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Skywater Jobs (NOW HIRING)

skywater

Layout Principal Designer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site +1

This SkyWater Layout Principal Designer will primarily lead custom layout and Electronic Design Automation (EDA) activities to provide testchip collateral for semiconductor integrated circuit (IC ...

SkyWater Technology Foundry, Inc.

Fab Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

$17 - $19.50/hr

At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving ...

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Skywater information

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$45K

$85.2K

$133K

How much do skywater jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for skywater in the United States is $85,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $101,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Skywater?

SkyWater is not a conventional job title, but rather the name of a U.S.-based semiconductor foundry company. SkyWater Technology specializes in providing advanced semiconductor manufacturing services, supporting the development and production of microchips used in various industries such as automotive, medical, aerospace, and defense. Employees at SkyWater work in roles ranging from engineering and process development to manufacturing operations and research, all focused on innovating and producing microelectronics. If you’re interested in careers at SkyWater, you might find opportunities in engineering, quality assurance, manufacturing, and more.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Skywater employee?

To thrive as an employee at SkyWater Technology, you generally need a strong background in engineering, semiconductor manufacturing, or related technical fields, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication equipment, cleanroom protocols, and industry-standard software such as CAD or process control systems is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail are key soft skills that help individuals excel in this environment. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining high production standards, ensuring product quality, and supporting innovation in the fast-paced semiconductor industry.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working at SkyWater Technology, and how can new employees prepare for them?

Professionals at SkyWater Technology often work in highly regulated, fast-paced semiconductor manufacturing environments where attention to detail and adaptability are critical. New employees may encounter challenges such as navigating complex cleanroom protocols, keeping up with rapid technological advancements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams on tight project deadlines. To prepare, candidates should familiarize themselves with semiconductor industry standards, be proactive in seeking mentorship, and demonstrate strong communication skills to thrive in collaborative settings.

What is the difference between Skywater vs PCB Designer?

AspectSkywaterPCB Designer
Required CredentialsTypically requires a background in electrical engineering or related field, with knowledge of semiconductor manufacturingRequires knowledge of PCB design software, electrical engineering fundamentals, and industry standards
Work EnvironmentWorks in semiconductor fabrication facilities or R&D labsWorks in electronics design firms, manufacturing companies, or engineering departments
Industry UsagePrimarily in semiconductor and integrated circuit manufacturingIn electronics, consumer devices, and industrial equipment design
Common Search/ComparisonSkywater vs PCB Designer

Skywater professionals focus on semiconductor fabrication and manufacturing processes, often requiring specialized engineering credentials. PCB Designers, on the other hand, specialize in designing printed circuit boards for electronic devices, requiring expertise in PCB software and electrical standards. While both roles are involved in electronics, Skywater roles are more manufacturing and research-oriented, whereas PCB Designers focus on circuit layout and product development.

More about Skywater jobs

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Cities with the most Skywater job openings:

What states have the most Skywater jobs?

States with the most job openings for Skywater jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Skywater jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Skywater jobs are:

Skywater jobs near you
Infographic showing various Skywater job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,222 per year, or $41 per hour.

Layout Principal Designer

skywater

Minneapolis, MN • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

This SkyWater Layout Principal Designer will primarily lead custom layout and Electronic Design Automation (EDA) activities to provide testchip collateral for semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) technologies. This engineer will be a significant contributor to a broad array of design projects supporting modeling, reliability, and yield as part of Process Design Kit (PDK) development for advanced CMOS or quantum technologies.

The position is based at our HQ site in Bloomington, MN, with consideration available for remote work.

Major Areas of Accountability:

  • Layout of new structures for eTest, modeling, reliability, yield, and IP testchips as part of new technology development
  • Version control and management of large design libraries with multiple contributors
  • Introduction of both custom and automated designs for both new & derivative layout projects supporting highly diverse technology flows
  • Utilize SkyWater PDK’s and provide feedback to internal teams on issues, improvements, capabilities, etc.
  • Lead physical verification and tape-in reviews

Required Qualifications:

  • Expert in custom layout design using IC EDA tool-assisted design flow such as Cadence and Siemens EDA tool suites, (e.g. Calibre and Virtuoso)
  • Familiarity with layout automation using SKILL, Tcl, python or other scripting languages.
  • Knowledge and experience in developing and/or using physical verification tools (DRC, ERC, LVS/PEX) and DFM tooling. 
  • Experience in IP project and/or library management.
  • Familiarity with typical mixed-signal IC design.
  • Clear communicator, concise written report skills, and inventive problem solver
  • U.S. Person Required: This position requires compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All accepted applicants must be U.S. Persons.
  • ITAR defines a U.S. Person as U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee.
  • 7 - 10 years of experience with AS in Electronic Design fields. 5-7 years of experience with BS in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Background in PDK development in some or all of the following fields: CMOS, MEMS, photonics, and superconducting.
  • Familiarity with parasitic extraction tools such as Mentor Calibre xRC, Cadence Quantus, or Synopsys StarRC.
  • Experience in project management of IC design (architecture to GDS) & fabrication (tape-out to post-silicon validation and testing).
  • Experience with chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) shape density filling techniques.
  • Experience with data preparation and/or OPC methodologies.

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