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Physical Design Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Micron Technology

SMTS Physical Design Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$142K - $146K/yr

As the Physical Design Engineer, you will own the complete back-end implementation of a high-speed interface chip program - from synthesis netlist through GDSII tape-out. This is a full-flow PD role ...

Micron

SMTS Physical Design Engineer

Minneapolis, MN

$142K - $146K/yr

As the Physical Design Engineer, you will own the complete back-end implementation of a high-speed interface chip program - from synthesis netlist through GDSII tape-out. This is a full-flow PD role ...

Micron

Engineer, ASIC Physical Design

Minneapolis, MN

$142K - $176K/yr

Chip floor-planning, physical design, IP integration, static timing analysis, design validation, and required tape-out revisions. Implement and manage the layout process including floor-planning ...

Leidos

Senior Substation Physical Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site +1

$109K - $149K/yr

In this role, you'll apply your expertise in digital logic design and AC/DC circuits to develop safe, reliable, and efficient substation physical layouts. From equipment arrangement to grounding and ...

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Physical Design information

See Minnesota salary details

$93K

$138.6K

How much do physical design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for physical design in Minnesota is $136,538.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,200.00 and $137,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is physical design in the context of electronics and semiconductors?

Physical design refers to the process of transforming a circuit's logical representation into a geometrical layout that can be manufactured on a semiconductor chip. This involves placing and routing the various components, such as transistors and interconnections, while meeting performance, power, and area constraints. Physical design engineers use specialized software tools to optimize the layout and ensure it adheres to manufacturing rules. The process is a critical step in the development of integrated circuits (ICs) and directly impacts the chip’s speed, power consumption, and size.

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

To thrive as a Physical Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, digital circuit design, and VLSI concepts, usually supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with EDA tools like Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics, as well as familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., TCL, Perl), is essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you address complex design challenges and collaborate within cross-functional teams. These competencies are crucial for optimizing chip layouts, ensuring manufacturability, and meeting performance and timing requirements in semiconductor development.

What are some common challenges faced by Physical Design engineers in meeting timing closure during chip development?

Physical Design engineers often encounter challenges in achieving timing closure due to factors such as increasing circuit complexity, tight power and area constraints, and process variations. Meeting timing goals requires careful floorplanning, placement, and routing, as well as close collaboration with logic design and verification teams to resolve critical path issues. Engineers must also frequently iterate designs and use advanced EDA tools to optimize performance while balancing trade-offs between speed, power, and manufacturability.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or hardware engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries like technology or finance. Executive-level engineering roles, such as CTOs or engineering directors, may also reach or exceed this compensation level. Achieving this salary often requires advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

What does a physical designer do?

A physical designer is responsible for translating a digital circuit design into a physical layout on silicon, ensuring that the design meets timing, power, and area requirements. They use electronic design automation (EDA) tools to place and route components, optimize performance, and verify manufacturability. This role requires knowledge of semiconductor fabrication processes and design rules.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

In the field of physical design, senior engineers such as chip design engineers or EDA (Electronic Design Automation) specialists can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in hardware description languages, and proficiency with tools like Synopsys or Cadence. High compensation is often associated with roles in semiconductor companies or large tech firms, and may include bonuses and stock options.

What are 20 careers in design?

Design careers encompass roles such as graphic designer, industrial designer, user experience (UX) designer, user interface (UI) designer, fashion designer, interior designer, web designer, product designer, architectural designer, game designer, motion graphics designer, textile designer, visual designer, packaging designer, exhibit designer, landscape designer, furniture designer, multimedia designer, branding designer, and CAD technician. These roles often require proficiency with design software, creativity, and technical skills, and they can be found in industries like technology, fashion, architecture, entertainment, and advertising.

What is the difference between Physical Design vs Logic Design?

AspectPhysical DesignLogic Design
Primary FocusTranslating logical circuits into physical layoutsCreating logical circuit schematics and functional specifications
Skills RequiredEDA tools, layout constraints, circuit optimizationHardware description languages, digital logic, circuit theory
Work EnvironmentASIC/FPGA design teams, semiconductor companiesDesign teams, electronic design automation (EDA) environments
CertificationsTypically none specific, but EDA tool proficiency is valuedHardware description language certifications (e.g., VHDL, Verilog)

Physical Design and Logic Design are closely related stages in chip development. Logic Design focuses on creating the logical circuit functions, while Physical Design involves implementing those functions into physical layouts on silicon. Both roles require knowledge of digital circuits, but Physical Design emphasizes layout optimization and tool proficiency, whereas Logic Design centers on circuit behavior and description.

What are popular job titles related to Physical Design jobs in Minnesota? For Physical Design jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Physical Design jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Physical Design jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Physical Design jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Physical Design job openings:
Physical Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physical Design job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,538 per year, or $65.6 per hour.
Hardware Developer/ Physical Design Engineer

Hardware Developer/ Physical Design Engineer

Donato Technologies, Inc

Rochester, MN • On-site

$138K - $142K/yr

Contractor

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job details
Job role: Hardware Developer/ Physical Design Engineer
Location: Rochester, MN
Duration: 12 months
 

Required Professional and Technical Expertise
ď‚· BS Computer/Electrical Engineering or related
ď‚· 5+ years of experience in high-frequency processor physical design
ď‚· Proficiency in scription languages such as Python, Tcl, SKILL, etc.
ď‚· Hands-on experience with industry-standard Physical Design tools
ď‚· Strong understanding of physical design flows and methodologies
ď‚· Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills
ď‚· Strong verbal and written communication skills
ď‚· Demonstrated ability in influence cross-functional teams and mentor peers
ď‚· Proven track record of solving complex design problems and implementing innovative
solutions
Preferred Professional and Technical Expertise
ď‚· Experience with Cadence tools, including:
ď‚· Genus for synthesis
ď‚· Innovus for implementation and timing closure
ď‚· Tempus for timing signoff
ď‚· Virtuoso for integration
ď‚· Physical checking and verification
ď‚· Cross-disciplinary design experience (e.g. analog/digital co-design)
ď‚· Familiarity with Agile development processes and iterative design cycles