Physical Design Engineer Jobs in California
Physical Design Engineer jobs in California are concentrated in Silicon Valley, San Diego, and the Los Angeles metro, where companies like Qualcomm, Apple, and Intel maintain large semiconductor design teams working across floor planning, place-and-route, and timing closure. Demand is strongest for engineers with deep experience in advanced process nodes, low-power design techniques, and signoff flows used in mobile, AI accelerator, and automotive chip programs. Openings range from associate-level roles for recent graduates to principal and staff-level positions leading complex multi-die designs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Physical Design Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 147+ Physical Design Engineer jobs
DESCRIPTION
Key job responsibilities
- Design and simulate superconducting digital circuits and cryogenic control/readout electronics for scalable qubit control
- Develop and validate Josephson-junction circuit models, timing and margin analyses, and verification methodology for superconducting digital designs
- Quantify system-level trade-offs — wiring count, power dissipation at each cryogenic stage, latency, footprint — across candidate control architectures, and communicate recommendations
- Co-design control interfaces with qubit-device colleagues so control electronics and quantum devices are developed as one system
- Deliver design artifacts through the organization's design-request and design-review processes, including tapeout-ready layouts and verification reports
- Present results internally and, where appropriate, publish in peer-reviewed venues
About the team
The Enabling Technologies team develops technologies and relationships facilitating scaling, including alternative quantum processor architectures, superconducting qubit device packaging, and cryogenic control device electronics. We work alongside a co-located quantum processor design team focused on current-generation devices; the two teams share design and review processes, and moving ideas between them is an explicit part of our charter.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of building models for business application experience
- Experience in patents or publications at top-tier peer-reviewed conferences or journals
- Experience programming in Java, C++, Python or related language
- Experience in any of the following areas: algorithms and data structures, parsing, numerical optimization, data mining, parallel and distributed computing, high-performance computing
- Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, a Master's degree or above in a relevant field
- Experience in patents or publications at top-tier peer-reviewed conferences or journals
- Experience with circuit design and simulation
- Familiarity with superconducting qubit control and readout — pulse generation, multiplexed readout, feedback latency requirements
- Experience designing superconducting digital circuits (RSFQ/ERSFQ, adiabatic quantum phase parametron, or related single-flux-quantum logic families), including Josephson-junction circuit simulation and margin analysis
- Experience with EDA flows for custom circuit design — schematic capture, layout, physical verification, and working against a process design kit
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience using Unix/Linux
- Experience in professional software development
- Knowledge of cryogenic electronics more broadly: cryo-CMOS, low-temperature amplifiers and mixers, thermal and power budgeting across refrigerator stages
- Experience with microwave engineering and signal integrity in dense cryogenic interconnect
- Experience taking chips through fabrication and correlating measured circuit behavior with design models
- Familiarity with quantum error correction decoding and the classical-processing requirements it places on control systems
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, CA, San Francisco - 171,600.00 - 222,200.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
Key job responsibilities
- Design and simulate superconducting digital circuits and cryogenic control/readout electronics for scalable qubit control
- Develop and validate Josephson-junction circuit models, timing and margin analyses, and verification methodology for superconducting digital designs
- Quantify system-level trade-offs — wiring count, power dissipation at each cryogenic stage, latency, footprint — across candidate control architectures, and communicate recommendations
- Co-design control interfaces with qubit-device colleagues so control electronics and quantum devices are developed as one system
- Deliver design artifacts through the organization's design-request and design-review processes, including tapeout-ready layouts and verification reports
- Present results internally and, where appropriate, publish in peer-reviewed venues
About the team
The Enabling Technologies team develops technologies and relationships facilitating scaling, including alternative quantum processor architectures, superconducting qubit device packaging, and cryogenic control device electronics. We work alongside a co-located quantum processor design team focused on current-generation devices; the two teams share design and review processes, and moving ideas between them is an explicit part of our charter.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of building models for business application experience
- Experience in patents or publications at top-tier peer-reviewed conferences or journals
- Experience programming in Java, C++, Python or related language
- Experience in any of the following areas: algorithms and data structures, parsing, numerical optimization, data mining, parallel and distributed computing, high-performance computing
- Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, a Master's degree or above in a relevant field
- Experience in patents or publications at top-tier peer-reviewed conferences or journals
- Experience with circuit design and simulation
- Familiarity with superconducting qubit control and readout — pulse generation, multiplexed readout, feedback latency requirements
- Experience designing superconducting digital circuits (RSFQ/ERSFQ, adiabatic quantum phase parametron, or related single-flux-quantum logic families), including Josephson-junction circuit simulation and margin analysis
- Experience with EDA flows for custom circuit design — schematic capture, layout, physical verification, and working against a process design kit
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience using Unix/Linux
- Experience in professional software development
- Knowledge of cryogenic electronics more broadly: cryo-CMOS, low-temperature amplifiers and mixers, thermal and power budgeting across refrigerator stages
- Experience with microwave engineering and signal integrity in dense cryogenic interconnect
- Experience taking chips through fabrication and correlating measured circuit behavior with design models
- Familiarity with quantum error correction decoding and the classical-processing requirements it places on control systems
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, CA, San Francisco - 171,600.00 - 222,200.00 USD annually
See All 147+ Physical Design Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Physical Design Engineer JobsPhysical Design Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Physical Design Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Apple38
- Qualcomm13
- Broadcom8
- Google6
- Tenstorrent6
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware25
- Technology & Software11
- Telecommunications6
- Consulting & Professional Services4
- Aerospace & Defense2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in physical design engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering or a related field required
- Proficiency in industry-standard EDA tools such as Cadence Innovus or Synopsys IC Compiler
- Hands-on experience with place-and-route, floorplanning, and static timing analysis
- Familiarity with advanced CMOS process nodes at 7nm, 5nm, or below
- Understanding of low-power design methodologies including clock gating and power domains
- Strong collaboration skills for working with front-end design, verification, and physical verification teams
Physical Design Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a physical design engineer in California?
Most physical design engineers in California enter the field with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related discipline, and many competitive roles at advanced-node companies prefer a master's degree. No state-issued license is required for the role. Candidates build practical readiness through coursework in VLSI design and digital circuits, internships at California semiconductor companies, and demonstrated tool proficiency in EDA environments used across the state's chip design industry.
Which companies hire physical design engineers in California?
Employers hiring physical design engineers in California right now include Apple, Qualcomm, and Broadcom, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's dense concentration of fabless semiconductor firms, systems companies with in-house chip teams, and design service providers makes it one of the most active hiring markets in the country for this role.
Which California cities have the most physical design engineer jobs?
San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Diego account for the largest share of physical design engineer openings in California. Silicon Valley drives the bulk of demand through its concentration of fabless semiconductor companies and large systems firms with custom silicon programs, while San Diego's strength in mobile and wireless chip design sustains consistent hiring, and Los Angeles-area openings reflect growing aerospace and automotive semiconductor programs anchored by major system integrators.
Are there remote physical design engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're uncommon. Physical design engineering is a collaboration-intensive discipline that typically requires access to licensed EDA tool servers, secure design environments, and close coordination with layout, verification, and process teams, making fully remote arrangements less common than in purely software-focused fields. About 31% of physical design engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026. Hybrid arrangements are most often available for experienced engineers handling timing analysis or signoff tasks rather than hands-on floorplanning work.
How can I get hired as a physical design engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a new-graduate or early-career program at a California semiconductor company, where structured rotations introduce candidates to place-and-route flows and physical verification under experienced mentors. Large California employers in Silicon Valley and San Diego regularly hire new graduates with strong VLSI coursework and EDA tool familiarity gained through university lab work or senior design projects. Candidates who can demonstrate hands-on exposure to Cadence or Synopsys tools, even in an academic setting, and who hold a master's degree in electrical engineering stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
Where can I find and apply to physical design engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to physical design engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your experience and target location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 147+ Physical Design Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Physical Design Engineer Jobs