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Freelance Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Spring Grove, IL

Partner with design, architecture, DFT, and physical design teams to drive micro-architecture ... D in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields * 15+ years of experience in ...

Strong background in mechanical engineering principles combined with elite-level programming and system analysis capabilities to bridge the gap between physical design and complex control logic.

New

Application Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$74K - $137K/yr

The opportunity to learn from the technical experts, sales and application engineers who provide ... Digital physical design and implementation * Sign-off for timing, IR drop, power analysis, SI ...

Lead Software Engineer

Lake Forest, IL · On-site +1

$124K - $207K/yr

You will embrace curiosity to ensure a deep understanding of the business requirements that drive the analysis and physical design of technical solutions. You will work as a Staff engineer in the ...

Lead Software Engineer

Lake Forest, IL · On-site +1

$124K - $207K/yr

You will embrace curiosity to ensure a deep understanding of the business requirements that drive the analysis and physical design of technical solutions. You will work as a Staff engineer in the ...

Lead Software Engineer

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$124K - $207K/yr

You will embrace curiosity to ensure a deep understanding of the business requirements that drive the analysis and physical design of technical solutions. You will work as a Staff engineer in the ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Physical Design Engineer information

See Spring Grove, IL salary details

$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance physical design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance physical design engineer in Spring Grove, IL is $47.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.38 and $62.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance physical design engineer?

Freelance Physical Design Engineers are specialized professionals who work independently, often on a contract basis, to design and implement the physical layout of integrated circuits (ICs) and chips. They are responsible for taking a digital circuit design and transforming it into a manufacturable physical layout, which includes tasks such as floorplanning, placement, routing, timing analysis, and verification. These engineers typically use electronic design automation (EDA) tools and collaborate remotely with semiconductor companies, startups, or design teams. Freelance Physical Design Engineers offer flexibility and specialized expertise for projects without requiring long-term employment commitments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance physical design engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Physical Design Engineer, you need expertise in ASIC/FPGA physical design, knowledge of VLSI concepts, and a degree in electrical or electronics engineering. Familiarity with EDA tools such as Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics, and experience with scripting languages like TCL or Python are typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and time management skills help freelancers efficiently collaborate with clients and meet project deadlines. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering high-quality chip designs and succeeding in a competitive, project-based environment.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance physical design engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance physical design engineers often encounter challenges such as limited access to advanced EDA tools, variable project scopes, and the need to quickly adapt to different clients' design methodologies. To address these, it’s important to invest in personal tool licenses or partner with clients who provide access, maintain a strong network to secure consistent projects, and stay updated on industry trends and technologies. Effective communication and documentation also help ensure alignment with client expectations and avoid misunderstandings during the project lifecycle.

What is the difference between Freelance Physical Design Engineer vs Full-Time Physical Design Engineer?

AspectFreelance Physical Design EngineerFull-Time Physical Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant degree and industry experience; certifications are optionalRequires a degree and often certifications or ongoing training
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteCompany office or dedicated team environment
Employer & Industry UsageHired by multiple clients across various companies; flexible engagementsEmployed by a single company; stable employment
Work ScopeSpecific projects, often short-termOngoing responsibilities within a team or department

The main difference between a Freelance Physical Design Engineer and a Full-Time Physical Design Engineer lies in employment type, work environment, and project scope. Freelancers work independently on short-term projects for multiple clients, offering flexibility. Full-time engineers are employed by a single company, focusing on continuous, long-term responsibilities within a team.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Design Engineer jobs in Spring Grove, IL?

The most popular types of Physical Design Engineer jobs in Spring Grove, IL are:

What cities near Spring Grove, IL are hiring for Freelance Physical Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Spring Grove, IL with the most Freelance Physical Design Engineer job openings:

Robotics Controls Engineer

Pi Square Technologies LLC

Delavan, WI • On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Robotics Controls Engineer
Core Responsibilities:
• Strong background in mechanical engineering principles combined with elite-level programming and system analysis capabilities to bridge the gap between physical design and complex control logic.
• System Design & Analysis: Lead the mechanical design of custom automation cells and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) using SolidWorks, ensuring adherence to ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Feasibility & Validation: Conduct rigorous Robot Reachability studies and Payload Analysis (accounting for joint torque, center of gravity, and moment of inertia) to validate system performance before physical execution.
• Safety & Compliance: Perform comprehensive Risk Assessments and Safety Analyses in accordance with ANSI/RIA R15.06 and ISO 10218. Integrate safety PLCs, light curtains, and fail-safe mechanisms to ensure a zero-harm environment.
• Robotics & Programming: Design and program complex robotic workcells. Act as the subject matter expert for high-level robot logic and motion profile optimization.
• Control Systems: Develop robust PLC programs (utilizing both Digital and Analog I/O) and intuitive HMI interfaces.
• Electrical Engineering: Create, interpret, and troubleshoot detailed electrical schematics and industrial prints.
• Vision Integration: Program and calibrate advanced Machine Vision systems for high-precision inspection, part location, and robotic guidance.
• Lean Manufacturing: Apply Lean principles (5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) to eliminate waste and maximize throughput in automated lines.
Required Qualifications:
• Education: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering field.
• Certification: Successfully passed the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam.
Mechanical Expertise: Strong proficiency in SolidWorks 2020 and AutoCAD, with a solid understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) principles.
• Experienced in Powertrain Fixture Design, with excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Controls & Electrical: Advanced knowledge of PLC/HMI programming and electrical schematic design.
Robotics & Vision: Expert-level experience in programming 6-axis robots (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, Kuka) and integrated vision platforms (e.g., Cognex, Keyence).
• Safety Standards: Demonstrated experience with ISO 13849 or ANSI B11.19 safety standards and risk assessment methodologies.