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Pdk Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior PDK Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท Hybrid

$126K - $164K/yr

NVIDIA is seeking a highly motivated and talented PDK Engineer to join the Advanced Technologies Group. In this role, you will align the PDK development plan with foundry partners based on NVIDIA ...

Senior PDK Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$126K - $164K/yr

NVIDIA is seeking a highly motivated and talented PDK Engineer to join the Advanced Technologies Group. In this role, you will align the PDK development plan with foundry partners based on NVIDIA ...

PDK Developer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a skilled PDK Developer to create and maintain Process Design Kits (PDKs) for advanced semiconductor nodes, ensuring seamless integration with Cadence Virtuoso and other EDA tools. Key ...

Technical Program Manager- IP/PDK

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$165K - $241K/yr

Prior experience with multi-party threads, writing summaries for executives and engineers, and keep pre-silicon and post-silicon stakeholders aligned. * Prior experience with IP installation, PDK ...

Technical Program Manager- IP/PDK

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$165K - $241K/yr

Prior experience with multi-party threads, writing summaries for executives and engineers, and keeppre-silicon and post-siliconstakeholders aligned. * Prior experience withIP installation,PDK ...

Sr Foundry Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA ยท On-site

$197K - $276K/yr

... Engineer to serve as the primary technical interface with world-class semiconductor foundry ... Own PDK (Process Design Kit) availability, including version control, validation, and deployment ...

Test structure design for device layout/structure optimization and PDK development for advanced ... Strong ownership to lead engineering projects * BS in Electrical Engineering or related + 9 years ...

Principal Device Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$142K - $191K/yr

Test structure design for device layout/structure optimization and PDK development for advanced ... Strong ownership to lead engineering projects * BS in Electrical Engineering or related + 9 years ...

Principal Device Engineer

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$142K - $191K/yr

Test structure design for device layout/structure optimization and PDK development for advanced ... Strong ownership to lead engineering projects * BS in Electrical Engineering or related + 9 years ...

Principal Device Engineer

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$142K - $191K/yr

Test structure design for device layout/structure optimization and PDK development for advanced ... Strong ownership to lead engineering projects * BS in Electrical Engineering or related + 9 years ...

Design Automation Engineer (TFM/EDA)

Folsom, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $194K/yr

Closely partner with PDK/library experts, flow development teams, as well as with product design teams * Collaborate with EC to provision adequate compute capacity and help debug any associated ...

Closely partner with PDK/library experts, flow development teams, as well as with product design teams * Collaborate with EC to provision adequate compute capacity and help debug any associated ...

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Pdk Engineer information

See California salary details

$36K

$105.9K

$135.7K

How much do pdk engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for pdk engineer in California is $105,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,300.00 and $134,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by PDK Engineers in their daily work?

PDK Engineers often face the challenge of ensuring that design kits remain compatible with rapidly evolving process technologies and EDA tool updates. They must carefully balance accuracy and performance when validating, debugging, and documenting PDK components, often under tight project timelines. Collaboration with process engineers, design teams, and EDA tool vendors is essential to resolve technical issues and ensure seamless integration. This dynamic environment requires adaptability and strong troubleshooting skills to deliver reliable PDKs that meet the evolving needs of semiconductor designers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Pdk Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PDK Engineer, you need a strong background in semiconductor physics, process technology, and electronic design automation (EDA), typically with a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Experience with tools like Cadence Virtuoso, Mentor Graphics, and proficiency in scripting languages such as Python and TCL are highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to detail set candidates apart in this highly collaborative role. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring accurate and efficient delivery of Process Development Kits, which are essential for successful semiconductor design flows.

What is a PDK Engineer job?

A PDK (Process Design Kit) Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and validating process design kits used in semiconductor design and fabrication. They work closely with foundries, design teams, and EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tool vendors to ensure accurate models, rule files, and automation scripts for technology nodes. PDK Engineers play a crucial role in optimizing design flow, ensuring manufacturability, and improving process efficiency in semiconductor development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pdk Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Pdk Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Pdk Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Pdk Engineer jobs in California are:
Senior PDK Engineer

Senior PDK Engineer

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA โ€ข Hybrid

$126K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

NVIDIA is seeking a highly motivated and talented PDK Engineer to join the Advanced Technologies Group. In this role, you will align the PDK development plan with foundry partners based on NVIDIA's test chip and product tapeout schedules. You will be responsible for downloading PDK, performing incoming checks, and managing versions for the CAD and design teams. In addition, you will be responsible for enabling new PDKs and resolving PDKrelated issues in collaboration with foundry partners.

The successful candidate will have a strong electrical engineering background with an in-depth understanding of circuits, layouts, and VLSI design. We are looking for someone with experience in DRC/LVS, HSPICE, RC extraction, and EM analysis. Experience in both analog and digital IP design is preferred. This role involves a combination of engineering and support responsibilities; therefore, the candidate should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.


What you'll be doing:

  • Align the PDK development schedule with foundries

  • Download the PDK and perform incoming checks

  • Manage PDK versions between the foundry and NVIDIA design/tapeout teams

  • Serve as the primary communication channel between NVIDIA and foundry PDK teams for all PDK-related issues and new requests

  • Work with CAD tool vendors to identify and resolve bugs and enable new tool features


What we need to see:

  • B.S. (or equivalent experience) in Electrical Engineering with 10 years of experience or a M.S. in Electrical Engineering with 7 years of experience.

  • Understanding of PDK structure and PDK development processes

  • Understanding basic fab process, mask generation, testing and qualification.

  • Background of mosfet device behavior, CMOS layout, and VLSI design.

  • Great interpersonal skills

  • Passionate about providing excellent support for end-users


NVIDIA has some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our exclusive engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you.


#LI-Hybrid

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 168,000 USD - 264,500 USD for Level 4, and 196,000 USD - 310,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until May 24, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993