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Semiconductor Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AI Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Validate and implement AI-driven solutions within real-world semiconductor engineering workflows * Partner with engineering to translate engineering use cases into production-ready AI capabilities

AI Automation Engineering Intern

San Jose, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Hands-on experience applying AI to real-world semiconductor engineering problems. * Deep exposure to the full silicon lifecycle - from design validation through high-volume manufacturing.

AI Automation Engineering Intern

San Jose, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Hands-on experience applying AI to real-world semiconductor engineering problems. * Deep exposure to the full silicon lifecycle - from design validation through high-volume manufacturing.

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Semiconductor Engineering information

See salary details

$45.5K

$65.7K

$83K

How much do semiconductor engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for semiconductor engineering in the United States is $65,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $63,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is semiconductor engineering?

Semiconductor engineering is a specialized field focused on the design, development, and manufacturing of semiconductor devices, such as microchips and transistors, which are essential components in electronic devices. Engineers in this field work on creating and improving the materials, processes, and technologies used to produce integrated circuits and other semiconductor components. Their work is critical to advancements in computers, smartphones, automotive technology, and many other electronic systems. Semiconductor engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical challenges and drive innovation in the electronics industry.

What is the difference between Semiconductor Engineering vs Electrical Engineering?

AspectSemiconductor EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Semiconductor, Electrical, or Electronics EngineeringBachelor's or higher in Electrical, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentCleanrooms, labs, manufacturing facilities focused on chip design and fabricationOffices, labs, and field sites working on electrical systems, power, and circuitry
Industry UsagePrimarily in semiconductor manufacturing, chip design, and fabrication companiesBroadly used across power, electronics, telecommunications, and automation industries

Semiconductor Engineering specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing semiconductor devices and integrated circuits, often within cleanroom environments. Electrical Engineering covers a wider range of electrical systems, power distribution, and circuitry across various industries. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Semiconductor Engineering focuses specifically on chip technology and fabrication processes, making it a more specialized field within the broader electrical engineering domain.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

In semiconductor engineering, senior roles such as Senior Staff Engineer, Principal Engineer, or Engineering Manager can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in circuit design or process development, and often in high-demand industries or companies. These positions typically require advanced degrees, leadership responsibilities, and expertise in tools like CAD software or process simulation.

What are some common challenges semiconductor engineers face when working on new chip designs?

Semiconductor engineers often encounter challenges such as managing the complexity of integrating millions or even billions of transistors on a single chip while ensuring performance, power efficiency, and manufacturability. Meeting tight project deadlines and rapidly evolving industry standards can also be demanding. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including design, verification, and manufacturing engineers—is essential to identify and resolve issues early in the design cycle. Additionally, adapting to new process technologies and troubleshooting unexpected fabrication or performance problems are routine aspects of the role.

What do you do as a semiconductor engineer?

A semiconductor engineer designs, develops, and tests semiconductor devices and integrated circuits used in electronic equipment. They work with materials, fabrication processes, and testing tools to improve chip performance and reliability, often collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams and using CAD software. The role typically requires knowledge of physics, electrical engineering, and cleanroom environments.

What engineers make $500,000?

In semiconductor engineering, senior-level roles such as Principal Engineer, Director, or Vice President can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership responsibilities within the industry.

What is the salary of a semiconductor engineer?

The average salary of a semiconductor engineer varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start around $60,000, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn over $130,000. Certifications in semiconductor design or manufacturing can also influence compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Semiconductor Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Semiconductor Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, physics, and materials science, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with CAD tools, circuit simulation software, and semiconductor fabrication processes is essential, along with certifications like Six Sigma or IPC standards being advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills set outstanding candidates apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing reliable semiconductor devices, ensuring manufacturing efficiency, and driving innovation in a rapidly evolving industry.
More about Semiconductor Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Semiconductor Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Semiconductor Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Semiconductor Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Semiconductor Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Semiconductor Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Semiconductor Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Semiconductor Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 30% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,723 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
AI Engineer

$75K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Responsibilities
MaxLinear is seeking a highly motivated Artificial Intelligence Engineer to evaluate and integrate cutting-edge AI technologies into the semiconductor engineering workflows. This role sits at the intersection of AI innovation, engineering productivity, and enterprise-scale deployment, helping shape how modern AI systems are operationalized across teams. You will play a critical role in identifying high-impact use cases, benchmarking AI platforms, and delivering scalable, secure solutions that drive measurable business value. In this role, you will focus on the following:
  • Evaluate AI platforms and large language models (LLMs), including GPT, Claude, Gemini, and SWE-class systems
  • Contribute to the design and execution of benchmarks to measure quality of results (QoR), productivity gains, and scalability
  • Identify strengths, limitations, and optimal use cases across AI tools and architectures
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to deploy solutions across multiple domains
  • Validate and implement AI-driven solutions within real-world semiconductor engineering workflows
  • Partner with engineering to translate engineering use cases into production-ready AI capabilities
  • Partner with internal teams to develop and analyze ROI and cost-performance tradeoffs across cloud and on-prem deployment models
  • Provide data-driven recommendations on AI platform selection and scaling strategies
  • Optimize resource utilization for maximum business impact
  • Design and support LLM deployments across hybrid environments (cloud and on-prem)
  • Integrate with enterprise data platforms, including data lakes and MCP gateway architectures
  • Ensure performance, reliability, and scalability of deployed AI systems
  • Implement best practices based on NIST and OWASP frameworks
  • Define AI usage guardrails, governance models, and compliance policies
  • Ensure enterprise-grade security and responsible AI adoption

Qualifications
  • Experience working with large language models (LLMs) and AI/ML systems
  • Strong analytical skills with experience in benchmarking, evaluation, or performance analysis
  • Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and/or on-prem infrastructure
  • Ability to translate technical capabilities into business value
  • Experience integrating AI into engineering or semiconductor workflows
  • Familiarity with data platforms, pipelines, and large-scale data processing
  • Knowledge of AI security, governance, and compliance frameworks
  • Hands-on experience with model deployment, APIs, and system integration
  • BS in Electrical Engineering or related

Compensation and Benefits
MaxLinear has a Total Compensation philosophy which includes base salary and annual discretionary bonus eligibility and many positions also include stock-based compensation.
MaxLinear's good faith estimate starting base salary range is: $75,000 to $102,000 Annually
We offer competitive benefits designed to support employee health, welfare, and retirement and some highlights are: health care benefits, 401k savings plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and paid time off.
The actual starting base salary will be determined by the match to certain role-related criteria such as educational degree(s) or equivalent, relevant work experience, skillset needed for the role, and geographic location; this is not an all-inclusive list as some roles may require unique skills or experience.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on race, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
Company Overview
MaxLinear is a global, NASDAQ-traded company (MXL) where the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. We are a fabless system-on-chip product company, striving to improve the world's communication networks for everyone through our highly integrated radio-frequency (RF), analog, digital, and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions for access and connectivity, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multi-market applications.
We hire the best people in the industry and engage them in some of the most exciting opportunities that connect the world we live in today. Our growth has come from innovative, bold approaches to solving some of the world's most challenging communication technology problems in the most efficient and effective manner.
MaxLinear began by developing the world's first high-performance TV tuner chip using standard CMOS process technology. Others said we couldn't achieve the extremely high-performance requirements using CMOS, but we proved them wrong and achieved enduring global market leadership with our designs. Since then, we've developed a full line of products that drive 4G and 5G infrastructure; enable data center, metro and long-haul optical interconnects; bring 10Gbit to the home; power the IoT revolution; and enable robust and reliable communication in harsh industrial environments. Over the years, we've expanded through organic growth and through several acquisitions that have perfectly complemented our existing portfolio and enabled us to deliver complete end-to-end solutions in our target markets. One such example was the acquisition of Intel's Home Gateway Platform Division that added Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Broadband Gateway Processor SoC technology to our connected home portfolio creating a complete and scalable platform of connectivity and access solutions to fully address our customers' needs.
Our headquarters are in Carlsbad, near San Diego, California. We also have major design centers in Irvine and San Jose, California; Valencia, Spain; Bangalore, India; Munich, Germany; Israel; and Singapore.
We have approximately 1,200 employees, a substantial majority of whom have engineering degrees and include masters and Ph.D. graduates from many of the premiere universities around the world. Our employees thrive on innovation, outstanding execution, outside-the-box thinking, nimbleness, and collaboration. Together, we form a high-energy business team that is focused on building the best and most innovative products on the market.