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Semiconductor Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ChipAgents

Customer Success Manager

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 ...

ChipAgents

Customer Success Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

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 ...

Mirafra Technology

Physical Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$144K - $148K/yr

Company Description Mirafra is a global product engineering services company with expertise in semiconductor design, embedded and application software. Job Overview: The Graphics team is looking for ...

Micron

Staff Engineer, CE CAD

San Jose, CA · On-site

$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

Product Line Director, AMS

San Jose, CA · On-site

$180 - $450/hr

Founded by experts in AI and semiconductor design, we partner with top-10 semiconductor companies, hyperscale cloud providers, and cutting-edge startups. Our platform accelerates RTL development ...

Voltai

Research Engineer - Mid-Training

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Mid Training You will train frontier models to become highly knowledgeable semiconductor design and verification experts that serve as the foundation for reinforcement learning and automated chip ...

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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 Sep 3, 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 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 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.

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.

How do you become a semiconductor designer?

To become a semiconductor designer, typically a candidate needs a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field, along with strong skills in circuit design, VLSI, and CAD tools. Gaining experience through internships or projects and obtaining advanced certifications can also enhance prospects in this specialized field.

Is semiconductor design a good career?

Semiconductor design is a specialized field involving the development of integrated circuits and microchips, requiring skills in electronics, programming, and CAD tools. It offers strong job growth, competitive salaries, and opportunities in technology and manufacturing sectors, often requiring a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering or related fields.

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 CAD software.

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 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,438 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Distinguished CAD Engineer

Ampere Computing LLC

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$279K - $419K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description
Invent the future with us.
Ampere is a semiconductor design company for a new era, leading the future of computing with an innovative approach to CPU design focused on high-performance, energy efficient AI compute.
As a pioneer in the new frontier of energy efficient high-performance computing, Ampere is part of the Softbank Group of companies driving sustainable computing for AI, Cloud, and edge applications.
Join us at Ampere and work alongside a passionate and growing team - we'd love to have you apply!
About the role:
Ampere Computing is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Distinguished Engineer to lead the development and optimization of our CAD flows. This role requires deep expertise in EDA tools, semiconductor design methodologies, and flow automation to enable rapid, high-quality silicon delivery. As a technical leader, you will collaborate across architecture, design, verification, and manufacturing teams to define and implement cutting-edge CAD strategies that enhance productivity and chip performance.
What you'll achieve:
  • Define the global physical design methodology strategy across all phases: synthesis, floor planning, placement, clock tree synthesis (CTS), routing, timing closure, and physical verification.
  • Architect and deploy advanced CAD flows to support complex, high-performance System-on-Chip (SoC) and Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) designs.
  • Explore and integrate AI/ML-driven EDA features to optimize PPA and shorten turnaround times.
  • Build and drive PPA optimization recipes for various sub systems
  • Low Power flow enhancement to support multi-power domain (UPF)
  • Drive innovation in hierarchical design, multi-die/chiplet integration, and IC Design methodologies.
  • Allocate engineering resources efficiently to support concurrent, multi-project execution timelines.
  • Develop a culture of continuous learning, automation, and technical excellence.
  • Evaluate, benchmark, and select state-of-the-art EDA tools to improve engineering productivity and design quality.
  • Drive the creation of robust scripting infrastructure (using Tcl, Python, Perl) to automate repetitive tasks and ensure flow consistency.
  • Partner closely with RTL Design, DFT (Design for Test), Architecture, and Physical Implementation teams to ensure seamless handoffs and tool interoperability.
  • Collaborate with external foundries to integrate Process Design Kits (PDKs) and resolve complex deep sub-micron physical effects (e.g., electromigration, IR drop, thermal management).
  • Proficiency in EDA tool suites (e.g., Innovus, Fusion Compiler, PrimeTime, Calibre)

About you:
  • 15+ years of experience in semiconductor CAD/EDA development or flow engineering, preferably in CPU or high-performance SoC design environments
  • Proven track record of leading complex CAD flow projects from concept through tapeout
  • Deep knowledge of RTL synthesis, placement & routing, timing closure, signoff methodologies, and design for manufacturability
  • Expertise with major EDA tools (Synopsys, Cadence, Mentor, etc.) and scripting languages (Tcl, Python, Perl)
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to drive cross-functional collaboration
  • Excellent communication skills and experience mentoring senior engineers
  • Experience with cloud-based design environments and scalable compute infrastructure is a plus
  • Electrical or Computer Engineering - Bachelor's degree & 15 years of related experience; or Master's degree & 12 years; or PhD & 8 years

What we'll offer:
At Ampere we believe in taking care of our employees and providing a competitive total rewards package that includes base pay, cash long-term incentive, and comprehensive benefits. The full base pay range for this role is between $279,500 and $419,500, except in the San Francisco Bay Area where the range is between $293,000 and $440,000.
Our benefits include health, wellness, and financial programs that support employees through every stage of life.
Benefit highlights include:
  • Premium medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, as well as income protection and a 401K retirement plan, so that you can feel secure in your health and financial future.
  • Unlimited Flextime and 10+ paid holidays so that you can embrace a healthy work-life balance.
  • A variety of healthy snacks, energizing espresso, and refreshing drinks to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.

And there is much more than compensation and benefits. At Ampere, we foster an inclusive culture that empowers our employees to do more and grow more. We are excited to share more about our career opportunities with you through the interview process.
#LI-TC
#LI-Hybrid
Ampere is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, age, veteran and/or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

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