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Physical Design Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Physical Design information

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$93K

$138.6K

How much do physical design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 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 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.

How to get into physical design?

To enter physical design, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience with hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog, and proficiency in EDA tools such as Synopsys or Cadence, is essential. Internships or entry-level positions in chip design can also provide valuable practical experience.

What is the future of physical design?

The future of physical design in chip design involves increased automation through advanced EDA tools, integration of machine learning for optimization, and a focus on power efficiency and performance. As technology nodes shrink, physical design engineers will need to adapt to more complex constraints and tighter schedules, often requiring expertise in scripting and tool customization.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,538 per year, or $65.6 per hour.

Electrical Engineer - Mid Level - Substation Physical Design Focus (Hybrid/Remote)

Barr

Hibbing, MN • On-site, Remote

$92K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

The role - what you'll do

Barr is seeking a substation physical design engineer to join our electrical engineering team. In this hybrid role, you will support the Engineering and Design business unit in interfacing with clients on the development of substation physical design deliverables for utility upgrades, including greenfield/brownfield substations, wind facilities, and developer interconnection facilities. You will interface with clients, be responsible for understanding client and internal standards, and develop deliverables for projects on time and within the budget.

A successful person in this role will have strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. They must possess a flexible working style and be willing to occasionally modify their schedule to meet deadlines and/or client needs. They must be able to work cooperatively in a project team environment that encourages self-initiative and demonstrate effective project organization and management skills.

Your impact - key responsibilities

  • Technical knowledge: substation and switching station physical design; substation general arrangement drawings; substation elevation views; bill of materials; equipment layout; conduit layout; calculations including grounding analysis and design, cable, conduit, and transformer, sizing, lightning protection, and bus bracing; and specification preparation.

  • Project management: assist in planning, coordinating, and executing projects. Help ensure project milestones are met and provide regular updates to team members and clients.

  • Staff development: support the growth and development of team members.

  • Collaboration: build and sustain strong relationships with clients and internal teams. Collaborate across disciplines to align technical approaches with client goals while contributing to a positive, inclusive team culture.

About you - required core competencies

  • Education: bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field.

  • Experience: 5 years of relevant experience related to the job responsibilities described above.

  • Licenses/certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) certification or ability to obtain within one year.

  • Software: Power Systems Analysis experience (SKM, EasyPower, ETAP).

  • Driver's license: possession of a current, valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.

Helpful additional experience (not required)

  • 10+ years of experience at a consulting engineering or industrial company.

  • Experience working directly with clients.

  • Familiarity with industry codes and standards (NEC, NESC, IEEE, NFPA).

About the opportunity

  • Hybrid: A hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position can be based out of Barr's Denver or Fort Collins, CO, Minneapolis, Duluth or Hibbing, MN, Grand Rapids or Ann Arbor, Michigan, Bismarck, ND, or Salt Lake City, UT offices.

  • Remote: a remote work arrangement may be considered for this position. A remote arrangement refers to working primarily from a home office. Remote arrangements will be considered based on candidate qualifications, local regulations, and Barr's needs.

  • Travel expectation: Up to 10-15 percent domestic fieldwork.

  • Work environment: Ability to work in locations that feature the rough terrain typical of construction sites or require lifting or moving field testing equipment. Safety training will be provided prior to being given work assignments on these sites. Applicants may be asked to participate in a drug screening program at the request of specific clients. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

  • Compensation: Anticipated range of $92,000-125,000 annually. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-Remote

Benefits - what we offer

We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.

  • Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care

  • Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock

  • Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders

  • Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities

  • Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave

  • Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities

Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.

About us - why choose Barr

At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.

As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.

To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture

Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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