Summary

Someone who plans, routes, and creates all the connections and interconnects between circuits in a semiconductor chip is called an IC Layout Designer.  Harrison is one of these IC layout designers and in this interview he shares insights into his job role and the industry as a whole. He discusses his background and how he transitioned into the field. He explains the role of an IC layout engineer, using analogies like creating blueprints for a house to describe the process of building circuits. He highlights the importance of understanding electronics theory and the creative aspect of the job. Harrison also discusses the work-life balance in the industry and the ongoing need for learning and staying updated with new technologies. He concludes by discussing the benefits of different education levels in the field even though you do not have to have a college degree to get started. This conversation covers various aspects of the IC layout career path, including the job search process, qualities employers look for in interviews, working in the semiconductor industry, income and career progression, the impact of AI on IC layout jobs, and career advice.

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Highlights
  • IC layout engineering and design is a niche field within the semiconductor industry, requiring specialized knowledge and skills.
  • The role of an IC layout engineer involves using computer-aided design tools to build circuits based on schematics and design rules.
  • Work-life balance in the industry can vary depending on the company and project, but it is generally manageable.  It is always good to ask when interviewing how the project cycles are structured to help manage the work-life balance.  Some companies are known for high stress project cycles, but may also have high reward benefits.  But it all depends on what is important to you.
  • Some roles can offer hybrid in-office and remote work opportunities.
  • Education requirements for IC layout engineering can range from specialized training programs without a college degree to advanced levels of college degrees, depending on the level of expertise desired. 
  • IC layout jobs can be found on company websites, job search platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn, and specialized IC layout school websites.
  • IC layout professionals often work closely with others and need to be in sync with the overall design process.
  • Teamwork, communication, and creativity can help you become a better IC layout designer overall.
  • A good analogy to IC layout is like building a house. First the architect designs the home based on things like features, costs, and size. Then they hand the design over to a general contractor who is then in charge of building the design. The IC Layout Designer is like the general contractor in this example. They are responsible for building the circuit design provided to them.
Harrison's Bio
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Economics
  • Considered Law School
  • Ended up starting his career by managing and overseeing two family owned Spa & Nailbar master franchises with 50+ employees.
  • Pivoted and attended the Silicon Drafting Institute (SDI).
  •  Starting working as a IC Layout Designer at Micron Technology.
Some typical IC Layout Design duties
  • Work with computer aided design (CAD) tools, there are several, for example Cadence.
  • Work with digital and analog circuit schematics that are provided from other circuit design engineers.
  • Using CAD tools, physically place these circuits in the semiconductor chip. This is also referred to as “layout”.
  • Connect the circuits together by routing paths from one circuit to the other.
  • Use CAD tools to run design rule checks (DRC) to verify the design and layout is implemented correctly and matches the circuit schematics.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
wILL aRTIFICIAL iNTELLIGENCE (ai) TAKE MY JOB
  • As Harrison stated in the interview, “Just be a good human being.  That will get you really far in life.”
  • Take some time to consider there may be other routes to successful careers other than the traditional going to college route.  But you have to look for them.
  • Don’t limit yourself.  Even if you are already feeling successful, always try and put yourself in challenging positions to grow and learn to help secure your career and do things that automation or AI won’t be able to do.
  • There is potential for AI to play a role in IC layout design work.
  • But there is a lot of intricate work that AI will probably not be able to complete.
  • While AI can create works of art, there is a need for creativity with IC layout that is still required to do circuit design where AI may not be able to replicate.
  • Look for skills to develop that AI cannot replicate.
Educational Requirements
Income and Salary
  • Some formal education is required.  But it does not have to be a college degree.
  • It is very important to be educated on the following topics:
    • Learn how to see specific devices in parallel or series.
    • Learn about different electrical circuits, AND, NORs, ORs, irregular inverters, and complex logic.
    • Learn theory relative to circuit design.
  • College is also an option and can range from a 4 year degree all the way to a Ph. D.
  • Outside of college, there are specialized training programs like the Silicon Drafting Institute (SDI) in San Jose, CA.  This program ranges from 4 to 8 months to complete.
  • Some colleges also offer IC layout programs like the Boise State University Certificate in Integrated Circuit Design.
  • A lot of IC layout designer roles are hourly which can potentially lead to good overtime pay.
  • The more custom skills roles can help increase your income potential. 
  • Income ranges discussed in the interview put entry level designers in the $60k-$90k range.
  • More experienced roles can range between $100k – $200k.
  • Custom skills and special area design like, RF design, custom analog work, and FINfet can be in the $200k – $300k range.
  • And it’s worth noting some of these income ranges can be achieved without a college degree.
Job Search Terms
job search examples
  • Integrated Circuit Designer
  • IC Layout Engineer
  • IC Layout Designer
  • Analog and Mixed Signal IC Designer
  • IC Mask Layout Designer

Podcast Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
09:55 Career Path and Transition to IC Layout
12:49 Understanding the Semiconductor Industry
19:26 Work-Life Balance in IC Layout
23:15 Education and Training for IC Layout
30:17 Job Search and Hiring Insights
33:37 Salary Expectations and Career Growth
36:59 The Future of IC Layout and AI
38:28 Career Advice and Final Thoughts