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Mask Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Drive mask design to implement layout view of designs. Top-level simulations to validate top-level ... Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's of Science in Electric Engineering with 10+ years of relevant ...

All of this is driven by a world-class vertically integrated engineering team spanning RF/Analog architecture and design, Systems/PHY/MAC architecture and design, VLSI/RTL design and integration ...

All of this is driven by a world-class vertically integrated engineering team spanning RF/Analog architecture and design, Systems/PHY/MAC architecture and design, VLSI/RTL design and integration ...

As a Wireless Design Engineer, you will be responsible for RTL design of wireless MAC and its interface with the rest of the wireless SoC. You will interact with the software team, wireless system ...

All of this is driven by a world-class vertically integrated engineering team spanning RF/Analog architecture and design, Systems/PHY/MAC architecture and design, VLSI/RTL design and integration ...

All of this is driven by a world-class vertically integrated engineering team spanning RF/Analog architecture and design, Systems/PHY/MAC architecture and design, VLSI/RTL design and integration ...

As a Wireless Design Engineer, you will be responsible for RTL design of wireless MAC and its interface with the rest of the wireless SoC. You will interact with the software team, wireless system ...

We are seeking an experienced Senior Analog/Mixed-Signal Layout Design Engineer to help develop the next generation of high-performance focal-plane array readout integrated circuits (ROICs). These ...

You'll work across fields to transform improved hardware elements into a single, coordinated design ... Capability to lead other layout engineers for top-level integration. Scripting skills in PERL or ...

You'll work across fields to transform improved hardware elements into a single, coordinated design ... Capability to lead other layout engineers for top-level integration. Minimum Qualifications 8+ year ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 13, 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 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?

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 is a mask design engineer?

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 cities in California are hiring for Mask Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Mask Design Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Mask Design Engineer jobs in CA? For Mask Design Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Mask Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,266 per year, or $57.3 per hour.

Analog IC Design Engineer

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

At Apple, we work every single day to craft products that enrich people's lives. Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet? Do you like changing the game? We have an opportunity for a visionary and uncommonly talented IC Designer. As a member of our dynamic group, you will have the rare and rewarding opportunity to craft upcoming products that will delight and inspire millions of Apple's customers every single day.
Description
In this role, the key responsibilities are the following: Involved in specifications of analog portions of IC. Behavioral modeling to validate architectures. Transistor-level feasibility studies for various blocks in ADC/DAC. Crafting blocks and documenting design towards formal design reviews. Drive mask design to implement layout view of designs. Top-level simulations to validate top-level integration. Defining production/bench-level test-plans. Taking lab measurements to validate analog designs. Driving/reviewing yield/lab test results to drive bug fixes. Design for ESD compliance.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's of Science in Electric Engineering with 10+ years of relevant experience preferred
Preferred Qualifications
Do you have a proven track record of taking chips to production in the following areas?
Deep knowledge of ADC/DAC architectures and knowing which are suitable for given applications
Deep knowledge of band-gaps, bias, op-amps, switched-cap circuits, LDOs, feedback and compensation techniques
Proven expertise in the following areas:
Significant knowledge of low noise design techniques
Significant knowledge of high precision techniques in presence of device mismatch
Experience in C / Matlab / Verilog modeling
Strong device physics knowledge as it applies to analog IC designs
Proven working experience in using spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, etc. to validate analog designs
Extensive experience working with production test engineers to firm up test plans and design for testability details

What Apple employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976