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Ic Layout Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Encore Semi, Inc.

Senior IC Layout Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65 - $80/hr

Senior IC Layout Designer Employment Type: Full-Time (Hourly) | Contractor Opportunities Available ... Translate schematics into high-quality layout implementations while maintaining design intent.

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Encore Semi, Inc.

Senior IC Layout Designer

Irvine, CA

$65 - $80/hr

Senior IC Layout Designer Employment Type: Full-Time (Hourly) | Contractor Opportunities Available ... Translate schematics into high-quality layout implementations while maintaining design intent.

New

Encore Semi, Inc.

Senior IC Layout Designer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$65 - $80/hr

Senior IC Layout Designer Employment Type: Full-Time (Hourly) | Contractor Opportunities Available ... Translate schematics into high-quality layout implementations while maintaining design intent.

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Ic Layout Design information

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How much do ic layout design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for ic layout design in California is $40.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $57.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an IC Layout Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an IC Layout Designer, you need a solid background in electronics or electrical engineering, with expertise in semiconductor device physics and circuit design principles. Familiarity with EDA tools such as Cadence Virtuoso, Mentor Graphics, and knowledge of industry standards like DRC/LVS are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with design and verification teams. These abilities are essential to ensure high-quality, manufacturable layouts that meet performance and reliability requirements in the competitive semiconductor industry.

What is an IC layout designer?

An IC layout designer is a professional who creates detailed physical layouts of integrated circuits using electronic design automation (EDA) tools. They ensure the circuit's design meets electrical, manufacturing, and performance specifications, often working closely with circuit designers and verifying layouts through design rule checks (DRC).

What is IC Layout Design?

IC Layout Design refers to the process of creating the physical layout of integrated circuits (ICs) on a semiconductor chip. It involves translating circuit schematics into geometric patterns that define the placement of transistors, interconnections, and other components on silicon. IC layout designers use specialized software tools to ensure that the design meets electrical, timing, and manufacturing requirements. This step is critical in the semiconductor manufacturing process, as it directly impacts the performance, size, and yield of the final IC.

What is the difference between Ic Layout Design vs IC Design Engineer?

AspectIC Layout DesignIC Design Engineer
Primary FocusCreating physical layouts of integrated circuitsDesigning circuit schematics and functional architecture
Skills RequiredCAD tools, layout optimization, fabrication process knowledgeCircuit theory, HDL coding, simulation
Work EnvironmentEDA tools, cleanroom facilities, collaboration with fabrication teamsDesign teams, simulation labs, software environments
CertificationsTypically none required, but certifications in CAD tools are beneficialEE degree, possibly certifications in digital design or verification

IC Layout Design focuses on physically implementing circuit designs on silicon, while IC Design Engineer involves creating the circuit architecture and logic. Both roles are essential in chip development, often working closely but with distinct skill sets and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges IC Layout Design engineers face when collaborating with circuit designers?

IC Layout Design engineers often work closely with circuit designers to translate schematic designs into physical layouts, which can present challenges such as resolving design-rule violations, managing tight space constraints, and ensuring signal integrity. Effective communication is essential to address trade-offs between performance, area, and manufacturability. Timely feedback loops and a collaborative approach help ensure that both the layout and schematic meet project specifications and timelines.

How much do IC design engineers make?

IC layout design engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior engineers with specialized skills in EDA tools and a strong understanding of semiconductor processes can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $180,000.

How to get a job in IC design?

To get a job in IC layout design, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics, or a related field, along with proficiency in CAD tools such as Cadence or Synopsys. Gaining experience through internships, building a strong portfolio, and understanding fabrication processes can improve job prospects. Certifications or specialized training in IC design are also beneficial.

What is the highest paid designer job?

In the field of IC layout design, senior and lead positions such as IC Design Managers or Principal IC Layout Engineers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These roles require advanced skills in EDA tools, extensive experience, and often involve overseeing large projects or teams.
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Ic Layout Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ic Layout Design job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,781 per year, or $40.8 per hour.
Senior IC Layout Designer

Senior IC Layout Designer

Encore Semi, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$65 - $80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Senior IC Layout Designer
Employment Type: Full-Time (Hourly) | Contractor Opportunities Available
Compensation: Competitive Hourly Rate + Benefits + Bonus Opportunities
Work Authorization: US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
Build Next-Generation Silicon at Advanced Technology Nodes
We are looking for a Senior IC Layout Designer to join a highly skilled semiconductor engineering team developing advanced digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits. This role is ideal for an experienced layout professional who enjoys solving complex physical design challenges and turning innovative circuit designs into high-quality, production-ready silicon.
You will work closely with IC designers, verification engineers, and process teams to deliver layouts optimized for performance, power, area, reliability, and manufacturability across advanced process technologies.
What You'll Do
  • Develop block-level and full-chip physical layouts for complex digital and mixed-signal IC designs.
  • Translate schematics into high-quality layout implementations while maintaining design intent.
  • Perform floorplanning, placement, routing, optimization, and layout refinement for PPA (Power, Performance, Area).
  • Drive DRC, LVS, and ERC closure, including debugging complex layout and verification issues.
  • Analyze and optimize layouts for parasitics, signal integrity, timing, and manufacturability.
  • Collaborate with circuit designers, physical verification teams, and foundry partners during tapeout and silicon release activities.
  • Support improvements in layout methodologies, automation, and design flows.
  • Mentor junior layout engineers and contribute technical expertise across the team.
What You Bring
  • 7+ years of hands-on IC layout design experience in advanced semiconductor technologies.
  • Strong expertise with industry-standard EDA tools such as Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys tools, or equivalent platforms.
  • Deep understanding of CMOS process technology, physical design concepts, and layout best practices.
  • Proven experience achieving DRC/LVS closure and resolving complex physical verification challenges.
  • Strong knowledge of parasitic extraction, signal integrity, timing impact, and layout optimization techniques.
  • Experience collaborating within cross-functional semiconductor design teams.
Preferred Experience
  • Hands-on experience with FinFET and sub-7nm technology nodes.
  • Experience with high-speed digital, mixed-signal, or advanced SoC designs.
  • Familiarity with layout automation and scripting using SKILL, Python, TCL, or similar languages.
  • Track record supporting successful production tapeouts.
Why Join Us
Join a team working on challenging semiconductor designs where your layout expertise directly impacts silicon performance and product success. You'll collaborate with experienced engineers tackling real-world challenges in advanced IC development.
If you are passionate about precision layout design, advanced nodes, and building world-class silicon, we would love to connect.
We offer a competitive hourly rate ranging from $65 to $80 per hour, based on experience, skills, and qualifications. The position includes a comprehensive benefits package and bonus opportunities
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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