Senior Physical Design Engineer Jobs in California
Senior Physical Design Engineer jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in the semiconductor, consumer electronics, and fabless chip design sectors that define California's technology economy. The heaviest hiring is in San Jose, San Diego, and Santa Clara, where companies like Qualcomm, Apple, and NVIDIA maintain large physical design teams at every level from associate through principal engineer. The most consistently in-demand specialties are place-and-route, static timing analysis, and physical verification for advanced process nodes. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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As a member of our CPU Cache Coherent Interconnects Design Team, you will be responsible for the physical design of CPU on-chip interconnect network and last-level caches, working on implementation, synthesis and timing closure while collaborating closely with the logic design team on micro-architecture definition and feasibility. This position offers you the opportunity to have real impact in a dynamic, technology-focused company impacting product lines ranging from consumer graphics to self-driving cars and the growing field of artificial intelligence. We have crafted a team of extraordinary people stretching around the globe, whose mission is to push the frontiers of what is possible today and define the platform for the future of computing.
What you'll be doing:
As a member of our CPU team, you'll be responsible for synthesis and achieving timing, area, performance and power goals of the on-chip interconnect network and last-level caches.
Help evaluate the physical design for next-generation Nvidia coherent interconnects and system-level caches.
What we need to see:
Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science or equivalent experience.
5+ years of experience in processor or other related high-performance semiconductor designs.
Physical design expertise in high-frequency design, including hands-on synthesis experience, timing analysis, floor-planning and in-depth knowledge of industry standard physical design tools is required.
Experience in interconnect/cache/core design is desirable.
Verilog expertise is preferred as is a deep understanding of ASIC design flow including RTL design and verification, DFT, and ECO.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required along with the ability to work in a dynamic, global team.
NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most brilliant and hardworking people in the world working for us. Are you creative and autonomous? Do you love the challenge of crafting the fastest and most power-efficient chips in their class? If so, we want to hear from you.
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 136,000 USD - 218,500 USD for Level 3, and 168,000 USD - 264,500 USD for Level 4.You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.See All 15 Senior Physical Design Engineer Jobs in California
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Find JobsSenior Physical Design Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Physical Design Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware
- Technology & Software
- Aerospace & Defense
- Distribution & Wholesale
- Consulting & Professional Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior physical design engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering required
- Five or more years of hands-on place-and-route experience at advanced process nodes
- Proficiency with industry-standard EDA tools such as Cadence Innovus or Synopsys ICC2
- Demonstrated experience with static timing analysis, power integrity, and signal integrity closure
- Strong understanding of DRC, LVS, and physical verification flows for leading-edge foundries
- Experience taping out complex SoC or custom digital designs at 7nm or below preferred
Senior Physical Design Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior physical design engineer in California?
The most direct path is a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering, followed by several years of progressively complex physical design work. California does not require a state-issued license for this role. Hiring teams at California semiconductor companies typically look for candidates who have contributed to a full tapeout cycle, can demonstrate closure experience at advanced nodes, and are familiar with the EDA tool flows those specific teams use.
How much do senior physical design engineers make in California?
Senior physical design engineers in California earn a median of about $185,180 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $126,590 for the lowest 10% to over $281,210 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire senior physical design engineers in California?
Employers hiring senior physical design engineers in California right now include SpaceX, Amazon Web Services, and Cisco, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of fabless semiconductor companies and large consumer electronics hardware teams means hiring is sustained across the state's major tech corridors year-round.
Which California cities have the most senior physical design engineer jobs?
The cities with the most senior physical design engineer openings in California are San Jose, Santa Clara, and Cupertino. The distribution follows California's semiconductor and consumer electronics footprint, with the Silicon Valley corridor anchoring the largest share of roles because of the dense cluster of fabless chip companies and major hardware-focused technology headquarters concentrated there.
Are there remote senior physical design engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're relatively limited. Physical design work involves close collaboration with timing, verification, and foundry teams, and many California employers expect on-site or hybrid presence for tapeout-critical phases. About 50% of senior physical design engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026. The tasks most suited to remote work are timing analysis reviews, scripting, and flow development rather than active closure work.
How can I get hired as a senior physical design engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a master's degree program at a California university with a strong VLSI curriculum, which many California semiconductor companies actively recruit from through on-campus programs. Pursuing entry-level physical design or design verification roles at mid-size fabless companies in San Jose or San Diego is a concrete first step, as those teams often grow associates into full place-and-route contributors. Building a portfolio that includes a completed tapeout project, even from an academic or open-source context, gives candidates a clear edge over those without demonstrated tool experience.
Where can I find and apply to senior physical design engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to senior physical design engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly.
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