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Mask Layout Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Services Group, Engineering Services Group > Mask Layout Design General Summary: Qualcomm is a company of inventors that unlocked 5G, ushering in an age of rapid acceleration in ...

... mask design knowledge to layout corrections and robust physical design representation of circuits. Bachelors degree in relevant field of study + 3 years of relevant experience We are looking for ...

... mask design knowledge to layout corrections and robust physical design representation of circuits. Preferred Qualifications We are looking for applicants experience in custom layout design of deep ...

... mask design knowledge to layout corrections and robust physical design representation of circuits. Preferred Qualifications We are looking for applicants experience in custom layout design of deep ...

... mask design knowledge to layout corrections and robust physical design representation of circuits. Preferred Qualifications We are looking for applicants experience in custom layout design of deep ...

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 ...

... mask design knowledge to layout corrections and robust physical design representation of circuits. Preferred Qualifications We are looking for applicants experience in custom layout design of deep ...

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 ...

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Mask Layout Design Engineer information

See salary details

$45K

$120.8K

$185.5K

How much do mask layout design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for mask layout 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 are Mask Layout Design Engineers?

Mask Layout Design Engineers are specialized professionals in the semiconductor industry who create detailed layouts for integrated circuits (ICs). They translate circuit schematics into geometric patterns that define where components and connections will be formed on a silicon wafer. Their work ensures that chips are manufacturable, reliable, and meet performance specifications. They work closely with circuit designers and use advanced electronic design automation (EDA) tools to optimize layouts for size, speed, and power efficiency.

What are some common challenges Mask Layout Design Engineers face when working on advanced semiconductor nodes?

Mask Layout Design Engineers working on advanced semiconductor nodes often encounter challenges such as managing extremely tight design rules, ensuring layout accuracy to avoid costly fabrication errors, and coordinating with circuit designers to optimize layouts for performance and yield. The increasing complexity of devices at smaller nodes requires careful attention to detail and effective use of electronic design automation (EDA) tools. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including process engineers and verification specialists, is essential to address these challenges and deliver high-quality layouts on schedule.

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

To thrive as a Mask Layout Design Engineer, you need a solid background in semiconductor physics, IC design principles, and proficiency with layout tools, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard EDA tools like Cadence Virtuoso or Synopsys, and familiarity with design rule checks (DRC) and LVS verification are typical technical requirements. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with design and fabrication teams. These abilities are crucial for ensuring accurate and manufacturable integrated circuit layouts that meet performance, cost, and reliability standards.

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

AspectMask Layout Design EngineerIC Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in Electrical Engineering or MicroelectronicsTypically requires a degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in mask shops or cleanroom environments focusing on photomask designWorks in design teams, CAD tools, and simulation environments for integrated circuits
Industry UsageUsed mainly in semiconductor fabrication and mask manufacturingUsed across semiconductor, consumer electronics, and computing industries

While both roles require a background in microelectronics and similar technical skills, the Mask Layout Design Engineer specializes in designing photomasks used in chip fabrication, whereas the IC Design Engineer focuses on designing the integrated circuits themselves. Both roles are essential in the semiconductor industry but differ in their specific focus and work environment.

More about Mask Layout Design Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Mask Layout Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Mask Layout Design Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Mask Layout Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. 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.
Mask Layout Designer

Mask Layout Designer

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 191 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Services Group, Engineering Services Group > Mask Layout Design
General Summary:
Qualcomm is a company of inventors that unlocked 5G, ushering in an age of rapid acceleration in connectivity and new possibilities that will transform industries, create jobs, and enrich lives. But this is just the beginning. It takes inventive minds with diverse skills, backgrounds, and cultures to transform 6G's potential into world-changing technologies and products. This is the Invention Age, and this is where you come in.
QCT WAN RFIC design group is seeking an experienced Mask Layout Designer to fulfill both block and project lead level roles working in a very large team environment.
Responsibilities will vary depending on experience and expertise. The layout designer will be responsible for physical design of RF and analog circuits in a fast-paced environment. Detailed custom layout including floorplan, placement, routing, verification, and release of final database for high frequency RF circuits. Provide an accurate schedule and plan to meet project milestones, debug complex verification errors, mentor junior layout designers, able to lead a team to deliver high quality layout that meets design requirements, understanding of hierarchical planning and integration, chip design from top down and bottom up through tapeout. Develop and maintain automation scripts (e.g., SKILL, Python, and Perl) to improve layout efficiency, verification/debug workflows, and data checks.
Required for this Role:
  • Associate degree / Certificate with experience and/or education in the following:
  • RF high frequency circuit custom layout at chip, block, and device levels
  • Basic automation scripting (SKILL, Python, and/or Perl) for layout/verification flows

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree with at least one to two year of experience in the following:
  • Custom layout high frequency RF circuits, at chip, block, and device levels including LNA, mixer, opamp, bias, LDO, VCO, etc...
  • Cadence Virtuoso XL
  • Siemens Caliber DRC/ERC/LVS verification and debugging tools
  • Automation scripting using SKILL, Python, and Perl (development, debug, and maintenance)
  • Practical use of AI-assisted tools (e.g., coding assistants) to accelerate scripting, analysis, and documentation while following company security and IP guidelines

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Electronic Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of experience designing custom layouts in relevant domain (e.g., analog, mixed signal, RF, digital design), or related work experience.
OR
Associate's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering or related field and 4+ years of experience designing custom layouts in relevant domain (e.g., analog, mixed signal, RF, digital design), or related work experience.
OR
High School diploma or equivalent and 6+ years of experience designing custom layouts in relevant domain (e.g., analog, mixed signal, RF, digital design), or related work experience.
• 2+ years of experience using layout design and verification tools (e.g., cadence, LVS, rmap).
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$40.77 - $61.15
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985