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Physical Design Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

CPU Physical Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

Performs physical design implementation of custom CPU designs from RTL to GDS to create a design database that is ready for manufacturing. * Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow ...

CPU Physical Design Engineer

Austin, TX

$134K - $138K/yr

Performs physical design implementation of custom CPU designs from RTL to GDS to create a design database that is ready for manufacturing. * Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow ...

GPU Physical Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

This role requires a mix of strategic engineering along with hands-on experience in physical design and large chip integration, being responsible for implementing complete chip design from RTL to ...

GPU Physical Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

This role requires a mix of strategic engineering along with hands-on experience in physical design and large chip integration, being responsible for implementing complete chip design from RTL to ...

Experience in high-performance, low-power physical design implementation or design convergence with industry standard synthesis, PnR and singoff tools. Preferred qualifications: * Master's degree or ...

GPU Physical Design Engineer

Austin, TX

$134K - $138K/yr

This role requires a mix of strategic engineering along with hands-on experience in physical design and large chip integration, being responsible for implementing complete chip design from RTL to ...

This role requires a mix of strategic engineering along with hands‑on experience in physical design and large chip integration, being responsible for implementing complete chip design from RTL to ...

GPU Physical Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

This role requires a mix of strategic engineering along with hands-on experience in physical design and large chip integration, being responsible for implementing complete chip design from RTL to ...

GPU Physical Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

This role requires a mix of strategic engineering along with hands-on experience in physical design and large chip integration, being responsible for implementing complete chip design from RTL to ...

GPU Physical Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

This role requires a mix of strategic engineering along with hands-on experience in physical design and large chip integration, being responsible for implementing complete chip design from RTL to ...

GPU Physical Design PPA Engineer

Austin, TX

$134K - $138K/yr

Your responsibilities include: -Drive multi-functional collaboration with Front-End, Physical Design and STA teams to improve performance, power and area for the next generation GPU designs ...

This role requires a mix of strategic engineering along with hands-on experience in physical design and large chip integration, being responsible for implementing complete chip design from RTL to ...

Physical Design Methodology CAD Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

Description - Participating and engaging with cross functional teams to tackle key physical design challenges. - Developing innovative solutions in physical design and optimization space ...

This role requires a mix of strategic engineering along with hands-on experience in physical design and large chip integration, being responsible for implementing complete chip design from RTL to ...

GPU Physical Design PPA Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

Your responsibilities include: -Drive multi-functional collaboration with Front-End, Physical Design and STA teams to improve performance, power and area for the next generation GPU designs ...

This role requires a mix of strategic engineering along with hands-on experience in physical design and large chip integration, being responsible for implementing complete chip design from RTL to ...

This role requires a mix of strategic engineering along with hands-on experience in physical design and large chip integration, being responsible for implementing complete chip design from RTL to ...

Showing results 21-40

Physical Design information

See Texas salary details

$88.5K

$131.8K

How much do physical design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for physical design in Texas is $129,881.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,700.00 and $130,400.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Physical Design jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Physical Design jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Physical Design jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Physical Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Physical Design job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,881 per year, or $62.4 per hour.

CPU Physical Design Engineer

Intel Corporation

Austin, TX • On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Intel rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Job Details:
Job Description:
Intel is shaping the future of technology to help create a better future for the entire world. Our work in pushing forward fields like AI, analytics, and cloud-to-edge technology is at the heart of countless innovations. With a career at Intel, you'll have the opportunity to use technology to power major breakthroughs and create enhancements that improve our everyday quality of life. Join us and help make the future more wonderful for everyone.
Life at Intel
As a member of Intel's CPU development team, you will have a front seat in designing the latest core IP to power cutting edge compute processors across client, server, and AI fields.
We innovate state of the art microprocessor architecture on the most advanced and latest process technologies with a focus on power efficiency. Our core designs are present in nearly all segments of Intel's compute roadmap.
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Performs physical design implementation of custom CPU designs from RTL to GDS to create a design database that is ready for manufacturing.
  • Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock tree synthesis, floor planning, static timing analysis, power/clock distribution, reliability, and power and noise analysis.
  • Conducts verification and signoff including formal equivalence verification, static timing analysis, reliability verification, static and dynamic power integrity, layout verification, electrical rule checking, and structural design checking. Analyzes results and makes recommendations to improve current and future CPU microarchitectures closely collaborating with logic, circuit, architecture, and design automation teams.
  • Possesses CPU specific expertise in various aspects of structural and physical design, including physical clock design, timing closure, coverage analysis, multiple power domain analysis, structured placement, routing, synthesis, and DFT.
  • Works intimately with industry EDA vendors to build and enhance tool capabilities to design a highspeed, low power synthesizable CPU.
  • Optimizes CPU design to improve product level parameters such as power, frequency, and area. Participates in the development and improvement of physical design methodologies and flow automation.

Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications are required to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates. Requirements listed would be obtained through a combination of industry relevant job experience, internship experiences and or schoolwork/classes/research.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field with 2+ years of relevant work experience or M.S. in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field (or higher degree) with 1+ years of relevant work experience.
  • 1+ years' experience in Synthesis of a digital logic block or partition.

1+ years of experience in each of the following (may be obtained through coursework and/or internship):
  • Integrated circuit design tools (ex: Synopsys/Cadence), including logic synthesis, place and route, static timing analysis and design closure.
  • PV convergence (such as static timing and power analysis).
  • Chip physical design verification including formal equivalence, electrical rules, DRC/LVS, and Noise flow.
  • TCL Scripting.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • Knowledge with Physical design best known practices concerning floor-planning, routing techniques, clock distribution.
  • At least 1 Completion of Tape Out on advanced technologies.
  • Knowledge of Static Timing Analysis, Noise analysis, and reliability verification techniques.
  • Knowledge of RTL to GDS methodologies and formal equivalence
  • Experience performing CPU level timing analysis and optimization, ensuring designs meet functional and performance requirements.
  • Experience generating and verifying timing constraints while addressing timing violations at the chip or block level for CPU cores.
  • Experience working closely with the clocking team and full-chip designers to balance timing fixes, power delivery, clocking, and partitioning.

Benefits at Intel
Our total rewards package goes above and beyond just a paycheck. Whether you're looking to build your career, improve your health, or protect your wealth, we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals. Go to Intel Benefits | Intel Careers for details of benefits available to you. Intel reserves the right to modify, change or discontinue benefit plans at any time in its sole discretion.
Job Type:
College Grad
Shift:
Shift 1 (United States of America)
Primary Location:
US, Texas, Austin
Additional Locations:
Posting Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.
Position of Trust
N/A
Benefits
We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.
Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $105,650.00-149,150.00 USD
The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Work Model for this Role
This role will require an on-site presence. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.

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About Intel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Intel strives to make every facet of semiconductor manufacturing state-of-the-art -- from semiconductor process development and manufacturing, through yield improvement to packaging, final test and optimization, and world class Supply Chain and facilities support. Employees in the Technology and Manufacturing Group are part of a worldwide network of design, development, manufacturing, and assembly/test facilities, all focused on utilizing the power of Moore's Law to bring smart, connected devices to every person on Earth

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1968