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Mask Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nvidia

Senior Mask Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$122K - $164K/yr

Are you a Mask Layout Design Engineer who is seeking am amazing opportunity? We are looking for a Senior Mask Layout Design Engineer - someone who is excited to join a growing group of diverse ...

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Mask Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.4K

$119.3K

$183.1K

How much do mask design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for mask design engineer in California is $119,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $142,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design engineer's job salary?

The salary of a mask design engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled engineers with expertise in CAD software and mask fabrication processes tend to earn higher salaries.

What is a mask design engineer?

A mask design engineer develops photomasks used in semiconductor manufacturing to create integrated circuits. They use specialized software and collaborate with process engineers to ensure masks meet precise specifications and quality standards. This role often requires knowledge of lithography, CAD tools, and industry standards.

What jobs can DT get you?

A Mask Design Engineer can pursue roles in product development, industrial design, or research and development within the mask or personal protective equipment industry. These positions often require skills in CAD software, materials science, and understanding of safety standards. Opportunities may be available in manufacturing, quality assurance, or innovation teams focused on mask design and functionality.

What are some common challenges faced by Mask Design Engineers during the IC layout process?

Mask Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as adhering to strict design rules while maximizing layout efficiency and yield. They must manage complex design data, collaborate closely with circuit designers to implement feedback, and ensure that the mask layouts are optimized for both manufacturability and performance. Additionally, keeping up with evolving technology nodes and lithography constraints requires continuous learning and adaptation. Effective communication and attention to detail are crucial for overcoming these challenges and delivering high-quality mask designs on tight schedules.

What is the difference between Mask Design Engineer vs Photomask Fabrication Engineer?

AspectMask Design EngineerPhotomask Fabrication Engineer
Primary RoleDesigns photomasks used in semiconductor manufacturingManufactures and inspects photomasks based on design specifications
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of CAD tools, semiconductor processes, optical designExperience with lithography, cleanroom protocols, quality control
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD rooms, collaboration with chip designersCleanrooms, fabrication facilities, equipment operation
Industry UsageUsed in semiconductor and electronics manufacturingUsed in photomask production for chip fabrication

While both roles are essential in semiconductor manufacturing, the Mask Design Engineer focuses on creating the design files for photomasks, whereas the Photomask Fabrication Engineer handles the physical production and quality control of these masks. Both positions require specialized skills and work closely within the same industry but serve different stages of the mask creation process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mask Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mask Design Engineer, you need expertise in semiconductor device physics, layout design, and photolithography, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD tools such as Cadence Virtuoso, Calibre, and other EDA software, as well as knowledge of industry standards like DRC/LVS checks, is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and collaboration within engineering teams. These skills and qualifications are critical for producing precise mask layouts that enable successful chip fabrication and yield.

What are Mask Design Engineers?

Mask Design Engineers are specialized professionals who create photomasks used in the fabrication of semiconductor devices. They use advanced computer-aided design (CAD) tools to translate circuit layouts into precise patterns that guide the manufacturing of microchips. These engineers work closely with circuit designers and fabrication teams to ensure accuracy and efficiency in chip production. Their expertise is crucial for achieving the high levels of miniaturization and performance required in modern electronics.

What is the highest paid design job?

In design fields, high-paying roles include user experience (UX) directors, industrial designers, and creative directors, often requiring advanced skills, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities. These positions typically offer the highest salaries due to their strategic impact and expertise requirements.
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Mask Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mask Design Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 5% Temporary, 10% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,266 per year, or $57.3 per hour.
Senior Mask Design Engineer

Senior Mask Design Engineer

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Are you a Mask Layout Design Engineer who is seeking am amazing opportunity? We are looking for a Senior Mask Layout Design Engineer - someone who is excited to join a growing group of diverse individuals responsible for handling complex mixed-signal circuit designs! NVIDIA has continuously reinvented itself over two decades. Our invention of the GPU in 1999 fueled the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI - the next era of computing. NVIDIA is a "learning machine" that constantly evolves by adapting to new opportunities that are hard to solve, that only we can pursue, and that matter to the world. This is our life's work, to amplify human creativity and intelligence. Join our dynamic team today!
What you'll be doing:
  • The role entails working collaboratively and multi-functionally with a multi-disciplinary team of Photonics, CMOS, Electronics, and Systems engineers
  • Perform physical layout for mixed-signal functions like PLL's, high speed I/O circuits, general I/O's, ESD structures designs in innovative sub-micron CMOS technologies using Cadence tools
  • You'll work with ASIC and mixed-signal engineers to customize designs for integration in VLSI products.
  • Job duties will include floor planning, custom layout and verifying against design rules and schematics.
  • Fill, post-processing, DRC mitigation, and foundry interactions

What we need to see:
  • BS in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
  • At least 6+ years of hands-on layout design experience
  • Deep understanding of analog circuit layout concepts in submicron CMOS technologies. Validated experience with Cadence custom circuit design tools - particularly virtuoso
  • Experience running and debugging DRC and LVS with verification tools such as Dracula, Hercules, Calibre, Primeyield
  • Ability to work optimally in a team, good interpersonal skills and positive energy.
  • Proficiency in scripting languages like perl, python, skill etc. Knowledge of DRC and LVS checking flows, ability to customize DRC and LVS

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and talented people in the world working for us. If you're creative and autonomous, we want to hear from you.
#LI-Hybrid
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 132,000 USD - 207,000 USD for Level 4, and 148,000 USD - 235,750 USD for Level 5.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until June 7, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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