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Entry Level Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Columbus, OH

Mechanical Design Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$73.40K - $99.50K/yr

... engineering data 3D CAD and 2D engineering drawings, preparing work instruction and assembly ... Identify missing part information and dimensions , measure dimension from physical part update CAD ...

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Entry Level Physical Design Engineer information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$29K

$67K

$114K

How much do entry level physical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level physical design engineer in Columbus, OH is $66,997.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,700.00 and $75,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Physical Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Physical Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, digital logic design, and VLSI concepts, typically supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics for layout, synthesis, and verification, as well as scripting languages such as TCL or Python, is essential. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the efficient translation of circuit designs into manufacturable layouts, driving successful chip development and collaboration in complex engineering environments.

What are some common challenges Entry Level Physical Design Engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to industry roles?

Entry Level Physical Design Engineers often find that real-world projects are larger in scale and complexity compared to academic assignments. Adapting to industry-standard tools like Cadence or Synopsys, managing strict deadlines, and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams can be challenging at first. Additionally, understanding and following established workflows, as well as dealing with the nuances of process technology and design constraints, require a steep learning curve. However, many companies provide mentorship and training to help new engineers integrate smoothly and develop their expertise.

What does an Entry Level Physical Design Engineer do?

An Entry Level Physical Design Engineer works on the layout and implementation of integrated circuits (ICs), specifically focusing on translating logical circuit designs into physical layouts that can be manufactured. Their responsibilities often include tasks such as floorplanning, placement, routing, timing analysis, and design rule checking using specialized software tools. They collaborate with other engineers to ensure that the chip meets performance, power, and area requirements. Entry-level engineers are typically involved in supporting more experienced team members while learning industry-standard design flows and tools. This role plays a crucial part in bringing new electronic products to market.

What is the difference between Entry Level Physical Design Engineer vs Digital IC Design Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Physical Design EngineerDigital IC Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Computer EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, CAD tools, chip fabrication facilitiesDesign teams, simulation tools, hardware labs
Industry UsageFoundries, semiconductor companies, EDA firmsSemiconductor companies, integrated circuit design firms
Common Search IntentEntry level, physical implementation, chip layoutDigital logic, circuit design, RTL coding

Entry Level Physical Design Engineers focus on translating digital circuit designs into physical layouts, ensuring manufacturability and performance. Digital IC Design Engineers primarily work on designing digital circuits at the RTL level. While both roles require a background in electrical engineering and involve working with semiconductor companies, physical design emphasizes layout and fabrication, whereas digital design emphasizes circuit functionality and logic.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Design Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH? The most popular types of Physical Design Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH? For Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH are:
What cities near Columbus, OH are hiring for Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Columbus, OH with the most Entry Level Physical Design Engineer job openings:

High Voltage Substation Design Engineer

Hargrove Engineers and Constructors

Columbus, OH

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Hargrove is hiring a licensed Electrical Engineer (PE) with strong experience in high-voltage substation design to join our growing team. This role supports projects up to 345kV

Locations & Work Flexibility

  • Primary location: Mobile, AL

  • Additional office options: TX, LA, SC, GA, PA

  • Hybrid or interoffice execution support may be available

  • Relocation assistance may be offered based on role and location

Job Summary

Hargrove Engineers & Constructors is seeking a licensed Professional Electrical Engineer (PE) with extensive experience in highvoltage substation systems to join our growing team. This role focuses on the physical design, analysis, and execution of substations up to 345kV, supporting projects from early conceptual development through construction and commissioning.

The ideal candidate is a technically strong engineer who brings leadership capability, sound engineering judgment, and a commitment to quality, safety, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Key ResponsibilitiesSubstation Physical Design

Perform complete physical design of highvoltage substations in compliance with applicable codes, standards, and client requirements, including:

  • General arrangement drawings
  • Equipment, electrical, and control building layouts
  • Elevation and section views
  • Cable trench and duct bank design
  • Equipment grounding systems and ground grids
  • Lightning protection systems
  • Conduit and cable tray routing
  • AC and DC station service systems
  • Substation area lighting systems
  • Bills of Materials (BOMs)
Electrical Studies & Analysis

Conduct and/or oversee detailed electrical calculations and studies, including:

  • Substation grounding calculations and touch/step voltage analysis
  • Pre and postenergization harmonic studies
  • Shortcircuit and fault current analysis
  • Bus bar mechanical force calculations
  • Load flow and reactive power flow analysis
  • Harmonic filter analysis
  • NERC compliance evaluations
  • Protective relay coordination studies
  • Transient analysis
  • Transmission slackspan calculations
  • Corona performance studies
Equipment Specifications & Procurement
  • Develop equipment and material specifications for outdoor switchyard equipment up to 345kV
  • Prepare procurement specifications and design scopes for engineered equipment, including:
    • Vacuum and SF circuit breakers
    • Motoroperated and manual gangoperated switches
    • Current and potential transformers (CTs/PTs)
    • Station service transformers
    • Insulators and surge arresters
    • Station service battery systems
  • Review, coordinate, and integrate vendor drawings and technical documentation
Project Execution & Collaboration
  • Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely delivery of drawings, materials, and equipment in accordance with project schedules
  • Develop conceptual and preliminary designs to support planning and cost estimating
  • Prepare design documentation supporting procurement, construction, and operations/maintenance
  • Participate in and/or lead client meetings and job site visits
  • Support construction activities and commissioning as needed
  • Adhere to Hargrove's QA/QC processes across all design deliverables
Leadership & Mentorship
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and designers
  • Support the development of best practices and consistency in substation design execution
QualificationsRequired
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
  • Active Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in substation physical design
  • Proven experience with highvoltage systems up to 345kV
  • Strong organizational, documentation, and quality control skills
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Software Experience

Working knowledge of one or more of the following:

  • AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • ETAP, SKM PowerTools, or ASPEN OneLiner
  • CYMCAP
  • PLSCADD (or comparable transmission line analysis software)
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods, as required by project and site activities

#LI-BH1

Hargrove Culture

We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a "team mentality" so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.

Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.

As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.