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Senior Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Senior Design Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

The McHenry Management Group, Inc. (TMMG) is seeking a senior-level Lead Design Engineer to lead ... Physical Job Requirements 1.Ability to conduct onboard walkdowns across multiple vessel ...

Senior Slip Ring Design Engineer Reporting To: Manager, Slip Ring Engineering Work Schedule: Onsite - Blacksburg, VA Senior Slip Ring Design Engineer Moog Inc. Blacksburg, Virginia Moog's Space and ...

Senior Slip Ring Design Engineer Reporting To: Manager, Slip Ring Engineering Work Schedule: Onsite - Blacksburg, VA Senior Slip Ring Design Engineer Moog Inc. Blacksburg, Virginia Moog's Space and ...

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Senior Electrical Design Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$106.50K - $143.30K/yr

Production of working design documents based upon directives and established project design guidelines developed by senior engineers and project managers. b. Identification of plausible engineering ...

Senior Physical Security Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131.70K - $180.60K/yr

We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission ... We are seeking a Sr. Physical Security Engineer to join our Security and Electronic Systems (SES ...

Design Engineer CRI is looking to hire a Design Engineer in the Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland ... integrated physical and cybersecurity solutions and cutting-edge IT services, that elevate ...

... senior managers, government clients, and technical stakeholders both orally and in writing. • ... Domestic travel may be required for training and coordination. • Physical Requirements: Work can ...

... senior managers, government clients, and technical stakeholders both orally and in writing. • ... Domestic travel may be required for training and coordination. • Physical Requirements: Work can ...

Design Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... senior managers, government clients, and technical stakeholders both orally and in writing. • ... Domestic travel may be required for training and coordination. • Physical Requirements: Work can ...

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Senior Physical Design Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$69.9K

$133.4K

$193.3K

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior physical design engineer in Virginia is $133,423.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,600.00 and $156,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Physical Design Engineer, you need expertise in VLSI design, ASIC/SoC implementation, and a solid background in electrical or computer engineering, often complemented by a relevant degree. Mastery of EDA tools such as Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics, and familiarity with scripting languages like TCL and Python, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing complex projects. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient, high-quality chip design, meeting both technical and timeline requirements in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Physical Design Engineers during the chip tape-out phase?

Senior Physical Design Engineers often encounter tight deadlines and last-minute design changes during the chip tape-out phase, which can make ensuring timing closure and meeting power, performance, and area (PPA) targets particularly challenging. Collaborating closely with verification and layout teams is essential to quickly resolve any critical design rule violations or integration issues. Effective communication, attention to detail, and thorough knowledge of EDA tools are key to successfully managing these high-pressure situations and delivering a manufacturable design on schedule.

What is a Senior Physical Design Engineer?

A Senior Physical Design Engineer is a highly skilled professional in the field of semiconductor engineering who specializes in transforming circuit designs (netlists) into physical layouts for integrated circuits (ICs). They are responsible for tasks such as floorplanning, placement, clock tree synthesis, and routing, ensuring that the chip meets performance, area, and power requirements. Senior engineers in this role often lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate closely with other design and verification teams to deliver high-quality silicon products.

What is the difference between Senior Physical Design Engineer vs Physical Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Physical Design EngineerPhysical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering; experience in physical design toolsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign teams in semiconductor or chip design companies, using EDA toolsDesign teams in semiconductor or chip design companies, using EDA tools
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in advanced chip design companies, focusing on complex ICsUsed across various semiconductor companies for standard physical design tasks

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. Senior Physical Design Engineers typically lead complex projects and mentor junior staff, while Physical Design Engineers focus on executing design tasks under supervision. Both roles require similar technical skills and work in similar environments, but the senior role involves more leadership and strategic planning.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Design Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Physical Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Physical Design Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Senior Physical Design Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Physical Design Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Physical Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Physical Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Physical Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Physical Design Engineer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,423 per year, or $64.1 per hour.
Lead Substation Physical Design Engineer

Lead Substation Physical Design Engineer

GAI Consultants

Glen Allen, VA

$93.70K - $123.40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

GAI Consultants is seeking a candidate for Substation Physical Design Engineer that will perform physical design related tasks, technical guidance/training/mentoring of staff, and assist with design reviews as required.  The successful candidate will work on various substation engineering projects including detailed design for high voltage substation projects from 12kV through 500kV. Thrive in GAI’s corporate culture that empowers employee advancement with support for career and professional development and engages with staff to build mutual trust and respect and consideration for diverse perspectives, people, experiences, and ideas. 

Job Duties:

  • Manage, design, and perform design checks related to technical activities including, but not limited to, the following:
  • Development of and/or revisions to existing drawings for one-lines, physical arrangements, grounding, conduit, lighting, lightning protection, and rigid bus analysis with the ability to produce the associated drawings utilizing client specific CAD software.
  • Create physical layouts and substation designs that integrate with protection and control drawings.
  • Creation of project criteria.
  • Development of design specifications including the overall bill of materials.
  • Design and sizing of auxiliary systems including AC/DC load centers as well as batteries and chargers.
  • Design and sizing of conduit and high voltage conductor.
  • Ordering long-lead item materials.
  • Assist in reviewing junior engineer’s designs and verify they meet client standards and specifications.
  • Document QAQC reviews, maintain record documents, and communicate information to the team.
  • Traveling to other offices and meeting with clients and attending project-specific meetings on a regular basis.
  • Managing tasks on multiple projects in accordance with GAI’s high standards of project management.
  • Managing and assisting with the development of the scope of services and cost estimates for Substation and P&C projects.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities using sound engineering and financial judgment to determine optimal solutions.
  • Must be flexible to handle shifting deadlines and scope changes.
  • Must have resource management skills and the ability to identify project barriers and mitigate them without schedule impacts.
  • Must be able to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and be able to work effectively under the pressure of deadlines and unexpected developments.
  • Ability to work extended hours or after hours when required.
  • Ability to create drawings utilizing 3D CAD software is preferred.
  • A minimum of 6 years substation design experience is preferred.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work indoors in professional office settings.  
  • Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks. 
  • Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment. 
  • Visual acuity to read printed materials, digital screens, detailed documents, and perform detailed work. 
  • Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment. Ability to move between workstations and attend in-person meetings. 
  • Ability to lift and carry office materials or equipment weighing up to 10-20 pounds, with or without assistance. 
  • Adequate hearing to participate in conversations, phone calls, and virtual meetings. 
  • Ability to travel for meetings, training, or business purposes. 

General Characteristics

  • Applies broad knowledge of principles and practices in a specific practice area.
  • Independently evaluates, selects, and adapts standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.
  • Acquires general knowledge of principles and practices of related fields, and ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
  • Applies leadership and teamwork skills to effectively plan, execute, and manage scopes, schedules, and budgets to meet project stakeholder needs.

Minimum Years of Experience

  • 6+

Education

  • B.S. Engineering or other technical degree

Certification/Licensure

  • Driver’s License

Technical Responsibilities

  • Supports design of complete project, system, component, or process.
  • Frequently supports preparation of complete plans, specifications, and other project documents.
  • Supports designs and conducts analyses and interprets test data.

Project and Task Management

  • Assigns tasks to and directs other technical and nontechnical staff.
  • Frequently plans and coordinates detailed aspects of the engineering work.
  • Frequently prepares scopes, budgets, and schedules for assignments.
  • Assists with proposals to provide professional services or obtain funding for engineering projects

Management Responsibility

  • Receives general direction on key objectives. Receives guidance, when necessary, on unconventional/complex problems, direction on modified techniques, and new approaches on assignments with conflicting criteria.
  • Assists with mentored experience to direct reports and junior staff through providing guidance, explaining professional responsibilities, and reviewing work products.
  • Attends project meetings and presents specific aspects of engineering assignments.

Communication Skills

  • Communicates effectively to both technical and nontechnical audiences.

Why GAI? 

GAI offers skilled professionals like you an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore anarray of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy work location and scheduling flexibility; your choice of comprehensive, personalized benefits; a range of employee wellness programs and discounts; and more. Feel good about being part of a collaborative teamthat’scommitted to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth. 

Benefits To Working at GAI Include: 

Competitive Pay & Recognition 

  • Marketbased, competitive compensation 
  • Performancedriven recognition and development bonuses 

Comprehensive Health & Wellness 

  • Medical, dental, and vision plans 
  • Companypaid short-term and long-term disability 
  • Companypaid life insurance 
  • Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources 

Meaningful Work–Life Balance 

  • Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays 
  • Anadditionalfloating holiday—use it for what matters to you 
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave 

Growth, Learning & Financial Security 

  • 401(k) with company match 
  • Tuition reimbursement 
  • Support and rewards for professional development and certifications 

#INDHP


GAI Consultants logo

About GAI Consultants

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GAI Consultants is an employee-owned corporation offering comprehensive engineering, planning, and environmental consulting services to diverse industry sectors, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The company operates in the field of engineering consulting and provides sustainable and economically-viable solutions to clients ranging from bridge design, community planning, to industrial facilities, ecological studies, and more. GAI Consultants was founded in 1958 and, over more than six decades, has grown significantly with a strong commitment to advancing clients' projects and contributing to community development. The firm operates on the core values of integrity, client satisfaction, quality, and workforce development, all of which raises the bar on client service and project excellence, ultimately contributing to the company’s mission, which is 'to create and deliver superior, innovative consulting solutions that enrich the lives of our people and enhance the world we live in.'

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1958

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