OPT Circuit Design Engineer Jobs
Circuit Design Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in electrical engineering or computer engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM positions, making you eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Employers in semiconductor, defense, and consumer electronics regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this specialty occupation.
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Get Access To All JobsDo you have a passion for crafting entirely new solutions? As part of our Digital Design Engineering group, you’ll take imaginative and revolutionary ideas and determine how to turn them into reality! You and your team will apply engineering fundamentals and start from scratch if needed, bringing forward-thinking ideas to the real world. Join us, and you’ll help design the tools that allow us to bring customers experiences they’ve never before envisioned! We have an extraordinary opportunity for Standard Cell Designers. In this highly visible role, you will be at the heart of a processor design effort, working with the custom digital circuits team and library development, making a critical impact in delivering products to market quickly.
Description
Imagine yourself at the center of our cutting-edge processor design in deep submicron technologies, and on standard cell library designs. You will drive concepts of transistor level circuit design, modeling and performance analysis, collaborating with all fields, playing a strategic role of getting functional products to millions of customers quickly. You will have the opportunity to integrate and come up with new ideas, as well as work with a team of hardworking engineers. As a Circuit Design Engineer for the custom circuits team, you will perform the following:
- Work on library architecture discussion & optimization effort to improve overall Library PPA.
- Drive layout optimization effort by identifying & reducing parasitics to push circuit PPA.
- Work on Library PPA for different technology, architecture, PDK releases.
- Develop standard cell circuits that push design PPA.
- Work on PNR block to validate the IP in testchips & benchmark new tech/PDK libraries.
- Work on Library Characterization (Timing/Power/Variation/etc) for all libraries.
- Engage with CPU, SOC and GPU teams on physical design requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
BS in a relevant field of study and a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong understanding of CMOS device characteristics and design rules.
- Strong understanding of Digital circuits & optimization for better PPA.
- Good layout design knowledge & parasitic optimization in various types of layouts.
- Hands-on experience running SPICE simulations and high sigma variation analysis.
- Experience in Circuit design of high-performance flip flops, level shifters, retention flops and other complex circuits is a plus.
- Experience in RTL2GDSII flow and/or Static Timing Analysis (STA) is a plus.
- Knowledge of deep submicron process issues & Finfet Technologies is a plus.
- Understanding of Timing characterization & modeling of Standard cell circuits is a plus.
- Strong proficiency in scripting languages like Perl, Python, and Tcl.
- Great teammate with good communication and analytical skills.
- MSEE preferred*
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $134,800 and $245,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Do you have a passion for crafting entirely new solutions? As part of our Digital Design Engineering group, you’ll take imaginative and revolutionary ideas and determine how to turn them into reality! You and your team will apply engineering fundamentals and start from scratch if needed, bringing forward-thinking ideas to the real world. Join us, and you’ll help design the tools that allow us to bring customers experiences they’ve never before envisioned! We have an extraordinary opportunity for Standard Cell Designers. In this highly visible role, you will be at the heart of a processor design effort, working with the custom digital circuits team and library development, making a critical impact in delivering products to market quickly.
Description
Imagine yourself at the center of our cutting-edge processor design in deep submicron technologies, and on standard cell library designs. You will drive concepts of transistor level circuit design, modeling and performance analysis, collaborating with all fields, playing a strategic role of getting functional products to millions of customers quickly. You will have the opportunity to integrate and come up with new ideas, as well as work with a team of hardworking engineers. As a Circuit Design Engineer for the custom circuits team, you will perform the following:
- Work on library architecture discussion & optimization effort to improve overall Library PPA.
- Drive layout optimization effort by identifying & reducing parasitics to push circuit PPA.
- Work on Library PPA for different technology, architecture, PDK releases.
- Develop standard cell circuits that push design PPA.
- Work on PNR block to validate the IP in testchips & benchmark new tech/PDK libraries.
- Work on Library Characterization (Timing/Power/Variation/etc) for all libraries.
- Engage with CPU, SOC and GPU teams on physical design requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
BS in a relevant field of study and a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong understanding of CMOS device characteristics and design rules.
- Strong understanding of Digital circuits & optimization for better PPA.
- Good layout design knowledge & parasitic optimization in various types of layouts.
- Hands-on experience running SPICE simulations and high sigma variation analysis.
- Experience in Circuit design of high-performance flip flops, level shifters, retention flops and other complex circuits is a plus.
- Experience in RTL2GDSII flow and/or Static Timing Analysis (STA) is a plus.
- Knowledge of deep submicron process issues & Finfet Technologies is a plus.
- Understanding of Timing characterization & modeling of Standard cell circuits is a plus.
- Strong proficiency in scripting languages like Perl, Python, and Tcl.
- Great teammate with good communication and analytical skills.
- MSEE preferred*
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $134,800 and $245,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
See all OPT Circuit Design Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Circuit Design Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Circuit Design Engineer
Target STEM-designated employers first
Circuit Design Engineer roles almost always qualify for STEM OPT extension, but your employer must be E-Verify enrolled. Confirm E-Verify status before accepting any offer to protect your 24-month extension eligibility.
Align your degree field to the job description
USCIS requires a direct connection between your degree and the role. Electrical engineering, computer engineering, and related fields map cleanly to circuit design. Highlight coursework in analog design, VLSI, or signal processing in your application materials.
Prioritize semiconductor and defense contractors
Companies like Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, and defense contractors have established OPT and H-1B sponsorship pipelines. Larger employers in these industries file high volumes of petitions annually and understand the process well.
File your STEM OPT extension early
Submit your STEM OPT extension application at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Your DSO must recommend the extension in SEVIS before USCIS can process it. Late filing can create gaps in work authorization.
Document your training plan thoroughly
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan on Form I-983. Be specific about technical goals, like mastering a particular EDA tool or design methodology. Vague plans draw scrutiny during audits and can put your status at risk.
Use Migrate Mate to filter sponsorship-ready roles
Not every circuit design posting will lead to sponsorship. Migrate Mate surfaces roles from employers with active OPT and H-1B sponsorship histories, saving you from applying to companies that won't support your immigration status.
Circuit Design Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Circuit Design Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Circuit Design Engineer positions typically fall under electrical or computer engineering, both of which are STEM-designated fields on the DHS STEM list. Your degree must be in a qualifying field, your employer must be E-Verify enrolled, and you must complete a formal training plan on Form I-983. Confirm these three conditions before relying on the extension.
How do I find Circuit Design Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters roles by employers with documented sponsorship histories. Searching general job boards won't tell you whether a company has ever sponsored a visa. Migrate Mate surfaces circuit design roles at companies that actively file H-1B and OPT-related petitions, so you can focus your applications where they're most likely to lead to long-term authorization.
Can I work as a Circuit Design Engineer on OPT before getting my EAD?
No. You cannot begin working until your Employment Authorization Document arrives and the start date printed on it has passed. Apply for OPT early through your DSO, since USCIS processing typically takes several weeks. Working before your EAD is in hand, even a single day, violates your F-1 status and can have serious immigration consequences.
What happens if my Circuit Design Engineer employer cannot sponsor an H-1B before my OPT expires?
If your OPT or STEM OPT extension expires without an approved H-1B or other work authorization, you must stop working immediately. Planning ahead matters: if your employer intends to sponsor you, they should begin the H-1B process well before your authorization ends. Some employers also offer L-1 visa, O-1 visa, or other visa pathways depending on your qualifications and the company's structure.
Is circuit design considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. Circuit Design Engineer roles consistently meet USCIS's specialty occupation standard because the position normally requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a directly related field. This makes H-1B sponsorship a realistic pathway after OPT. Employers in semiconductor, aerospace, and consumer electronics sectors routinely file H-1B petitions for circuit design roles.