What does a Physical Design Engineer do?
Physical design engineers design, build, maintain, and perform other tasks involving computer chips, circuits, and related components and systems. They perform and oversee all phases of chip level implementation. They are also commonly involved in software development, including writing scripts. They frequently have a project management role, handling scheduling and helping to delegate tasks, and may also create specification sheets or other project documents.
Physical design engineers typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field, although a master’s degree is often preferred. They should have extensive hands-on experience with a broad range of configuration and design tasks involving chip and circuits, including the use of design tools. These roles require meticulous attention to detail, good organizational skills, and strong project management capabilities.
- Complete design implementation including choosing the appropriate board stack-up, determining the proper dielectric spacing and traces for any impedance controlled signals, and applying source and termination resistors/capacitors for signal integrity.
- Contribute to the development of multidimensional designs involving the layout of complex integrated circuits.
- Analyze equipment to establish operation infrastructure, conduct experimental tests, and evaluate results.
- Select, develop, and evaluate SoC design engineers to ensure the efficient operation of the function.
- Work with architects and experts to meet all all functionality and performance metrics.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering or equivalent experience.
- Experience with software and systems including CAD, AutoCAD, PERL, Mathcad, and SOC.
- Comfortable with microprocessors, scripting, debugging, schematic capture, and machine learning.
- Experienced in algorithm design, static timing, and power analysis.
How much does a Physical Design Engineer make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$122,611
/ yrPhysical Design Engineer Career Path
Learn how to become a Physical Design Engineer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Physical Design Engineer Insights

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Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Physical Design Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Electrical Designer
- Systems Design Engineer