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Graduate Computer Aided Design Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Senior ICV CAD Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$136 - $264.50/hr

## Senior ICV CAD EngineerApplylocations: US, CA, Santa Claratime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 2 Days Agojob requisition id: JR1998042NVIDIA is searching for a motivated CAD Engineer to join the ...

Own and manage Etched's front-end CAD environment including build flows, tool-specific flows and ... We do not have boundaries between engineering and research, and we expect all of our technical ...

Experience leading, mentoring, or technically directing CAD/MCAD engineers, designers, or engineering systems users. * Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability ...

Experience leading, mentoring, or technically directing CAD/MCAD engineers, designers, or engineering systems users. * Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability ...

Experience leading, mentoring, or technically directing CAD/MCAD engineers, designers, or engineering systems users. * Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability ...

Own and manage Etched's front-end CAD environment including build flows, tool-specific flows and ... We do not have boundaries between engineering and research, and we expect all of our technical ...

Own and manage Etched's front-end CAD environment including build flows, tool-specific flows and ... We do not have boundaries between engineering and research, and we expect all of our technical ...

NVIDIA is searching for a motivated CAD Engineer to join the Advanced Technology Group. You will support installation of foundry techfiles. You will provide expert support to designers in debugging ...

NVIDIA is searching for a motivated CAD Engineer to join the Advanced Technology Group. You will support installation of foundry techfiles. You will provide expert support to designers in debugging ...

The Memory CAD Engineering organization plays a critical role in enabling Micron's custom memory design teams through advanced design automation, workflow innovation, and engineering productivity ...

DFT CAD Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$180 - $320/hr

As part of our CAD and Methodology team in Apple's world-class Silicon Engineering Group, you will be involved with the complete DFT and ATPG CAD solution for all design projects. * Develop and ...

New

As CPU Integration CAD engineer, you will build and support the world's best implementation tools and flows. Your tools and flows will ensure our custom CPUs have industry-leading power, performance ...

The Semiconductor CAD Engineer is responsible for designing, deploying, and maintaining the Electronic Design Automation (EDA) infrastructure used for IC design. This role focuses on PDK integration ...

New

IC CAD Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$127K - $226K/yr

Master in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science + 10 years of EDA experience. * Expertise in the following CAD Tools: Virtuoso Studio 25.1, Cadence Maestro, Spectre, Virtuoso Layout, Quantus QRC ...

Showing results 21-40

Graduate Computer Aided Design Engineer information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$12

$58

$92

How much do graduate computer aided design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate computer aided design engineer in Santa Clara, CA is $58.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.98 and $67.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Graduate Computer Aided Design Engineer vs Graduate Mechanical Engineer?

AspectGraduate Computer Aided Design EngineerGraduate Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Civil, or related engineering; proficiency in CAD softwareBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; knowledge of CAD and engineering principles
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesManufacturing plants, design studios, R&D departments
Industry UsagePrimarily in product design, automotive, aerospace, manufacturingInvolved in product development, machinery, HVAC systems

The Graduate Computer Aided Design Engineer focuses on creating detailed digital models using CAD software, often working closely with design teams. In contrast, the Graduate Mechanical Engineer applies engineering principles to develop and analyze mechanical systems, sometimes utilizing CAD but with broader engineering responsibilities. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often overlap in industry settings, but their core functions differ in focus and application.

Are Graduate Computer Aided Design engineers paid well?

Graduate Computer Aided Design (CAD) engineers typically earn competitive starting salaries that vary by industry and location. Entry-level salaries often range from moderate to high, especially for those with skills in CAD software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks, and can increase with experience and additional certifications.

Is a Graduate Computer Aided Design Engineer still a good career?

A career as a Graduate Computer Aided Design (CAD) Engineer remains viable due to ongoing demand for design and engineering skills across industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. Proficiency in CAD software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks and related technical skills are essential for job growth and opportunities in this field.

What jobs can you do with graduate computer aided design engineer?

A graduate computer aided design (CAD) engineer can work in roles such as CAD designer, mechanical or electrical design engineer, product development engineer, or CAD technician. These positions typically involve creating detailed 2D and 3D models using CAD software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks and may require knowledge of engineering principles and industry standards.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Computer Aided Design Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

For Graduate Computer Aided Design Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Computer Aided Design Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Computer Aided Design Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Graduate Computer Aided Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Graduate Computer Aided Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Computer Aided Design Engineer job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,064 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Distinguished CAD Engineer

Ampere Computing LLC

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$279K - $419K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the development and optimization of CAD flows for semiconductor design.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and implement CAD strategies that improve productivity and chip performance.

  • Architect and deploy advanced CAD flows supporting complex SoC and ASIC designs.


Job description

Description
Invent the future with us.
Ampere is a semiconductor design company for a new era, leading the future of computing with an innovative approach to CPU design focused on high-performance, energy efficient AI compute.
As a pioneer in the new frontier of energy efficient high-performance computing, Ampere is part of the Softbank Group of companies driving sustainable computing for AI, Cloud, and edge applications.
Join us at Ampere and work alongside a passionate and growing team - we'd love to have you apply!
About the role:
Ampere Computing is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Distinguished Engineer to lead the development and optimization of our CAD flows. This role requires deep expertise in EDA tools, semiconductor design methodologies, and flow automation to enable rapid, high-quality silicon delivery. As a technical leader, you will collaborate across architecture, design, verification, and manufacturing teams to define and implement cutting-edge CAD strategies that enhance productivity and chip performance.
What you'll achieve:
  • Define the global physical design methodology strategy across all phases: synthesis, floor planning, placement, clock tree synthesis (CTS), routing, timing closure, and physical verification.
  • Architect and deploy advanced CAD flows to support complex, high-performance System-on-Chip (SoC) and Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) designs.
  • Explore and integrate AI/ML-driven EDA features to optimize PPA and shorten turnaround times.
  • Build and drive PPA optimization recipes for various sub systems
  • Low Power flow enhancement to support multi-power domain (UPF)
  • Drive innovation in hierarchical design, multi-die/chiplet integration, and IC Design methodologies.
  • Allocate engineering resources efficiently to support concurrent, multi-project execution timelines.
  • Develop a culture of continuous learning, automation, and technical excellence.
  • Evaluate, benchmark, and select state-of-the-art EDA tools to improve engineering productivity and design quality.
  • Drive the creation of robust scripting infrastructure (using Tcl, Python, Perl) to automate repetitive tasks and ensure flow consistency.
  • Partner closely with RTL Design, DFT (Design for Test), Architecture, and Physical Implementation teams to ensure seamless handoffs and tool interoperability.
  • Collaborate with external foundries to integrate Process Design Kits (PDKs) and resolve complex deep sub-micron physical effects (e.g., electromigration, IR drop, thermal management).
  • Proficiency in EDA tool suites (e.g., Innovus, Fusion Compiler, PrimeTime, Calibre)

About you:
  • 15+ years of experience in semiconductor CAD/EDA development or flow engineering, preferably in CPU or high-performance SoC design environments
  • Proven track record of leading complex CAD flow projects from concept through tapeout
  • Deep knowledge of RTL synthesis, placement & routing, timing closure, signoff methodologies, and design for manufacturability
  • Expertise with major EDA tools (Synopsys, Cadence, Mentor, etc.) and scripting languages (Tcl, Python, Perl)
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to drive cross-functional collaboration
  • Excellent communication skills and experience mentoring senior engineers
  • Experience with cloud-based design environments and scalable compute infrastructure is a plus
  • Electrical or Computer Engineering - Bachelor's degree & 15 years of related experience; or Master's degree & 12 years; or PhD & 8 years

What we'll offer:
At Ampere we believe in taking care of our employees and providing a competitive total rewards package that includes base pay, cash long-term incentive, and comprehensive benefits. The full base pay range for this role is between $279,500 and $419,500, except in the San Francisco Bay Area where the range is between $293,000 and $440,000.
Our benefits include health, wellness, and financial programs that support employees through every stage of life.
Benefit highlights include:
  • Premium medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, as well as income protection and a 401K retirement plan, so that you can feel secure in your health and financial future.
  • Unlimited Flextime and 10+ paid holidays so that you can embrace a healthy work-life balance.
  • A variety of healthy snacks, energizing espresso, and refreshing drinks to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.

And there is much more than compensation and benefits. At Ampere, we foster an inclusive culture that empowers our employees to do more and grow more. We are excited to share more about our career opportunities with you through the interview process.
#LI-TC
#LI-Hybrid
Ampere is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, age, veteran and/or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.