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Semiconductor Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lattice Semiconductor

Dir, CAD Eng R&D

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160 - $210/hr

Experience : 15+ years in semiconductor design, with at least 7 years in EDA methodology leadership ... Technical Expertise : Deep knowledge of RTL design, verification, synthesis, place & route, timing ...

Lattice Semiconductor

Dir, CAD Eng R&D

San Jose, CA · On-site

Define and drive the long-term vision for EDA methodologies, flows, and infrastructure to support advanced semiconductor design. * Methodology Development : Architect and implement design flows for ...

ChipAgents

Design and Verification Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$350K/yr

About ChipAgents ChipAgents is reinventing semiconductor design and verification through agentic AI workflows. Founded by leading experts in AI and chip design, we work with top-20 semiconductor ...

Lattice Semiconductor

Dir, CAD Eng - R&D

San Jose, CA · On-site

Experience : 15+ years in semiconductor design, with at least 7 years in EDA methodology leadership. * Technical Expertise : Deep knowledge of RTL design, verification, synthesis, place & route ...

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 workflows. Founded by leading experts in AI and chip design, we work with top-20 semiconductor ...

Lattice Semiconductor

Dir, CAD Eng R&D

San Jose, CA · On-site

Experience : 15+ years in semiconductor design, with at least 7 years in EDA methodology leadership. * Technical Expertise : Deep knowledge of RTL design, verification, synthesis, place & route ...

Lattice

Dir, CAD Eng • R&D

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160 - $200/hr

Experience : 15+ years in semiconductor design, with at least 7 years in EDA methodology leadership ... Technical Expertise : Deep knowledge of RTL design, verification, synthesis, place & route, timing ...

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All JobsSemiconductor Design JobsSemiconductor Design Jobs in California

Semiconductor Design information

See California salary details

$27.6K

$73.4K

$95.2K

How much do semiconductor design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for semiconductor design in California is $73,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,200.00 and $90,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in semiconductor design?

To thrive in Semiconductor Design, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and semiconductor physics, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools like Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics, as well as knowledge of VHDL/Verilog and industry-standard design methodologies, is critical. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure precise, innovative chip designs and effective teamwork in complex, fast-evolving technological environments.

Is semiconductor design a good career?

Semiconductor design is a specialized field involving creating integrated circuits and microchips, requiring skills in electronics, CAD tools, and programming. It offers strong job growth, competitive salaries, and opportunities in technology and manufacturing sectors, making it a promising career choice for those interested in electronics and innovation.

What is a semiconductor design?

A Semiconductor Design job involves creating and optimizing integrated circuits (ICs) used in electronic devices. Engineers in this role work on designing digital, analog, or mixed-signal circuits using software tools and hardware description languages (HDLs). They ensure performance, power efficiency, and manufacturability while collaborating with fabrication teams. This job requires strong knowledge of electronics, semiconductor physics, and design methodologies.

What do semiconductor design engineers do?

Semiconductor design engineers develop and optimize integrated circuits and microchips used in electronic devices. They use electronic design automation (EDA) tools, create circuit schematics, simulate performance, and ensure the chips meet specifications and manufacturing standards. Their work often involves collaboration with manufacturing teams and requires knowledge of semiconductor physics and circuit theory.

What are the typical career growth opportunities for someone in semiconductor design?

A career in Semiconductor Design offers several avenues for advancement, such as transitioning from junior design roles to senior or lead engineer positions, project management, or technical specialist tracks. As you gain experience, you might take on more responsibility in overseeing design projects, mentoring junior engineers, or influencing technology direction within your organization. Additionally, many professionals eventually move into roles focused on system architecture, product management, or research and development. The dynamic nature of the semiconductor industry ensures ongoing opportunities for skill development and career progression.

What are the most commonly searched types of Semiconductor Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Semiconductor Design jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

Semiconductor Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Semiconductor Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,438 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Dir, CAD Eng R&D

Lattice Semiconductor

San Jose, CA • On-site

$160 - $210/hr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities & Skills

Description: Director – CAD Design Engineering & EDA Infrastructure

Role Overview

The Director of EDA Design Methodology & Infrastructure will lead the development, deployment, and optimization of design automation flows, tools, and infrastructure across the organization. This role ensures that engineering teams have cutting‑edge, scalable, and efficient methodologies to deliver complex semiconductor designs on time and with high quality.

Key Responsibilities
  • EDA Strategy: Define and drive the long‑term vision for EDA methodologies, flows, and infrastructure to support advanced semiconductor design.
  • Methodology Development: Architect and implement design flows for RTL-to-GDSII, verification, physical design, timing closure, and sign‑off.
  • Infrastructure Management: Oversee compute farms, license servers, cloud integration, and tool deployment to ensure scalability and efficiency.
  • GenAI Strategy for the EDA Design and Methodology
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with design, verification, CAD, and IT teams to align methodologies with project needs.
  • Tool Evaluation: Evaluate, benchmark, and deploy EDA tools from major vendors; negotiate with suppliers to optimize cost and performance.
  • Innovation Leadership: Introduce automation, AI/ML-driven flows, and cloud‑native solutions to accelerate design productivity.
  • Team Leadership: Build and mentor a high‑performing team of CAD/EDA engineers; foster a culture of technical excellence and innovation.
  • Process Standardization: Establish best practices, documentation, and training programs for design teams worldwide.
  • Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks in tool flows, infrastructure, and project schedules.

Qualifications

  • Education: Master’s in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • Experience: 15+ years in semiconductor design, with at least 7 years in EDA methodology leadership.
  • Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of RTL design, verification, synthesis, place & route, timing analysis, and sign‑off flows.
  • Infrastructure Knowledge: Strong background in compute infrastructure, cloud‑based design environments, and license management.
  • Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead global teams, manage vendor relationships, and drive organizational change.
  • Soft Skills: Excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic planning abilities.
Impact

This role is pivotal in enabling the company to design next‑generation chips efficiently and competitively. By leading EDA methodology and infrastructure, the director ensures that engineering teams can innovate faster, reduce time‑to‑market, and maintain design quality at scale.

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