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Senior Asic Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for an Senior ASIC Design Engineer to join our Circuit Solutions Group! In this position, you'll make a real impact in a dynamic, technology-focused company. Your work will affect ...

Sr. ASIC Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$168K - $336K/yr

As a Senior ASIC Design Engineer and domain expert, you will perform logic design across the full ASIC lifecycle from specifications and microarchitecture to design, integration, synthesis, timing ...

As a Senior ASIC Design Engineer and domain expert, you will perform logic design across the full ASIC lifecycle from specifications and microarchitecture to design, integration, synthesis, timing ...

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Senior Asic Design Engineer information

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$140K

$177.7K

$219.5K

How much do senior asic design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior asic design engineer in the United States is $177,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $159,000.00 and $195,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Senior ASIC Design Engineer do?

A Senior ASIC Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) used in a wide range of electronic devices. They lead the architecture, implementation, and verification of complex digital or mixed-signal circuits, often collaborating with cross-functional teams. This senior role involves optimizing designs for performance, power, and area while ensuring that the final product meets stringent technical and quality requirements. Additionally, they may mentor junior engineers and contribute to design methodologies and best practices within the organization.

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

To thrive as a Senior ASIC Design Engineer, you need deep expertise in digital and/or analog circuit design, strong knowledge of hardware description languages (HDLs) like Verilog or VHDL, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with EDA tools such as Synopsys, Cadence, and Mentor Graphics, as well as experience with simulation, synthesis, and verification methodologies, is typically required. Outstanding problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure efficient design cycles, robust chip functionality, and successful delivery of complex semiconductor projects.

What is the difference between Senior Asic Design Engineer vs Digital IC Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Asic Design EngineerDigital IC Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Electrical Engineering, VLSI, or related fields; experience in ASIC designBachelor's/Master's in Electrical Engineering, VLSI, or related fields; focus on digital circuit design
Work EnvironmentDesign teams in semiconductor or tech companies, hardware development labsIntegrated circuit design teams, research labs, semiconductor companies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in ASIC development, FPGA design, hardware accelerationUsed in digital chip design, FPGA development, digital system integration

The main difference is that a Senior Asic Design Engineer specializes in designing application-specific integrated circuits, often leading complex projects, while a Digital IC Design Engineer focuses on digital circuit design within integrated circuits. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments but differ in project scope and specialization.

What are some common challenges Senior ASIC Design Engineers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Senior ASIC Design Engineers often work closely with verification, software, and systems teams throughout the development cycle. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication of design specifications and changes, as misunderstandings can lead to integration issues or delays. Balancing multiple project timelines and adapting to evolving requirements from other departments can also be demanding. Building strong, collaborative relationships and using robust documentation and project management tools are key to overcoming these challenges.
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Infographic showing various Senior Asic Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,653 per year, or $85.4 per hour.
Senior ASIC Physical Design Engineer

Senior ASIC Physical Design Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform digital back-end flow from synthesis to completed, verified top-level layout ready for tapeout submission.

  • Collaborate with ASIC design team to identify and address back-end issues during RTL and gate-level design phases.

  • Conduct physical verification checks, including DRC, DRC+, MCD, and LVS, and perform custom physical layout as needed.


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 58 rated research


Job description

Description
Do you love building and prototyping robust electrical systems?
Are you passionate about providing real impact to the country's toughest national security problems?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
The Miniature Device Technologies Group develops highly customized tools and techniques required to carry out missions around the globe. Whether it be a quick reaction need from the field or the long-term development of a novel capability, we work hand in hand with our government sponsors to conceive and realize solutions to their most challenging problems. We leverage our multi-disciplinary set of capabilities in custom application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), printed circuit board (PCB), embedded software, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and signal processing design to create ultra-small, low-power solutions that exceed comparable commercial alternatives.
We are seeking an experienced senior physical design ASIC design engineer, to help us advance the state-of-the-art in miniature systems for a wide range of applications. In this role, you will be responsible for all back-end flow aspects, including synthesis, top-level floor-planning, timing analysis and design partitioning to meet timing requirements, SCAN and BIST insertion, and physical verification checks. You will be working closely with the ASIC design team to identify back-end issues, and assist in addressing these issues, both in the RTL and gate-level phases of the design. You will help explore process selection for new proposals and designs, assessing aspects such as achievable size and power, and availability of the necessary design features and intellectual property (IP.) Additionally, you will perform custom physical design as needed, both to complete custom block layouts, and to perform custom modifications necessary at the top level of the ASIC.
As a Senior ASIC Physical Design Engineer...
  • Your primary responsibility will be digital back-end flow, from synthesis to a completed, verified top-level layout, ready for tapeout submission
  • You will contribute to process selection for new designs and proposals
  • You will floorplan the top-level layout of the digital and mixed-signal ASICs
  • You will perform timing analysis and design partitioning
  • You will perform SCAN and BIST insertion for maximum defect coverage
  • You will work with digital designers to debug and address back-end related RTL and gate-level issues
  • You will perform all physical verification, including DRC, DRC+, MCD, and LVS
  • You will perform custom physical layout
  • You may assist with ASIC design environment enhancements and scripting
  • You will demonstrate initiative by identifying and driving process improvements, and implementing innovative solutions to complex design challenges
  • You will build and maintain strong working relationships with cross-functional teams, including digital design, verification, and software teams
  • You will provide leadership and guidance to junior physical design engineers, and contribute to their growth and development
  • You will collaborate with the team to achieve project goals and objectives, and drive results through effective teamwork and problem-solving
  • You will foster open communication and collaboration with digital designers, junior physical design engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess an Associate's degree in a technical field, or a combination of equivalent level experience/education/certifications.
  • Are skilled at using Cadence ASIC design tools for back-end flow implementation
  • Are skilled at using Siemens Calibre physical verification tools
  • Have 6+ years of experience specifically performing back-end ASIC design
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience with custom physical layout in Cadence Virtuoso
  • Are skilled at using Siemens ASIC design tools for back-end flow implementation
  • Have extensive knowledge and experience in ASIC technology characterization for process selection
  • Hold an active clearance and/or have successfully undergone single-scope background investigations in the past.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually