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Senior Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Ridgecrest, CA

Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer

CA ยท On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

Research, design, develop, and/or test embedded components for military avionics. Qualifications ... Physical Demands: * Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds. * Must be able to stand and walk for ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

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.

Video Engineer with Security Clearance

JT4

Ridgecrest, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

JT4 China Lake is looking for a Video Engineer to support in accordance with Mission Control Real-Time Display Branch requirements and established government engineering processes. The Video Engineer will integrate with existing branch engineering teams to support ongoing operations, system development, testing, and modernization efforts. All work will be performed in alignment with government priorities and technical direction. 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 DoD secret clearance**
**This position is located at China Lake and is not eligible for telework** Range Requirements
The Video Engineer support will encompass real-time video operations, including video and audio recording and display systems and pathways. The engineer will work in collaboration with the branch's technical and engineering teams and provide technically sound advice to managers and peers on the technical aspects of system development, and may require managing small to medium-sized projects. The engineer's assignments can range from major portions of large-scale projects to entire medium-scale ones. They will also be responsible for developing or testing new equipment to improve the functionality of new or existing system.
Support Real-Time video operations, including video and audio recording systems, display systems, and associated signal distribution pathways.
Collaborate with Mission Control technical and engineering personnel to support system operations, sustainment, and development activities.
Provide technically sound recommendations and guidance to government managers and peers related to video and display system development, integration, and performance.
Manage and/or support small- to medium-sized projects and perform major tasking on large-scale engineering efforts as directed.
Develop, integrate, test, and evaluate new or modified equipment to improve the functionality and reliability of existing and future systems Job Summary -- Essential Functions/Duties
Under close supervision, a Video Engineer performs a variety of fundamental field engineering tasks in the installation, operations, testing, and maintenance of electronic equipment and systems. Work is at an entry level and is generally performed as a member of a project team. Employee will be responsible for the following functions/duties:
Conduct research and reference reading to assist higher-level engineers in obtaining technical information
Keep informed of and study currently approved standards, codes, and procedures applied to engineering specialty
Perform fundamental engineering tasks requiring standard techniques, such as tolerance studies and design calculations
Plan and carry out successive engineering steps and resolve technical problems by standard practices and techniques
Support projects with limited scope or parts of more complex projects with detailed instructions on the intent and scope of the documents to be prepared
Assist in preparation of reports, correspondence, or technical studies
Perform other job-related duties, as required Requirements -- Education, Technical, and Work Experience
An associate's degree in engineering or other technical discipline, or formal academic/vocational/military training and a minimum of 10 years of experience in the specialty field are required for this position. In addition, a Video Engineer must possess the following qualifications:
Broad knowledge of concepts, principles, and practices of engineering that enable senior technical contributor-level performance on complex projects or programs
Knowledge and skill sufficient to apply developments in engineering to solve problems in the specialty area
Working knowledge of computer systems and integrated software application programs
Ability to investigate, troubleshoot, and design solutions to problems in operational hardware and software
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Planning/organizational skills Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
Benefits Active on Day 1
Life Insurance
Health Savings Accounts/FSA's
Disability Insurance
Paid Time Off
401(k) Plan Options with Employer Match
JT4 will match 50% up to an 8% contribution
100% Immediate Vesting
Tuition Reimbursement 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 a computer terminal; constant use of sight abilities while writing, reviewing, and editing 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.

JT4 logo

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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