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Silicon Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Altera

FPGA Silicon Design Engineer

San Jose, CA

$149K - $215K/yr

About the Role Join Altera as an FPGA Silicon Design Engineer focused on RTL design. In this role, you will be responsible for developing high-quality logic designs and RTL implementations for next ...

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$158.5K

How much do silicon design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for silicon design engineer in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Silicon Design Engineers?

Silicon Design Engineers are professionals who design and develop integrated circuits (ICs) and semiconductor devices, commonly known as 'chips.' They use specialized software tools to create, simulate, and verify the layouts and functionalities of these microchips, which are essential components in electronic devices. Their work ensures that chips are efficient, reliable, and meet the performance requirements for products such as smartphones, computers, and automotive systems. Silicon Design Engineers often collaborate with hardware and software teams to deliver innovative semiconductor solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by Silicon Design Engineers in the development cycle?

Silicon Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as meeting tight deadlines while ensuring design accuracy and managing complex verification processes. Navigating frequent changes in project specifications and collaborating across cross-functional teams—including software, hardware, and verification—can add layers of complexity. Additionally, balancing power, performance, and area (PPA) trade-offs requires careful analysis and iterative optimization throughout the design cycle.

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

To thrive as a Silicon Design Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, digital logic design, and semiconductor fundamentals, typically supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with hardware description languages (such as Verilog or VHDL), EDA tools (like Synopsys or Cadence), and knowledge of ASIC or FPGA design flows is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are key soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring reliable silicon designs, meeting project requirements, and collaborating efficiently in complex engineering environments.
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Silicon Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Silicon Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Silicon Design Engineer

Silicon Design Engineer

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc

San Jose, CA • On-site

$145K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Advanced Micro Devices rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 141 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING
At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences-from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you'll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world's most important challenges-striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond. Together, we advance your career.
THE ROLE:
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Silicon Design Engineer to join our AECG SIT team. This role involves leading and contributing to the design, integration, and characterization of advanced silicon testchips for FPGA products across cutting-edge process nodes.
THE PERSON:
You are an expert in IC design and manufacturing including analog/digital IP integration, chip design, silicon process or packaging technologies. A good understanding of device physics, reliability and silicon chip manufacturing is essential. The candidate must also demonstrate effective communication, good interpersonal skills, along with a strong interest in emerging technologies and innovation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Define micro-architecture specifications from high-level architectural requirements and implement Verilog/SystemVerilog code for such digital modules.
  • Drive the timing-aware/physical-aware synthesis flow using industry-standard tools (e.g., Design Compiler) to generate optimized netlists.
  • Lead Static Timing Analysis (STA) runs using e.g. PrimeTime to validate setup/hold margins across process corners.
  • Develop comprehensive verification plans and write testbenches. Expertise in SystemVerilog Assertions (SVA) and UVM are preferred.
  • Assist with post-silicon bring-up, debugging, and lab-based validation activities.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
  • Good understanding of circuit design, semiconductor device physics, and device reliability.
  • Experience in designing and validating circuits across advanced technology nodes, including FinFET and Gate-All-Around (GAA).
  • Familiar with digital P&R design flow, RTL coding (Verilog/System Verilog) and design verification (Design Compiler, STA, SVA, UVM, EM-IR).
  • Strong problem-solving skills with hands-on experience in silicon bring-up and the use of lab bench test equipment is a plus.
  • Proficient in C/C++ or Python for programming and scripting.
  • Experience with PCB/package design and signal/power integrity (SI/PI) analysis is a plus.

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS:
  • Preferably holds an advanced degree (PhD or MS) in electrical & electronics engineering or physical sciences; alternatively, a bachelor's degree with several years of relevant industry experience is acceptable.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
#LI-TB1
#LI-Hybrid
Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.
AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants' needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD's "Responsible AI Policy" is available here.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

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