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Microprocessor Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OR PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field. • 2+ years of experience with high-performance microprocessor design. Key Responsibilities * Collaborate ...

Working knowledge of analog and digital electronics is required; programmable microprocessor design and knowledge of DC-DC converters is a plus. * Working knowledge of ESD, MSL, RoHS, and REACH ...

Working knowledge of analog and digital electronics is required; programmable microprocessor design and knowledge of DC-DC converters is a plus. * Working knowledge of ESD, MSL, RoHS, and REACH ...

Software Engineer Duration: 12+ Months (Could go beyond) Must haves 10+ years of experience Embedded microprocessor design experience C/C++ Experience writing unit tests/test plans Code optimization ...

Principal Software Test Engineer, Onsite

Goleta, CA · On-site

$145K - $195K/yr

... microprocessor design, system on a chip software design, FPGAs, high-speed transceivers, DDR, flash memories, block diagrams, signal analyses or signal generation, and real-time operating systems ...

Showing results 41-60

Microprocessor Design information

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$54K

$126.8K

$158K

How much do microprocessor design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for microprocessor design in the United States is $126,844.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $144,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Microprocessor Design vs Digital Circuit Design?

AspectMicroprocessor DesignDigital Circuit Design
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesigning complex integrated circuits for processors in labs or officesDesigning digital logic circuits for various electronic devices
Industry UsageSemiconductor companies, tech firms, hardware manufacturersElectronics, consumer devices, embedded systems
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Microprocessor Design and Digital Circuit Design share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but Microprocessor Design focuses specifically on creating the central processing units used in computers and devices, while Digital Circuit Design covers a broader range of digital logic components used across various electronic products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a microprocessor designer?

To thrive as a Microprocessor Designer, you need a strong background in computer engineering, digital logic design, and microarchitecture, typically supported by a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Proficiency in hardware description languages (HDLs) like Verilog or VHDL, as well as experience with simulation tools and EDA (Electronic Design Automation) software, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure efficient, innovative processor designs that meet performance, power, and reliability requirements in a collaborative engineering environment.

What are some common challenges faced by microprocessor design engineers during the product development lifecycle?

Microprocessor design engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing power efficiency with performance, ensuring compatibility with evolving industry standards, and meeting tight project deadlines. Debugging and verifying complex architectures can be especially demanding, as small errors can lead to significant functional issues. Additionally, close collaboration with cross-functional teams—including software, hardware, and verification engineers—is essential to ensure a successful design that aligns with product requirements and manufacturability.
More about Microprocessor Design jobs

What states have the most Microprocessor Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Microprocessor Design jobs include:

Infographic showing various Microprocessor Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,844 per year, or $61 per hour.

Processor Design Verification Engineer

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$127K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 244 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > DSP Architecture and Design
General Summary:
A variety of high performance, low power Hexagon/NPU cores are at the heart of Qualcomms multi-tier mobile SOC, Server, IoT, Automotive roadmap. The Hexagon architecture is designed to deliver performance with low power and area over a variety of applications like Audio, Modem, Machine learning, IoT and Automotive
The successful candidate will verify the correct function, performance, and power characteristics of a new high performance, low-power Hexagon DSP/NPU processor core and associated subsystems, collaborate with digital architects and designers to develop verification plans, implement verification environments, and effectively execute verification strategies, with the following responsibilities:
  • Responsible for owning a unit and/or subsystem verification environment through all stages of the verification process
  • Responsible for working closely with architecture, design, and implementation teams to address the full spectrum of verification issues in modern design processes.
  • Responsible for working with customers to which we deliver core IP to help them verify the integration of the processor core in larger components of an SOC
  • Responsible for maintaining a current knowledge of industry trends and activities, and taking the steps necessary to make sure that Qualcomm is on the leading edge of the technology.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's, Computer Engineering and/or Computer Science and/or Electrical Engineering
  • 2+ year experience in digital design verification, including modern verification environments and techniques
  • Detailed understanding of SystemVerilog Testbench verification environment is required.
  • Excellent programming background and skills are required; in particular, a strong background in Object-Oriented programming.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's, Computer Engineering and/or Computer Science and/or Electrical Engineering
  • 2+ year of experience in processor verification
  • Knowledge of cache, memory coherency, interconnect, bus protocol, and processor integration is a strong plus

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience with high-performance microprocessor design.
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:
$127,200.00 - $190,800.00
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

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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