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Senior Physical Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nvidia

Senior Physical Design Engineer

Westford, MA · On-site

NVIDIA is looking for best-in-class Senior Physical Design Engineers to join our outstanding Networking Silicon engineering team, developing the industry's best high speed communication devices ...

Nvidia

Senior Physical Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

We are now looking for a Senior Physical Design Engineer. NVIDIA has continuously reinvented itself over two decades. Our invention of the GPU in 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market ...

Nvidia

OR · On-site

In the role of a Senior Physical Design Engineer, you will play a crucial role in our innovative LPU chip design. * Full-Flow Ownership: Responsible for Synthesis, floorplanning, place & route ...

Lightmatter

Staff Physical Design Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$160K - $165K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Physical Design Engineer to work on the implementation of complex digital blocks. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in advanced process nodes (3nm ...

Microsoft

Senior Physical Design Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

We are looking for a Sr. Physical Design Engineer to join the team. Responsibilities * Experience and knowledge on Synthesis, RTL / DFT feedback , Timing Constraints. * Responsible for RTL to GDS ...

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Senior Physical Design Engineer information

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$70.5K

$134.6K

$195K

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

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior physical design engineer in the United States is $134,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $157,500.00 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, 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.
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What cities are hiring for Senior Physical Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Physical Design Engineer job openings:
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Senior Physical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Physical Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,577 per year, or $64.7 per hour.
Senior Physical Design Engineer

Senior Physical Design Engineer

Nvidia Corporation

Westford, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology-and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you'll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.
NVIDIA is looking for best-in-class Senior Physical Design Engineers to join our outstanding Networking Silicon engineering team, developing the industry's best high speed communication devices, delivering the highest throughput and lowest latency! Come and take a part in crafting our groundbreaking and innovating chips, enjoy working in a meaningful, growing and professional environment where you make a significant impact in a technology-focused company.
What you'll be doing:
  • You will lead all aspects of physical design and implementation of SOC devices targeted at the networking markets.
  • Work will be at the partition and chiplet level.
  • As a member of a team, you will participate in establishing physical design methodologies, flow automation, chip floorplan, power/clock distribution, chip assembly and P&R, timing closure.
  • Daily work involves all aspects of physical chip development (RTL2GDS) - trial synthesis, power and clock distribution, place and route, timing closure, power and noise analysis and physical verification.

What we need to see:
  • BSEE / MSEE or equivalent experience.
  • 5 years of experience in VLSI physical design implementation on 5nm, 4nm and 3nm technology.
  • A successful track record of delivering designs to production is a requirement.
  • Able to assist in design flow development and debugging, including application of ML/AI solutions.
  • Already a validated strong power user of P&R, Timing Analysis, Physical Verification, IR Drop Analysis, CAD tools from Synopsys (ICC2/DC/PT/STAR/ICV), Cadence (Genus/Innovus/Tempus) and other major EDA companies.
  • Confirmed prior experience in timing closure, clock/power distribution and analysis, RC extraction and correlation, place/ route and tapeout solutions.
  • To be successful you should possess strong analytical and debugging skills.
  • Proficiency using Python, Perl, Tcl, Make scripting is helpful.
  • Great teammate

NVIDIA is widely considered to be the leader of AI computing, and one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us. If you're creative and autonomous, we want to hear from you
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 136,000 USD - 218,500 USD for Level 3, and 168,000 USD - 264,500 USD for Level 4.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until June 2, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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