ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Pdk Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Sr. PDK Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis)

Bastrop, TX · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Join the Starlink/Akoustis Filter Design Team as a Senior PDK Software Engineer. In this role you lead development of next-generation Process Design Kits (PDKs), drive software innovation and AI ...

Globalfoundries

Quantum PDK Engineer

Essex Junction, VT

$98K - $176K/yr

... Engineering, Microelectronics, Physics, Computer Science, or related field * ~5-6+ years of experience in semiconductor design enablement, PDK development, or EDA * Strong knowledge of semiconductor ...

Intel

Technical Program Manager - PDK

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

The Process Design Kits (PDK) team is part of Intel's larger Design Technology Platform (DTP ... Serve as the primary interface between engineering teams, business stakeholders, and leadership.

GlobalFoundries inc.

$118 - $239/hr

Work closely with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver best-in-class DRC solutions that ... Collaborate with different stakeholders to program manage PDK deliverables GlobalFoundries RF ...

Intel

Technical Program Manager - PDK

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

The Process Design Kits (PDK) team is part of Intel's larger Design Technology Platform (DTP ... Serve as the primary interface between engineering teams, business stakeholders, and leadership.

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsPdk Engineer Jobs

Pdk Engineer information

See salary details

$36.5K

$107.3K

$137.5K

How much do pdk engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for pdk engineer in the United States is $107,282.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $136,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PDK engineer?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PDK engineer?

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 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.

More about Pdk Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Pdk Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Pdk Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Pdk Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Pdk Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Pdk Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pdk Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Pdk Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Pdk Engineer jobs are:

Pdk Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pdk Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,282 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Sr. PDK Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. PDK ENGINEER (STARLINK/AKOUSTIS)
Akoustis is now operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX providing industry leading RF filters using patented XBAW technology to help drive the mission of making human life multi-planetary, while also connecting the world through Starlink. Our work will help further the impact that Starlink is already making to millions of users around the world, while allowing us to broaden that reach dramatically and continue connecting the unconnected here on earth.
Join the Starlink/Akoustis Filter Design Team as a Senior PDK Software Engineer. In this role you lead development of next-generation Process Design Kits (PDKs), drive software innovation and AI-enabled automation, and build scalable design infrastructure. You partner closely with RF designers, process engineers, software developers, manufacturing engineers, and automation teams to modernize the XBAW filter design flow and raise engineering productivity through data-driven methods.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Designs, develops, maintains, and enhances Process Design Kits (PDKs) that support complete RF filter design flows across EDA tools including Cadence AWR, ADS, and HFSS, delivering reliable end-to-end design capability within the first 6-12 months
  • Architects scalable software frameworks for PDK generation, validation, deployment, and regression testing that ensure consistent, high-quality releases across process revisions
  • Develops technology files, parameterized cells (PCells), device models, layouts, DRC/LVS rule decks, EM simulation setups, and process constraints that accurately capture manufacturing rules and accelerate design cycles
  • Builds AI-assisted tools and intelligent automation workflows that automate repetitive design tasks, PDK validation, design-rule generation, parameter optimization, anomaly detection, and documentation, measurably improving engineering productivity
  • Develops software applications, APIs, and web-based dashboards that integrate PDKs with internal engineering infrastructure for process monitoring, model validation, and design analytics
  • Collaborates with RF designers to identify workflow bottlenecks and implements AI-powered design assistants that reduce iteration time and raise design efficiency
  • Translates Design Rule Manuals and process documentation into robust, maintainable, automated PDK implementations and creates validation suites that verify device models, parasitic extraction, physical verification, and process consistency
  • Evaluates and deploys emerging AI technologies, including large language models, to accelerate scripting, documentation, and design optimization workflows

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in EDA, PDK development, software engineering, or RF/microwave design
  • 3+ years of object-oriented programming experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or software engineering
  • Advanced Python and C++ programming experience
  • Experience creating custom PCells, layout generators, technology files, DRC/LVS rule decks, and device models
  • Experience with microwave, RF, MEMS, or XBAW filter technologies
  • Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools including HFSS
  • Experience developing desktop applications, APIs, and scalable engineering software platforms
  • Experience with software architecture, design patterns, Git, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing
  • Experience applying machine learning or AI techniques (including LLMs, AI agents, prompt engineering, or RAG) to engineering workflows.
  • Experience building AI-powered automation tools that improve design productivity
  • Experience with scientific computing libraries such as Jupyter, Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, and scikit-learn
  • Experience with PDK integration, validation, regression testing, and release management
  • Experience with semiconductor process technologies, statistical process variation, and physical verification methodologies
  • Experience with piezoelectric devices, MEMS, SAW, BAW, or XBAW technologies
  • Experience with multiphysics simulation and thermal modeling

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Willing to work long hours and weekends as needed
  • Must be willing to work onsite, remote work not considered

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

SpaceX logo

About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

View All SpaceX Jobs

Apply