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Physical Design Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

SoC Physical Design Engineer, PnR

Austin, TX · On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

We are seeking a seasoned Physical Design technical leader with deep expertise in high-performance & low-power design. In this highly visible role, you will work closely with cross-functional teams ...

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 ...

CPU Physical Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

SoC Physical Design Engineer, PnR

Austin, TX · On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

We are seeking a seasoned Physical Design technical leader with deep expertise in high-performance & low-power design. In this highly visible role, you will work closely with cross-functional teams ...

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 Engineer - STA

Austin, TX · On-site

$100K - $500K/yr

You'll collaborate closely with logic, DFT, and physical design teams to debug constraints, optimize paths, and ensure our chips meet performance targets across corners and modes. This role is hybrid ...

Staff Physical Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$100K - $500K/yr

Tenstorrent is seeking talented Physical Design Engineers to implement high-performance blocks for our industry-leading CPU and AI/ML architectures. You'll own the complete implementation flow from ...

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 ...

SoC Physical Design Engineer, PnR

Austin, TX

$134K - $138K/yr

We are seeking a seasoned Physical Design technical leader with deep expertise in high-performance & low-power design. In this highly visible role, you will work closely with cross-functional teams ...

SoC Physical Design Engineer, PnR

Austin, TX

$134K - $138K/yr

Description In Physical Design, you will be at the center of design effort collaborating with architecture, CAD, timing and logic design teams, with a critical impact on delivering best in class ...

GPU Top Level Physical Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

Description As a GPU Top Level Physical Design engineer, you will collaborate with FE team to understand RTL and drive physical aspects early in design cycle. You will drive innovation with the ...

SoC Physical Design Engineer, PnR

Austin, TX

$134K - $138K/yr

We are seeking a seasoned Physical Design technical leader with deep expertise in high-performance & low-power design. In this highly visible role, you will work closely with cross-functional teams ...

Physical Design Engineer, PnR

Austin, TX · On-site

$100K - $500K/yr

Tenstorrent is seeking talented Physical Design Engineers to implement high-performance partitions for an industry-leading AI SOC. You'll own the complete implementation flow from synthesis to ...

Senior Physical Design Integration Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

The Physical Design Integration Engineer performs physical design implementation of custom CPU designs from RTL to GDS to create a design database that is ready for manufacturing. Conducts all ...

Perform semiconductor engineering design, development, and testing for firm products and devices in conjunction with product development for the electronic communications industry. Implement new ...

SoC Physical Design Engineer, PnR

Austin, TX · On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

Description In Physical Design, you will be at the center of design effort collaborating with architecture, CAD, timing and logic design teams, with a critical impact on delivering best in class ...

Showing results 41-60

Physical Design information

See Texas salary details

$88.5K

$131.8K

How much do physical design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 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.

SoC Physical Design Engineer, PnR

Apple

Austin, TX • On-site

$134K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

We are seeking a seasoned Physical Design technical leader with deep expertise in high-performance & low-power design. In this highly visible role, you will work closely with cross-functional teams to come up with efficient chip and IP physical architecture taking into account physical design constraints early in the design cycle.
Description
- You will be responsible for all aspects of physical design implementation from RTL2GDS including PnR, bump/RDL, STA, physical verification, EMIR, sign-off.
- You will also collaborate to drive methodologies and "best-known methods" to streamline PD work and develop guidelines and checklists.
- You will be the primary technical contact for your focus area and are motivated to solve more challenging timing closure issues, area & power optimization etc.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum BS and 3+ years of relevant industry experience
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledgeable in partition level P&R implementation including floorplanning, clock & power distribution, timing closure, and physical & electrical verification.
Knowledge of PD construction & analysis flows and methodology.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Recent successful tapeouts in deep submicron technology.
Experience with large SOC designs (>20M gates) with frequencies in excess of 1GHZ.
Shown ability to execute to stringent schedule & die size requirements.
Experienced in industry standard tools and understanding their capabilities and underlying algorithms.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976