to be used by Layout team
  • Evaluating and enhancing Place & Route algorithms and processes for complex digital designs
  • Contributing to layout tool suites by supporting and/or developing CAD scripts (Memory cell placement, antenna effect mitigation, etc)
Qualifications
  • BS in electrical engineering or related engineering degree, OR 4 years equivalent experience gained through work projects related to design and drafting without a degree.
  • 5 + years of relevant IC layout work experience. 
  • Fundamental knowledge of Integrated Circuit CAD design.
  • Demonstrated analytical and systematic teamwork approach to troubleshooting.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with team members (verbal and written).
  • Due to Government requirements candidates must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

The salary range is: $92,160-$122,112. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For almost 80 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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