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Senior Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Ridgecrest, CA

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Inyokern, CA

$97K - $117K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Onyx, CA

$93K - $112K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA

$97K - $117K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness ...

BayOne Solutions

Sr./UI Lead Developer

California City, CA

$73.50 - $95.25/hr

San Francisco,CA Sr./Lead UI Developer What we are Looking : Experience Leading the teams (More ... Knowledge of JavaScript design patterns and frameworks like Backbone, Ember.js, Handlebars ...

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All JobsPhysical Design Engineer JobsSenior Physical Design Engineer JobsSenior Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Ridgecrest, CA

Senior Physical Design Engineer information

See Ridgecrest, CA salary details

$70K

$133.7K

$193.7K

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

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior physical design engineer in Ridgecrest, CA is $133,650.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,800.00 and $156,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior physical design engineer?

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.

How much does a senior physical design engineer make in the US?

A senior physical design engineer in the US typically earns between $110,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Compensation may also include bonuses and stock options, especially in high-tech industries or large corporations.

What cities near Ridgecrest, CA are hiring for Senior Physical Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Ridgecrest, CA with the most Senior Physical Design Engineer job openings:

Senior Physical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Physical Design Engineer job openings in Ridgecrest, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,650 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Sr. Software Systems Engineer - China Lake

JT4, LLC

Ridgecrest, CA • On-site

$131K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

JT4, LLC is looking for a highly experienced Senior Software Systems Engineer that is highly proficient with object oriented software design and that is also well versed with live-virtual-constructive simulation and aircraft avionics to MIL-STD-1153 and MIL-STD-1773. The position will manage software/system projects and provide guidance to technical staff.
JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J-Tech II. JT4 develops and maintains realistic, integrated test and training environments and prepares our nation's war-fighting aircraft, weapons systems, and aircrews for today's missions and tomorrow's global challenges.
**An ideal candidate will have an active secret clearance**
**This position located at China Lake and is not eligible for telework**
Range Requirements
  • Demonstrates a knowledge of standard programming algorithms, design patterns, and object-oriented software design
  • Demonstrated ability to program using C++ language code, C, and Python 3
  • Develops parallel processes, threading, process communication
  • Familiar with utilizing Git for daily code management, including branching, merging, and resolving conflicts within a collaborative development environment
  • Works proficiently with Git in both Bash (Linux) and Windows environments
  • Interacts with remote repositories, pushes code updates, and manages local repositories
  • Adheres to established branching strategies and understands the implications of working with master/production branches
  • Collaborates with team members to design future enhancements
  • Familiarity with time-series analysis a plus
  • Familiarity with Red Hat Linux
  • Familiarity with live-virtual-constructive simulation and aircraft avionics, MIL-STD-1153 and MIL-STD-1773
  • Individual must be capable of obtaining and maintaining a DOD Top Secret clearance

Job Summary -- Essential Functions/Duties
A Senior Software Systems Engineer IV provides software and systems engineering services, generally as a senior member of a work unit or group.
Employee will be responsible for the following functions/duties:
  • Manage software/system projects and provide guidance to technical staff
  • Interact with customers and project managers on a regular basis
  • Use broad judgment in defining and solving technical or managerial issues of the highest complexity or of far-reaching significance
  • Capture and manage customer requirements at a system level and develop and analyze the most appropriate approach to solve complex technical problems
  • Function as the system architect overseeing the overall design and configuration management of systems
  • Develop the design of system/software and associated design documentation
  • Prepare and conduct design reviews
  • Implement design through software coding or hardware and document the design implementation
  • Plan and execute unit, integration, and system testing
  • Manage maintenance and sustainment activities of the system/software
  • Provide work direction to subordinate technical staff
  • Establish and maintain positive customer relations
  • Support pursuit of new business efforts, lead proposal efforts, and act as a technical consultant
  • Perform other job-related duties, as required

Requirements -- Education, Technical, and Work Experience
One of the following educational requirements must be met for this position:
  1. A bachelor's degree in an associated discipline and a minimum of eight years of related experience
  2. A master's degree in an associated discipline and a minimum of six years of experience
  3. A PhD in an associated discipline and a minimum of four years of experience

In addition, a Senior Software Systems Engineer IV must possess the following qualifications:
  • Demonstrated expertise with computer-based systems and applications
  • Excellent programming skills in languages used for job-specific programming tasks
  • Experience in the application of industry standard hardware and software design and documentation techniques
  • Extensive knowledge of systems engineering and software development lifecycles
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Good planning/organizational skills
  • Ability to work under deadlines

Salary
The expected salary range for this position is $131,601.60 to $158,601.60 annually.
Note: The salary range offered for this position is a good faith description of the expected salary range this role will pay. JT4 considers factors such as (but not limited to) responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market/business considerations when extending an offer.
Other Responsibilities
Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality, and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures, and policies pertaining to their job.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a typical office environment with no unusual hazards. Occasional lifting (up to 20 pounds), constant sitting while using the computer terminal, constant use of sight abilities while reviewing documents, constant use of speech/hearing abilities for communication, and constant mental alertness are required.
Travel to remote company work locations may be required.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by personnel assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of persons so classified.
Tasking is in support of a federal government contract that requires U.S. citizenship. Some jobs may require a candidate to be eligible for a government security clearance, state-issued driver's license or other licenses / certifications and the inability to obtain and maintain the required clearance, license or certification may affect an employee's ability to maintain employment.
SCC: JSD12; A4CLR
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About JT4

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

JT4 provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J-Tech II. We develop and maintain realistic integrated test and training environments, and prepare our nation's war-fighting aircraft, weapons systems, and aircrews for today's missions and tomorrow's global challenges.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Las Vegas, NV, US

Year founded

2001

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