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Physical Design Returnship information

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$95K

$141.5K

How much do physical design returnship jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for physical design returnship in the United States is $139,408.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,000.00 and $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Physical Design Returnship?

A Physical Design Returnship is a specialized temporary position in the semiconductor industry designed for professionals who are returning to the workforce after a career break, specifically in the area of physical design of integrated circuits (ICs). Participants typically work on tasks such as floorplanning, placement, routing, and timing analysis for chip design. The returnship provides training, mentorship, and hands-on experience to help individuals refresh their technical skills and transition smoothly back into a full-time role. It serves as a bridge for experienced engineers to re-enter the fast-evolving field of VLSI and semiconductor design.

What is the difference between Physical Design Returnship vs Physical Design Engineer?

AspectPhysical Design ReturnshipPhysical Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a recent degree or equivalent experience in EDA, VLSI, or related fieldsRequires a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields, often with professional experience
Work EnvironmentTemporary, internship-like role focused on training and skill development within a companyFull-time professional role involving design, implementation, and verification of chip layouts
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by semiconductor companies for talent development and onboardingCommonly employed in semiconductor and electronics companies for ongoing design projects

The Physical Design Returnship is a temporary program aimed at individuals re-entering the industry, focusing on training and skill enhancement. In contrast, a Physical Design Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing and implementing chip layouts. While both roles require knowledge of physical design principles, the returnship emphasizes learning and transition, whereas the engineer role involves ongoing project responsibilities.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a Physical Design Returnship, and how do they support my transition back into the field?

During a Physical Design Returnship, you’ll typically work on real-world VLSI or ASIC chip design projects, focusing on tasks like floorplanning, placement, routing, timing closure, and design rule checks. These roles often pair returnees with mentors and encourage collaboration with experienced engineers, offering hands-on exposure to industry tools and workflows. The supportive environment is designed to help you refresh your technical skills, rebuild confidence, and familiarize yourself with the latest technologies and methodologies, ultimately easing your transition back into a full-time physical design role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Physical Design Returnship, and why are they important?

To excel in a Physical Design Returnship, a strong background in electrical engineering, digital design concepts, and VLSI fundamentals is essential, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with EDA tools such as Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics, as well as scripting languages like TCL or Python, is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help candidates excel in collaborative and deadline-driven environments. These abilities are vital for delivering high-quality, efficient chip layouts and ensuring integration with broader engineering teams.
Infographic showing various Physical Design Returnship job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,408 per year, or $67 per hour.
Senior Physical Design Applications Engineer Returnship

Senior Physical Design Applications Engineer Returnship

Cadence Design Systems Inc.

Austin, TX • On-site

$59K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

Are you looking to re-enter the workforce as a Physical Design Application Engineer after taking a career break for caregiving?

Who is eligible to apply:
Please ONLY consider applying if you are a Physical Designer and (IMPORTANT) who has been out of the workforce for caregiving for a period of at least two years and have a minimum of three years of Physical Design work experience. This role is not open to new college grads or interns. Please check our career site for those roles.
Cadence is offering an opportunity to qualified candidates who meet our eligibility criteria to participate in a 16-week paid returnship program. You will be entered in a tailored program designed to jump start your skills through training, hands on projects and customer interaction. You will have an opportunity to update your resume, build connections and participate in fun events as you re-enter the workforce.
In this program, you will work with best in class EDA tools, collaborate with R&D and the Sales team in a dynamic, innovative environment. Learn processes that are in the forefront of technology, how a company like Cadence works as well as experience how teams solve problems.


We are seeking individuals with experience in Digital Synthesis, Place and Route and Signoff Analysis.
Where is this returnship located: San Jose, CA
What opportunity is offered: Candidates will find opportunities to be in the Application Engineering field spanning across Digital Synthesis, Place and Route and Signoff Analysis.

How long is this returnship: 16 weeks
Company Description:
At Cadence, our core values are more than just words, they are the way we work, laugh, debate, care, question, and innovate together. We are One Cadence-One Team.
Cadence plays a critical role in creating the technologies that modern life depends on. We are a global electronic design automation (EDA) company, providing software, hardware, and intellectual property to design advanced semiconductor chips that enable our customers create revolutionary products and experiences. Our team's shared passion for solving the world's toughest technical challenges and drive to do meaningful work makes us proud to be part of Cadence. Our unique culture has been recognized on FORTUNE Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For list and garnered accolades from the Great Place To Work Institute around the globe.

#LI-MA1

The annual salary range for California is $59,500 to $110,500. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.

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