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Mask Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a highly skilled PLL Design Engineer to join our engineering team. The ideal ... Working closely with the mask design team to implement layout views of designs. Preferred ...

Are you looking for a Mask layout Design Engineer role? We are seeking a hands-on Senior SRAM Layout Engineer to lead the physical layout creation for SRAM and memory IP in advanced CMOS nodes. In ...

We are seeking a highly skilled PLL Design Engineer to join our engineering team. The ideal ... Working closely with the mask design team to implement layout views of designs. Preferred ...

Layout Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$70K - $110K/yr

AA Degree in Engineering (Bachelor's degree is preferred) or a related field of study or program certificate in Advanced IC Mask Layout Design. * 1+ years of experience in Analog & Mixed Signal IC ...

PIC Engineering Reports to: Senior Director, PIC Engineering About Us Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi ... Drive process integration efforts including mask design, fabrication flow development, and ...

Drive mask design to implement layout view of designs. Top-level simulations to validate top-level ... Bachelor's of Science in Electric Engineering Required. Do you have a proven track record of taking ...

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 ...

Analog Circuit Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$249K/yr

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

Drive mask design to implement layout view of designs. Top-level simulations to validate top-level ... Bachelor's of Science in Electric Engineering Required. Do you have a proven track record of taking ...

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

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

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Showing results 1-20

Mask Design Engineer information

See salary details

$45K

$120.8K

$185.5K

How much do mask design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for mask design engineer in the United States is $120,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $144,000.00 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.
More about Mask Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Mask Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Mask Design Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Mask Design Engineer jobs? The top employers for Mask Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Mask Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Mask Design Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Mask Design Engineer jobs? For Mask Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Mask Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,849 per year, or $58.1 per hour.
PLL Design Engineer

PLL Design Engineer

Apple

Sunnyvale, CA

$126K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled PLL Design Engineer to join our engineering team. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical abilities, a passion for innovation, and extensive experience in designing and implementing PLL architectures and circuits.
In this highly visible role, you will drive innovation within a silicon design group with a critical impact on getting functional products to hundreds of millions of customers quickly.
Description
Our team is responsible for all aspects of silicon development for cellular transceivers, with a particular emphasis on highly integrated and efficient designs and technologies that transform the user experience at the product level.
You will utilize your virtuoso knowledge to design PLL Circuits and component blocks including some of the following: PLL, VCO, LO generation, Dividers, Charge Pumps, XTAL, and other RF/mixed-signal blocks.
In addition to the above responsibilities, you will utilize your technical analysis skills to conduct transistor-level feasibility studies for new RF circuit architectures, as well as be responsible for simulation and modeling to design and develop analog and mixed signal solutions for next-generation wireless chips.","responsibilities":"As an PLL design engineer, you will be responsible for providing clocking solutions for cellular transceiver chips. Responsibilities include:
Working with platform architects, system, and digital design groups to define the requirements for PLL and its sub-blocks based on the system requirements.
Collaborating with the technology team on process selection for the target device.
Driving transistor-level feasibility studies of RF/mixed-signal circuit blocks and architectures.
Designing various component blocks including PLL, VCO, LO generation, Dividers, Charge Pumps, XTAL, TDCs, DTCs, and other RF/mixed-signal blocks.
Conducting transistor-level feasibility studies for new RF circuit architectures and working with platform architects and systems groups to define overall PLL specs.
Behavioral modeling of PLL to derive block-level requirements.
Floor planning and working with layout designers to implement circuit design with best-practice layout techniques.
Defining bench-level test plans and validating, characterizing, and debugging designs through high-volume production.
Working closely with the mask design team to implement layout views of designs.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience designing fractional-N PLLs, Digital PLLs, sigma-delta PLLs, and VCOs.
Strong knowledge of loop design to optimize for phase noise/jitter, lock time, reference spur, area, power, etc.
Understanding of device physics and demonstrated ability to apply that to optimize noise, power, area, frequency of PLL blocks.
Knowledge of bandgaps, bias, opamps, LDOs, feedback, and compensation techniques.
Should be familiar with Cadence Virtuoso, SpectreRF, and/or C/Matlab/VerilogA modeling.
Familiarity with various RF transceiver architectures and their trade-offs is considered a plus.
Bring-up and debugging skills, and experience in working with production test engineers to build test plans and design for testability.
Ability to stay up to date with industry trends and new technologies to drive continuous improvement.
Familiarity with digital design, digital verification, and system-verilog modeling.
Familiarity with AI/ML optimization and automation flows.
Minimum Qualifications
BSEE required.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $126,800 and $220,900, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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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