1

Vlsi Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior/Staff CHAR Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$140K - $210K/yr

Work closely with internal R&D team, field service team, and sales/legal/finance team to ensure ... Have experience or taken courses in semiconductor process, and/or VLSI logic and/or analog/RF ...

Digital Design Engineer I

Austin, TX · On-site

$78K - $146K/yr

Apply knowledge of VLSI design principles to support block-level and system-level digital design ... Internship, co-op, research, or project experience related to digital IC design, SoC development ...

Support R&D teams by providing detailed performance reports and actionable recommendations for ... Circuit characterization, Cadence tools for transistor level simulation, layout, verification, VLSI ...

OR · Hybrid

Knowledge in circuit design, VLSI, ASIC, EDA, silicon analysis, or custom circuit design is ... Research or project experience in AI-driven EDA, circuit optimization, design-space exploration, or ...

Work closely with internal R&D team, field service team, and sales/legal/finance team to ensure ... Have experience or taken courses in semiconductor process, and/or VLSI logic and/or analog/RF ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

VLSI Research information

See salary details

$11

$46

$82

How much do vlsi research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for vlsi research in the United States is $46.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.37 and $60.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in VLSI Research?

Professionals in VLSI Research are usually responsible for exploring and developing new semiconductor architectures, designing and simulating integrated circuits, and validating chip functionality through extensive testing. Their daily tasks can include literature reviews, schematic design, running experiments, data analysis, and collaborating closely with fabrication engineers and verification teams. Many roles involve both individual technical work and teamwork in cross-disciplinary research groups. This dynamic environment not only advances technology but also provides opportunities for professional development and innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Vlsi Research position, and why are they important?

To thrive in VLSI Research, a strong background in electrical engineering, semiconductor physics, and digital/analog circuit design is essential, often supported by an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant field. Proficiency with industry-standard EDA tools (like Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics), HDL languages (such as Verilog or VHDL), and knowledge of fabrication processes are typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication set top candidates apart. These skills enable researchers to tackle complex hardware challenges, drive innovation, and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

What is a VLSI Research job?

A VLSI Research job involves studying and developing Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) technologies used in semiconductor and chip design. Professionals in this field analyze new circuit architectures, fabrication techniques, and performance improvements for integrated circuits (ICs). They work in academic institutions, semiconductor companies, and R&D labs to advance microelectronics and optimize chip design for efficiency and scalability. The role often requires expertise in digital/analog design, simulation tools, and semiconductor physics.

More about VLSI Research jobs
What job categories do people searching Vlsi Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vlsi Research jobs are:
Infographic showing various Vlsi Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,602 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Senior Circuit Design Engineer - AI & HPC (7708)

TSMC

San Jose, CA • Hybrid

Other

Posted 13 days ago


TSMC rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Join TSMC Technology, Inc. (TTI), an innovation hub of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC). TSMC has been a pioneer in the semiconductor industry since 1987. With teams located in San Jose, CA, and Austin, TX, TTI is dedicated to advancing semiconductor technology through expertise in physical design, memory design, analog mixed signal, power management, and groundbreaking computational AI machine learning research. Our mission is to drive the future of semiconductor innovation through unparalleled R&D and customer-focused IP. Be part of a team that shapes the next generation of technological advancements.

Step into a pivotal role within our San Jose design R&D team and position yourself at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry. As a Senior Circuit Design Engineer, you will leverage TSMC's leading process technology and design enablement solutions to push the boundaries of semiconductor manufacturing. In this role, you will focus on AI and high-performance computing applications, unleashing innovation and driving next-generation advancements. You will join us in our San Jose office, operating on a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in-office.

 

Responsibilities

  • Design custom memory circuits and architectures tailored specifically for AI and HPC applications.
  • Lead efforts in Power, Performance, and Area (PPA) optimization for custom SRAM circuits to align with advanced scaling advancements.
  • Perform comprehensive technical analysis, including Time/Power/Area improvements, Read/Write margin, Noise, and Power/Signal IR/EM analysis.
  • Provide supervised layout guidance, manage design characterization, and oversee methodology, verification, and final sign-off.
  • Collaborate closely with RTL and Physical Design (PD) teams to ensure the best IP PPA integration.
  • Handle compiler coding and the interpretation of testing results.

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Master's degree with 3+ years of relevant industry experience, or a Ph.D. demonstrating applicable academic research in VLSI design or custom circuits.
  • In-depth knowledge of VLSI design, digital integrated circuits, Verilog, logic design, and DFT.
  • Hands-on experience running SPICE simulations for custom circuits.
  • A collaborative mindset with a strong teamwork attitude and excellent communication skills.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced knowledge of leading-edge process nodes (TSMC N7 and below), ideally with a track record of successfully delivering product tapeouts below 5nm.
  • Deep expertise in high-speed and low-power custom SRAM or Register File architecture and implementation.
  • Prior experience acting as a technical lead for customer IP products or energy-efficient AI inference/training accelerators is a significant asset.
  • Proficiency with memory characterization and industry-standard EDA tools.
  • Familiarity with scripting and automation (Perl, TCL, Python) is highly advantageous and will allow you to hit the ground running.

 

Company Description

As a trusted technology and capacity provider, TSMC is driven by the desire to be:

  1. The world's leading dedicated semiconductor foundry
  2. The technology leader with a strong reputation for manufacturing excellence
  3. Advancing semiconductor manufacturing innovations to enable the future of technology

TSMC pioneered the pure-play foundry business model when it was founded in 1987 and has been the world's leading dedicated semiconductor foundry ever since. The Company supports a thriving ecosystem of global customers and partners with the industry's leading process technologies and a portfolio of design enablement solutions to unleash innovation for the global semiconductor industry. With global operations spanning Asia, Europe, and North America, TSMC serves as a committed corporate citizen around the world.

In North America, TSMC has a strong sales and service organization that works with customers by helping them achieve silicon success with cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing excellence. The Company has continued to accelerate its R&D investment and staffing in recent years and is expanding its manufacturing footprint to support customer innovation with 3D IC technologies and optimal manufacturing capacity.

For positions requiring access to technical data subject to export control regulations, including Export Administration Regulations, TSMC North America may have to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Government for certain individuals.  All employment is contingent upon TSMC North America obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by the U.S. Government.

TSMC Core Values

At TSMC, we invite talented individuals who share our vision and values to contribute to our continued success. Our core values are the foundation of our culture, guiding every decision and action. We seek applicants who deeply resonate with these principles and embody them in their work:  

  • Integrity: Tell the truth. We do not brag. We do not make commitments lightly. Once we make a commitment, we devote ourselves completely to meeting that commitment.
  • Commitment: Employees are dedicated to the company, view the company's success as their own and work diligently to make their best contributions. As commitment is mutual, the Company strives to serve the best interests of its employees.
  • Innovation: Innovation is the wellspring of the Company's growth. It means more than new ideas; it means putting ideas into practice.  
  • Customer Trust: We strive to build deep and enduring relationships with our customers, who trust and rely on us to be part of their success over the long term.

(For more details on TSMC's Core Values, please visithttps://www.tsmc.com/english/aboutTSMC/values)

Diversity statement

TSMC Technology, Inc. is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

TSMC is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us at g_accommodations@tsmc.com. TSMC confirms to all applicants its commitment to meet TSMC's obligations under applicable employment law. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. 

Pay Transparency / Benefits statement

At TSMC, your base pay is only part of your overall total compensation package. At the time of this posting, this role typically pays a base salary between $120,000 and $165,000 per year. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hires. Actual pay may be more or less than the posted range. Factors that influence pay include the individual's skills, qualifications, education, experience and the position level and location.  TSMC's total compensation package consists of market competitive pay, allowances, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits. We also offer extensive development opportunities and programs.


What TSMC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom