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Semiconductor Design Engineer Jobs in California

Micron Technology

Principal Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$145 - $298/hr

JR94425 Principal Design Engineer Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to ... Proficient fundamentals in semiconductor and device physics and analog/mixed‑signal circuit ...

ChipAgents

Senior Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$180K - $350K/yr

Founded by experts in AI and semiconductor design, we partner with top-10 semiconductor companies ... This is an engineering role for someone with exceptional product judgment and strong opinions about ...

Etech Hi

ASIC / VLSI Engineers

Milpitas, CA · On-site

These roles are within a leading semiconductor design services organization, supporting long-term engagements with tier-1 clients in networking and advanced silicon. Open roles: * RTL Engineer ...

Micron

Staff Engineer, CE CAD

San Jose, CA

$106K - $267K/yr

The AI Design Enablement team focuses on applying AI-assisted methods to real semiconductor design challenges, helping accelerate development, improve quality, and enhance engineering efficiency ...

ChipAgents

Design and Verification Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150 - $350/hr

About ChipAgents ChipAgents is reinventing semiconductor design and verification through agentic AI ... In this role, you will work side‑by‑side with our AI engineering and research groups to build ...

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Semiconductor Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$40K

$87K

$156.4K

How much do semiconductor design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for semiconductor design engineer in California is $86,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a semiconductor design engineer?

To thrive as a Semiconductor Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, semiconductor physics, and circuit design, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD tools like Cadence or Synopsys, as well as experience with HDL languages such as Verilog or VHDL, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help differentiate top performers in this role. These skills ensure the efficient design, verification, and optimization of complex semiconductor devices, which are critical for innovation and product reliability.

What are some common challenges semiconductor design engineers face when working on complex chip projects?

Semiconductor Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing performance, power consumption, and area constraints while meeting strict project deadlines. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—including verification, manufacturing, and software engineers—requires strong communication and adaptability skills. Additionally, staying updated with rapidly evolving tools and industry standards is essential to ensure successful tape-out and avoid costly design errors. Addressing these challenges helps build expertise and opens up opportunities for advancement in the field.

What is the difference between Semiconductor Design Engineer vs Semiconductor Test Engineer?

AspectSemiconductor Design EngineerSemiconductor Test Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning integrated circuits and semiconductor devicesTesting and validating semiconductor products for functionality and quality
Required SkillsVLSI design, CAD tools, circuit theoryTest methodologies, debugging, automation tools
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, collaboration with R&D teamsTest labs, production lines, quality assurance teams
Industry UsageUsed by chip manufacturers, electronics companiesUsed by testing and quality assurance departments in semiconductor firms

While both roles are essential in the semiconductor industry, Semiconductor Design Engineers focus on creating and developing new chip designs, whereas Semiconductor Test Engineers ensure these chips meet quality standards through rigorous testing. Both roles require technical expertise and often collaborate during product development cycles.

How much do semiconductor design engineers make?

Semiconductor design engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, location, and education. Senior engineers with specialized skills in VLSI design or FPGA development can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. Compensation may also include bonuses, stock options, and benefits based on the employer and industry demand.

What does a semiconductor design engineer do?

A semiconductor design engineer develops and tests integrated circuits and semiconductor devices used in electronic equipment. They use electronic design automation (EDA) tools, create circuit schematics, and verify performance through simulations to ensure functionality and efficiency. This role often requires knowledge of physics, electrical engineering, and proficiency in programming languages such as VHDL or Verilog.

What are popular job titles related to Semiconductor Design Engineer jobs in California?

For Semiconductor Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Semiconductor Design Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Semiconductor Design Engineer jobs in California are:

Semiconductor Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Semiconductor Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,995 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

New College Grad - Design Engineer, Circuit Design

Micron Technology, Inc

San Jose, CA • On-site

$83 - $170/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Micron Technology rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Req ID: JR94667 New College Grad - Design Engineer, Circuit Design

Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all. Micron Technology is a world leader in innovating memory and storage solutions that accelerate the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.

The Non‑Volatile Engineering (NVEG) NAND Flash design and verification team at Micron Technology develops advanced memory solutions that deliver leading die size, performance, reliability, and power efficiency. The team collaborates closely across functions to bring innovative NAND technologies from concept through production while supporting Micron’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and global community impact.

The Design/Verification Engineer contributes to the architecture, design, simulation, and verification of NAND Flash circuits and systems. This role spans analog and digital domains and works multi‑functionally to ensure robust, manufacturable, and high‑performance memory products that meet cost, quality, and schedule requirements.

Responsibilities
  • Participate in multi‑functional evaluations of key features and recommend architectural decisions for NAND Flash designs.
  • Break down system functions into analog and/or digital circuits and design, simulate, optimize, and floor plan NAND circuitry.
  • Analyze design feasibility and circuit functionality, including performance, power, and reliability.
  • Validate designs through block‑ and chip‑level simulations using industry‑standard simulators and defined verification coverage.
  • Collaborate with multi‑functional teams to evaluate NAND die performance, power consumption, manufacturability, and root‑cause analysis.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Knowledge of analog design theory, loop stability analysis, device physics, and CMOS device reliability.
  • Understanding of memory cell read/write operations, array architecture, and unit‑block verification methodologies.
  • Experience in transistor‑level analog and digital IC design using CMOS, including simulation and post‑layout analysis.
  • Experience designing several analog/digital blocks such as bandgap references, regulators, charge pumps, ADC/DACs, oscillators, comparators, sensors, or custom logic.
  • Working knowledge of digital design flow (Verilog, RTL synthesis, logic simulation, place and route), scripting languages (Perl, Python, or C++), and Verilog‑A basics, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Exposure to AI/ML or data‑driven automation techniques, such as Python scripting or AI‑assisted development tools, to improve design or verification efficiency.
  • Proficient knowledge of memory cell test flow and hands‑on lab experience with IC characterization and debugging.
  • Familiarity with circuit‑level reliability fundamentals, including aging effects and device stress mechanisms.
  • Advanced expertise with analog and digital simulators such as HSPICE, Verilog, XA, or Finesim.
  • Experience with Cadence design environments and LVS/DRC tools, along with deeper expertise in scripting or digital implementation flows.
Job Profile(s)
  • Semiconductor Design Engineer 1
  • Semiconductor Design Engineer 2

Relocation Level: TBD

Compensation

Base salary range: $83,000.00 – $170,000.00 per year. Additional compensation may include bonuses and equity per business needs.

Benefits

Micron offers medical, dental, and vision plans; income protection; paid family leave; paid time‑off; and paid holidays.

Micron is proud to be an equal‑opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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