Intel RTL Design Engineer Jobs
Intel's RTL teams write the microarchitectures behind Xeon server parts, Lunar Lake client chips, Xe GPUs, and the custom AI accelerators it builds for hyperscaler customers. If you code RTL and want your work to ship in high volume, Intel is one of the few places where a single design lands in millions of machines.
The core skill is SystemVerilog, sometimes VHDL, plus a real grasp of microarchitectural tradeoffs: pipeline depth, clock gating, and how a design choice ripples into CPU design timing and area. Intel runs a heavily internal CAD flow, so job descriptions weight verification rigor and design for test alongside coding. Familiarity with the process roadmap, especially Intel 3 and Intel 18A, matters more now that Intel Foundry is ramping and design-technology co-optimization has become its own specialty.
Hiring is spread across a handful of sites. Hillsboro, Oregon, is the biggest for client CPUs. Santa Clara, California, covers Xe GPU and AI chip design. Haifa, Israel, runs networking and AI work, and Chandler, Arizona, plus Austin, Texas, handle future-node and platform SoC teams. New grads are a real path here: Intel recruits MS and PhD graduates every year and pairs them with mentors on established teams.
On pay, Intel RTL design engineers typically start around $120K to $180K base depending on level and location, with senior total compensation landing near $180K to $260K once stock and bonus are included. Our salary guide compares those figures against AMD, Nvidia, and Qualcomm.
SemiDesignJobs lists Intel RTL openings by product group, level, and site, and surfaces adjacent Intel verification roles when they fit your background. Save a search and you'll get an email the day a matching Intel RTL role opens.
FAQ
What are common Intel RTL design engineer job requirements?
A BS or MS in EE or CE and strong RTL coding in SystemVerilog. CPU or GPU microarchitecture experience and comfort with an internal CAD toolchain help a lot. Verification and DFT awareness show up on most listings.
Which Intel sites hire the most RTL design engineers?
Hillsboro, Oregon, for client computing; Santa Clara, California, for Xe GPU and AI; and Haifa, Israel, for networking and AI. Chandler, Arizona, has a growing team focused on future process nodes.
Does Intel hire new graduates for RTL design engineer positions?
Yes. Intel runs active university recruiting and regularly hires new MS and PhD graduates into RTL roles. New grads join established teams and ramp up with an assigned mentor.