Physical Design Engineer Overview

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.

What responsibilities are common for Physical Design Engineer jobs?
  • 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.
What are the typical qualifications for Physical Design Engineer jobs?
  • 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.
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.6 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
4.0 ★
Avg. Experience2-4 years

How much does a Physical Design Engineer make near United States?

Confident
$122,611 /yr
Total Pay
$105,574
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$17,037
 /yr

Additional Pay

$122,611

 / yr
$84K$181K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
See More Insights

Physical 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.

Physical Design Engineer

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
9%
2 - 4
40%
5 - 7
32%
8+
19%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Physical Design Engineer Insights

Read what Physical Design Engineer professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
Synapse DesignSynapse Design
Physical Design Engineer
Mar 25, 2023

“Good for freshers Management's ever growing relationship with clients Comparatively stable career compared to competitors”

Cientra Cientra
Physical Design Engineer
Feb 3, 2023

“Good good good good good”

EinfochipsEinfochips
Physical Design Engineer
Nov 15, 2022

“Good good good good good”

SoCtronicsSoCtronics
ASIC Physical Design Engineer Trainee
Nov 25, 2021

“Nice place to work and learn”

TeloquenceTeloquence
Physical Design Engineer
Sep 12, 2023

“Good work life balance and helps in overall development”

Bharat ElectronicsBharat Electronics
Physical Design Engineer Intern
May 12, 2022

“Nice place to work and study”

INVECASINVECAS
Senior Physical Design Engineer
Apr 27, 2021

“Good to work and friendly team”

SignOff SemiconductorsSignOff Semiconductors
Senior Physical Design Engineer
Jan 13, 2023

“4. Good compensation and Benefits.”

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Physical Design Engineer Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Physical Design Engineer

The most similar professions to Physical Design Engineer are:
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Electronics Engineer
  • Electrical Designer
  • Systems Design Engineer

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Physical Design Engineer Jobs