Principal Design Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
Principal design engineer roles in California sit at the heart of the state's semiconductor, aerospace, and consumer electronics industries. Companies like Apple, Qualcomm, Broadcom, and Northrop Grumman regularly sponsor visas for senior engineering talent. The San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles are the primary hiring centers for these positions.
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JR117434
Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all.
Micron Technology is a world leader in innovating memory and storage solutions that accelerate the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.
Job Description
We are the HBM Design Architecture team within Micron’s HBM DRAM Engineering Group. We work at the intersection of design, technology, and manufacturing to deliver next‑generation HBM solutions that power AI and ML workloads worldwide. Our team thrives on deep technical collaboration, global partnerships, and solving problems that truly push memory technology forward!
In this full‑time onsite role, you will provide critical technology support for the design and development of advanced HBM DRAM products. You will serve as a bridge between internal design teams, foundries, and technology development groups, helping translate advanced process capabilities into scalable, high‑performance architectures. Your work will directly impact performance, power efficiency, reliability, and long‑term HBM roadmap success. This role supports the design and deployment of AI-enabled solutions that improve efficiency and decision-making.
Responsibilities:
The responsibilities outlined below represent key areas of focus for this role and are intended to be illustrative rather than exhaustive.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate proven experience in at least three of the five focus areas outlined below.
Foundry Interface and Technology Alignment
- Act as the primary technical interface between foundry partners and Micron design organizations.
- Drive closure of design-process gaps through collaborative engagement with foundry process teams.
- Influence foundry roadmaps related to TSV, BEOL, reliability, and design enablement.
- Define technology requirements for future HBM and custom memory products.
Circuit Simulation and Analysis
- Perform HSPICE simulations for technology evaluation and design optimization.
- Evaluate compact models, PDK SPICE models, and process corners.
- Conduct pre-layout and post-layout circuit analysis.
- Support BEOL optimization and routing studies through simulation.
- Develop methodologies for evaluating design sensitivity to process variations.
Test-Chip and Silicon Validation
- Plan and implement technology evaluation test chips.
- Define process monitor structures and benchmark vehicles.
- Analyze post-silicon data and correlate results with simulations.
- Collaborate with product engineering and foundry/Fab teams on silicon learning and technology qualification.
PDK and Design Enablement
- Evaluate foundry PDKs and IP collateral.
- Support design teams by providing technology guidelines and best-known methods.
- Drive creation of design recommendations, analog guidelines, and digital PPA evaluation methodologies.
- Collaborate with CAD teams on flow enablement and validation.
AI-Enabled Productivity and Efficiency Improvement
- Identify and implement AI-enabled workflows, automation opportunities, and knowledge-management practices to improve engineering productivity, decision quality, and execution efficiency across DTCO, foundry interface, PDK evaluation, and design enablement activities.
Minimum Qualifications
- BS, MS, or PhD or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years of semiconductor industry experience and solid understanding of advanced semiconductor technology development.
- Strong grasp of advanced CMOS technology nodes, FinFET devices, and process integration.
- Hands-on experience with: HSPICE simulations, device characterization, standard cell benchmarking, PPA analysis, parasitic extraction and physical verification.
- Experience in driving AI-enabled engineering practices and automation to improve the efficiency of DTCO analysis, foundry collateral evaluation, PDK enablement, benchmarking, and collaboration across build teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working directly with leading foundries such as TSMC, Samsung, Intel Foundry Services, or GlobalFoundries.
- Experience with memory products including DRAM, HBM, or SRAM.
- Knowledge of: TSV technologies, advanced packaging, reliability modeling and aging simulations, advanced BEOL technologies, PDK development and validation.
- Ability to apply AI tools to summarize, analyze, and extract insights from: PDK documentation, Design Rule Manuals (DRMs), reliability reports, foundry collateral, silicon characterization data.
- Experience leading technology pathfinding and node selection activities.
Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The US base salary range that Micron Technology estimates it could pay for this full-time position is:
$150,000.00 - $308,000.00 a year
Additional compensation may include benefits, bonuses and equity.
Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target base pay for new hire salaries of the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional job-related factors, including knowledge, skills, experience, tenure and relevant education or training. The pay scale is subject to change depending on business needs. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.
As a world leader in the semiconductor industry, Micron is dedicated to your personal wellbeing and professional growth. Micron benefits are designed to help you stay well, provide peace of mind and help you prepare for the future. We offer a choice of medical, dental and vision plans in all locations enabling team members to select the plans that best meet their family healthcare needs and budget. Micron also provides benefit programs that help protect your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and paid family leave. Additionally, Micron benefits include a robust paid time-off program and paid holidays. For additional information regarding the Benefit programs available, please see the Benefits Guide posted on micron.com/careers/benefits.
Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
To learn more about Micron, please visit micron.com/careers.
US Sites Only: To request assistance with the application process and/or for reasonable accommodations, please contact Micron’s People Organization at hrsupport_na@micron.com or 1-800-336-8918 (select option #3).
Micron prohibits the use of child labor and complies with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and other international and industry labor standards.
Micron does not charge candidates any recruitment fees or unlawfully collect any other payment from candidates as consideration for their employment with Micron.
AI alert: Candidates are encouraged to use AI tools to enhance their resume and/or application materials. However, all information provided must be accurate and reflect the candidate's true skills and experiences. Misuse of AI to fabricate or misrepresent qualifications will result in immediate disqualification.
Fraud alert: Micron advises job seekers to be cautious of unsolicited job offers and to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from Micron by checking the official Micron careers website in the About Micron Technology, Inc.
Micron Foundation
Strong communities and education are vital to the success of both society and innovative companies. Every Micron site understands the complex needs of their local community. Whether it’s through strategic giving, sponsorships or deploying team member volunteers, we are making a difference.
Sustainability
Micron is committed to sustainable practices and supporting our global community. We are building and maintaining sustainable operations, products, and communities while focusing on opportunities and risks that are most important to our business success and stakeholders.
Job ID
JR117434
Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all.
Micron Technology is a world leader in innovating memory and storage solutions that accelerate the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.
Job Description
We are the HBM Design Architecture team within Micron’s HBM DRAM Engineering Group. We work at the intersection of design, technology, and manufacturing to deliver next‑generation HBM solutions that power AI and ML workloads worldwide. Our team thrives on deep technical collaboration, global partnerships, and solving problems that truly push memory technology forward!
In this full‑time onsite role, you will provide critical technology support for the design and development of advanced HBM DRAM products. You will serve as a bridge between internal design teams, foundries, and technology development groups, helping translate advanced process capabilities into scalable, high‑performance architectures. Your work will directly impact performance, power efficiency, reliability, and long‑term HBM roadmap success. This role supports the design and deployment of AI-enabled solutions that improve efficiency and decision-making.
Responsibilities:
The responsibilities outlined below represent key areas of focus for this role and are intended to be illustrative rather than exhaustive.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate proven experience in at least three of the five focus areas outlined below.
Foundry Interface and Technology Alignment
- Act as the primary technical interface between foundry partners and Micron design organizations.
- Drive closure of design-process gaps through collaborative engagement with foundry process teams.
- Influence foundry roadmaps related to TSV, BEOL, reliability, and design enablement.
- Define technology requirements for future HBM and custom memory products.
Circuit Simulation and Analysis
- Perform HSPICE simulations for technology evaluation and design optimization.
- Evaluate compact models, PDK SPICE models, and process corners.
- Conduct pre-layout and post-layout circuit analysis.
- Support BEOL optimization and routing studies through simulation.
- Develop methodologies for evaluating design sensitivity to process variations.
Test-Chip and Silicon Validation
- Plan and implement technology evaluation test chips.
- Define process monitor structures and benchmark vehicles.
- Analyze post-silicon data and correlate results with simulations.
- Collaborate with product engineering and foundry/Fab teams on silicon learning and technology qualification.
PDK and Design Enablement
- Evaluate foundry PDKs and IP collateral.
- Support design teams by providing technology guidelines and best-known methods.
- Drive creation of design recommendations, analog guidelines, and digital PPA evaluation methodologies.
- Collaborate with CAD teams on flow enablement and validation.
AI-Enabled Productivity and Efficiency Improvement
- Identify and implement AI-enabled workflows, automation opportunities, and knowledge-management practices to improve engineering productivity, decision quality, and execution efficiency across DTCO, foundry interface, PDK evaluation, and design enablement activities.
Minimum Qualifications
- BS, MS, or PhD or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years of semiconductor industry experience and solid understanding of advanced semiconductor technology development.
- Strong grasp of advanced CMOS technology nodes, FinFET devices, and process integration.
- Hands-on experience with: HSPICE simulations, device characterization, standard cell benchmarking, PPA analysis, parasitic extraction and physical verification.
- Experience in driving AI-enabled engineering practices and automation to improve the efficiency of DTCO analysis, foundry collateral evaluation, PDK enablement, benchmarking, and collaboration across build teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working directly with leading foundries such as TSMC, Samsung, Intel Foundry Services, or GlobalFoundries.
- Experience with memory products including DRAM, HBM, or SRAM.
- Knowledge of: TSV technologies, advanced packaging, reliability modeling and aging simulations, advanced BEOL technologies, PDK development and validation.
- Ability to apply AI tools to summarize, analyze, and extract insights from: PDK documentation, Design Rule Manuals (DRMs), reliability reports, foundry collateral, silicon characterization data.
- Experience leading technology pathfinding and node selection activities.
Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The US base salary range that Micron Technology estimates it could pay for this full-time position is:
$150,000.00 - $308,000.00 a year
Additional compensation may include benefits, bonuses and equity.
Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target base pay for new hire salaries of the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional job-related factors, including knowledge, skills, experience, tenure and relevant education or training. The pay scale is subject to change depending on business needs. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.
As a world leader in the semiconductor industry, Micron is dedicated to your personal wellbeing and professional growth. Micron benefits are designed to help you stay well, provide peace of mind and help you prepare for the future. We offer a choice of medical, dental and vision plans in all locations enabling team members to select the plans that best meet their family healthcare needs and budget. Micron also provides benefit programs that help protect your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and paid family leave. Additionally, Micron benefits include a robust paid time-off program and paid holidays. For additional information regarding the Benefit programs available, please see the Benefits Guide posted on micron.com/careers/benefits.
Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
To learn more about Micron, please visit micron.com/careers.
US Sites Only: To request assistance with the application process and/or for reasonable accommodations, please contact Micron’s People Organization at hrsupport_na@micron.com or 1-800-336-8918 (select option #3).
Micron prohibits the use of child labor and complies with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and other international and industry labor standards.
Micron does not charge candidates any recruitment fees or unlawfully collect any other payment from candidates as consideration for their employment with Micron.
AI alert: Candidates are encouraged to use AI tools to enhance their resume and/or application materials. However, all information provided must be accurate and reflect the candidate's true skills and experiences. Misuse of AI to fabricate or misrepresent qualifications will result in immediate disqualification.
Fraud alert: Micron advises job seekers to be cautious of unsolicited job offers and to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from Micron by checking the official Micron careers website in the About Micron Technology, Inc.
Micron Foundation
Strong communities and education are vital to the success of both society and innovative companies. Every Micron site understands the complex needs of their local community. Whether it’s through strategic giving, sponsorships or deploying team member volunteers, we are making a difference.
Sustainability
Micron is committed to sustainable practices and supporting our global community. We are building and maintaining sustainable operations, products, and communities while focusing on opportunities and risks that are most important to our business success and stakeholders.
Principal Design Engineer Job Roles in California
See all 233+ Principal Design Engineer Jobs in California
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Principal Design Engineer Jobs in CaliforniaPrincipal Design Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for principal design engineers in California?
California's largest tech and defense employers are among the most active sponsors for principal design engineers. Apple, Intel, Qualcomm, Broadcom, NVIDIA, and Northrop Grumman have established sponsorship programs and consistent LCA filing histories for senior engineering roles. Aerospace firms concentrated in Southern California and semiconductor companies in Silicon Valley and San Diego account for a significant share of sponsorship activity in this role category.
Which visa types realistically apply to principal design engineer roles in California?
Principal design engineers typically qualify for the H-1B visa, which covers specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree in a directly related engineering field. H-1B status is granted for up to three years, extendable to six, and is subject to an annual cap and selection process. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify for TN visa status under the USMCA Engineer category. E-3 visa applies to Australian nationals in specialty occupations. EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based green cards are also common longer-term pathways for this role.
Which cities in California have the most principal design engineer sponsorship jobs?
The San Francisco Bay Area, particularly San Jose, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale, holds the highest concentration of principal design engineer sponsorship jobs, driven by the semiconductor and consumer electronics industries. San Diego is a major hub for wireless technology and defense engineering roles. Los Angeles and surrounding cities in the South Bay support aerospace and defense employers. These three metro areas account for the large majority of California sponsorship activity for this role.
How to find principal design engineer visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate lists California employers with verified sponsorship filing history for principal design engineer roles, so you can focus on companies that have demonstrated willingness to sponsor rather than applying broadly. Filtering by role and location on Migrate Mate surfaces active hiring at semiconductor, aerospace, and consumer electronics employers across Silicon Valley, San Diego, and Los Angeles without sifting through listings that don't support visa sponsorship.
Are there state-specific factors that affect visa sponsorship for principal design engineers in California?
California's concentration of large technology and defense contractors creates a sponsorship environment where senior engineering roles are regularly filled through visa pathways. Many employers, particularly in semiconductors and aerospace, have dedicated immigration teams familiar with H-1B and green card processes for principal-level engineers. University pipelines from UC Berkeley, UCLA, Stanford, and UC San Diego also feed engineering talent directly into California's sponsorship-active employers, keeping these programs institutionally established.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored principal design engineer jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.