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Mask Layout Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

Job Title: Analog Layout Design Engineer Job location: Santa Clara, CA, 95054 Job Duration: 3 ... Utilizing advanced CAD tools and mask design knowledge to deliver correct and robust layout that ...

The team has an exciting opportunity for a IC Layout Design Engineer V to join our diverse team executing full-custom integrated circuit development with specific responsibility for driving the ...

Senior Mask Layout Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

As a Senior Mask Layout Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to ... You will also have the opportunity to work closely with the photonic and ion trap design and ...

Analog Layout Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$249K/yr

Analog Layout Design Engineer We are currently looking for an Analog Layout Design Engineer for an onsite position in California with one of our clients. Based on your background, I wanted to reach ...

As an AMR Layout Design Engineer will be responsible for the engineering design and deployment of AMR systems at customer facilities, validating and ensuring the systems as installed are safe and in ...

As an AMR Layout Design Engineer will be responsible for the engineering design and deployment of AMR systems at customer facilities, validating and ensuring the systems as installed are safe and in ...

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 ...

Good Understanding of deep sub-micron layout techniques and issues in CMOS process technology nodes ... Mask Design team lead for the client engagement - Interface with the Circuit Design team at Onsite ...

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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 Jul 12, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $120,849 per year, or $58.1 per hour.
Digital Layout Design Engineer

Digital Layout Design Engineer

Apple

Austin, TX

$137K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 670 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Do you have a passion for crafting entirely new solutions?
As part of our Digital Design Engineering group, you’ll take imaginative and revolutionary ideas and determine how to turn them into reality! You and your team will apply engineering fundamentals and start from scratch if needed, bringing forward-thinking ideas to the real world. Join us, and you’ll help design the tools that allow us to bring customers experiences they’ve never before envisioned.
You will be part of an exciting silicon design group that is responsible for designing state-of-the-art ASICs. We have an extraordinary opportunity for Digital Layout Designers!
In this highly visible role, you will be a member of Apple’s custom layout team, working on the latest technology nodes to create extraordinary custom digital macros, libraries, etc. This is a fast paced work environment with endless learning opportunities working in the design team with members of integration, CAD, circuit and technology engineering.
Description
Imagine yourself at the center of our SOC design effort, collaborating with all fields, playing a strategic role of getting functional products to millions of customers quickly.
You will have the opportunity to integrate and come-up with new ideas, as well as work with a team of hardworking engineers. As a member of the layout team of the microprocessor group, you will be responsible to deliver PDV clean layout, including the following:
- Designing complex custom layout for digital circuits in deep SubMicron CMOS technologies.
- Reviewing and analyzing floorplans and complex circuits with circuit designers.
- Running a complete set of layout design verification tools available on megacells completed.
- Working with the circuit design team to plan, schedule work and negotiate layout tradeoffs as needed.
- Interpretation of LVS, DRC and ERC report to find the fastest way to complete layouts.
- Exceed engineering specifications and expectations.
- Use advanced CAD tools, 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 SubMicron CMOS circuits.
High level proficiency in layout floorplanning, standard cell planning and hierarchical layout assembly.
Good understanding of issues with RC delay, electromigration, self heating and cross capacitance.
Recognize failure prone layout structures, dedicatedly work with designers for the best approach to problems.
Excellent communication skills and able to work with multi-functional teams.
Great skills on interpretation of CALIBRE DRC, ERC, LVS, etc. reports.
Knowledge of MENTOR GRAPHICS or CADENCE layout tools
Scripting skills in CSH, PERL or SKILL are considered a plus, but not required.
Experience in layout automation is considered a plus, but not required.
Experience in memory compiler development is considered a plus, but not required.
Experience designing low noise, low power datapaths or Memory layout structures, etc.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors degree in relevant field of study + 3 years of relevant experience
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 $137,500 and $250,700, 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