CAD Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA
CAD Engineer jobs in Santa Clara are concentrated in the Central Expressway corridor, the Lawrence Expressway tech belt, and the San Tomas Aquino district, driven by semiconductor, electronics, and aerospace hardware employers. Companies actively hiring include NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and Marvell Technology. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Job Details:
Job Description:
About the Team
Intel is seeking a motivated mid-level CAD/EDA Software Engineer to join the Silicon Chassis Automation Tool team. In this hands-on role, you will work closely with the tool lead to develop a chassis automation tool and own key subsystems.
Chassis refers to non-compute infrastructure in any SoC, which provides essential platform services and typically includes interconnects, protocol bridges, clock/reset/power, security, debug/trace/analytics (DTA), RAS error logic, address maps, firmware tables, and more. The chassis automation tool collects user requirements and translates them into detailed parameters representing topology, then generates RTL, register definitions, integration, and verification collateral for the chassis using highly parameterized and configurable sub-components.
Why This Role Is Exciting
- Build a brand new automation platform by defining the tool, schema, and methodology from the ground up
- Directly influence next-generation SoC chassis architectures and delivery
Position Overview
You will work directly with the tool lead and partner with RTL design, verification, and SoC integration teams to code the architectural rules of the interconnect and develop a reliable, testable automation framework that produces expected results. AI-assisted workflows are part of everyday development here. Consistent execution against schedule and quality goals is expected.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop a chassis automation tool that meets requirements across multiple SoC programs, ensuring scalability, maintainability, and extensibility
- Understand automation tool requirements and build tooling and infrastructure to translate those requirements into working code, generating outputs such as RTL, RDL, verification collateral, timing, and integration artifacts
- Integrate with silicon frontend and backend tool flows to enable robust validation and quality checks across generated artifacts (e.g., RTL, Verilog, SDC, RDL), ensuring correctness and consistency
- Work closely with the tool lead, architecture, RTL design, verification, and SoC integration teams to ensure the tool accurately produces outputs that meet downstream expectations
- Follow and improve best practices in software design, testing, and maintainability, elevating overall team effectiveness
- Set up and maintain the CI /CD regression pipeline
- Implement specific rule functions, write unit tests, and extend coverage as needed
You should demonstrate the following professional traits to be successful
- Detail-oriented and organized, with comfort owning well-scoped subsystems and delivering on clear milestones
- Collaborative and communicative, able to work effectively across design, verification, and integration teams
- Execution-focused, with a track record of consistent delivery against schedule and quality goals
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with 4+ years of experience in CAD/EDA tooling or design automation, or a Master's degree in a related field with 3+ years of experience
- 3+ years of Python or a similar language, with hands-on experience building software systems or frameworks, including packaging, testing, and CLI tool development
- Experience designing and validating structured schemas using formats such as JSON or YAML
- Knowledge of software engineering fundamentals including version control (Git), code reviews, unit/integration testing, and CI/CD practices
Preferred Qualifications
- Understanding of digital SoC design concepts, including RTL hierarchy, synthesis flows, and parameterized IP design
- Working knowledge of SystemVerilog to understand and validate generated design outputs
- Experience with Network-on-Chip (NoC) architectures or high-performance interconnect protocols such as AXI, CHI, PCIe, UCIe, or similar
- Familiarity with IP packaging, configuration, and integration methodologies, including standards such as IP-XACT
- Exposure to industry EDA tools and design flows
- Knowledge of graph-based algorithms or data structures relevant to topology generation, connectivity modeling, or routing problems
- Experience in GUI development with modern UI frameworks such as Qt/QML, React, Electron etc. Strong understanding of object-oriented design, design patterns, and software architecture principles.
Job Type:
Experienced HireShift:
Shift 1 (United States of America)Primary Location:
US, California, Santa ClaraAdditional Locations:
Posting Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.Position of Trust
N/ABenefits
We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel .
The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Work Model for this Role
This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.Job Details:
Job Description:
About the Team
Intel is seeking a motivated mid-level CAD/EDA Software Engineer to join the Silicon Chassis Automation Tool team. In this hands-on role, you will work closely with the tool lead to develop a chassis automation tool and own key subsystems.
Chassis refers to non-compute infrastructure in any SoC, which provides essential platform services and typically includes interconnects, protocol bridges, clock/reset/power, security, debug/trace/analytics (DTA), RAS error logic, address maps, firmware tables, and more. The chassis automation tool collects user requirements and translates them into detailed parameters representing topology, then generates RTL, register definitions, integration, and verification collateral for the chassis using highly parameterized and configurable sub-components.
Why This Role Is Exciting
- Build a brand new automation platform by defining the tool, schema, and methodology from the ground up
- Directly influence next-generation SoC chassis architectures and delivery
Position Overview
You will work directly with the tool lead and partner with RTL design, verification, and SoC integration teams to code the architectural rules of the interconnect and develop a reliable, testable automation framework that produces expected results. AI-assisted workflows are part of everyday development here. Consistent execution against schedule and quality goals is expected.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop a chassis automation tool that meets requirements across multiple SoC programs, ensuring scalability, maintainability, and extensibility
- Understand automation tool requirements and build tooling and infrastructure to translate those requirements into working code, generating outputs such as RTL, RDL, verification collateral, timing, and integration artifacts
- Integrate with silicon frontend and backend tool flows to enable robust validation and quality checks across generated artifacts (e.g., RTL, Verilog, SDC, RDL), ensuring correctness and consistency
- Work closely with the tool lead, architecture, RTL design, verification, and SoC integration teams to ensure the tool accurately produces outputs that meet downstream expectations
- Follow and improve best practices in software design, testing, and maintainability, elevating overall team effectiveness
- Set up and maintain the CI /CD regression pipeline
- Implement specific rule functions, write unit tests, and extend coverage as needed
You should demonstrate the following professional traits to be successful
- Detail-oriented and organized, with comfort owning well-scoped subsystems and delivering on clear milestones
- Collaborative and communicative, able to work effectively across design, verification, and integration teams
- Execution-focused, with a track record of consistent delivery against schedule and quality goals
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with 4+ years of experience in CAD/EDA tooling or design automation, or a Master's degree in a related field with 3+ years of experience
- 3+ years of Python or a similar language, with hands-on experience building software systems or frameworks, including packaging, testing, and CLI tool development
- Experience designing and validating structured schemas using formats such as JSON or YAML
- Knowledge of software engineering fundamentals including version control (Git), code reviews, unit/integration testing, and CI/CD practices
Preferred Qualifications
- Understanding of digital SoC design concepts, including RTL hierarchy, synthesis flows, and parameterized IP design
- Working knowledge of SystemVerilog to understand and validate generated design outputs
- Experience with Network-on-Chip (NoC) architectures or high-performance interconnect protocols such as AXI, CHI, PCIe, UCIe, or similar
- Familiarity with IP packaging, configuration, and integration methodologies, including standards such as IP-XACT
- Exposure to industry EDA tools and design flows
- Knowledge of graph-based algorithms or data structures relevant to topology generation, connectivity modeling, or routing problems
- Experience in GUI development with modern UI frameworks such as Qt/QML, React, Electron etc. Strong understanding of object-oriented design, design patterns, and software architecture principles.
Job Type:
Experienced HireShift:
Shift 1 (United States of America)Primary Location:
US, California, Santa ClaraAdditional Locations:
Posting Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.Position of Trust
N/ABenefits
We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel .
The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Work Model for this Role
This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.See All 39 CAD Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara
Find roles in Santa Clara that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find CAD Engineer JobsCAD Engineer Job Market in Santa Clara
Who's Hiring
- NVIDIA12
- Qualcomm6
- Marvell Technology6
- Apple3
- Ampere Computing3
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software18
- Electronics & Hardware6
- Telecommunications3
- Agriculture & Farming3
CAD Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a cad engineer job in Santa Clara?
The strongest path into a Santa Clara cad engineer role is through the semiconductor and hardware electronics sectors, which dominate local hiring far more than in most U.S. cities. Employers in the Central Expressway corridor and near Great America Parkway favor candidates with hands-on SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Cadence experience. Familiarity with PCB layout, VLSI design, or mechanical enclosure work for consumer electronics gives candidates a clear edge in this specific market.
Which companies hire cad engineers in Santa Clara?
Employers hiring cad engineers in Santa Clara right now include NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and Marvell Technology, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Santa Clara's employer base skews heavily toward semiconductor fabs, chip design firms, and hardware-focused tech companies, with a smaller but active presence from aerospace and defense contractors operating near the city's industrial corridors.
Are there remote cad engineer jobs in Santa Clara?
Yes, but only in a limited share of roles, since most cad engineering work in Santa Clara involves hands-on prototyping, lab access, or on-site collaboration with hardware teams. About 25% of cad engineer openings tied to Santa Clara are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, concentrated in the design review, documentation, and 2D drafting functions rather than full 3D modeling or fabrication-adjacent positions.
How can I get a cad engineer job in Santa Clara with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Santa Clara is targeting junior or associate drafter roles at mid-size semiconductor equipment companies and electronics contract manufacturers, which hire more entry-level cad talent than the large flagship tech firms. Internship programs tied to Santa Clara's hardware accelerators and familiarity with tools like Altium Designer or SolidWorks basics can open doors. Building a portfolio of documented design files, even from personal projects, gives you a concrete differentiator with local hiring managers.
Which industries hire the most cad engineers in Santa Clara?
The sectors hiring the most cad engineers in Santa Clara are Technology & Software, Electronics & Hardware, and Telecommunications, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Santa Clara's position at the heart of Silicon Valley's chip design and hardware manufacturing ecosystem means demand is unusually concentrated in semiconductor and electronics hardware, driving consistent cad engineering openings year-round.
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