How to hire a design verification engineer

How to hire a design verification engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step design verification engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a design verification engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new design verification engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a design verification engineer do?

Post a design verification engineer job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a design verification engineer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a design verification engineer to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a design verification engineer that fits the bill.

   This list presents design verification engineer salaries for various positions.

   Type of Design Verification Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Design Verification Engineer	Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. These engineers discover new directions in computer hardware, which generate rapid advances in computer technology.	$42-74
   Hardware Engineering Internship	When it comes to a hardware engineering internship, an intern's primary responsibility is to perform support tasks while gathering industry insights. Typically following the directives of a manager or senior engineer, an intern may assist in developing and assembling components, participate in the installation and repair of facilities, and conduct maintenance checks and tests while under the supervision of a more experienced engineer... Show more	$22-40
   Engineer	Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects... Show more	$31-62

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Python
   • UVM
   • Design Verification
   • Architecture
   • SOC
   • Perl
   • Debug
   • SystemVerilog
   • IP
   • C
   • C++
   • RTL
   • ASIC
   • Test Cases

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Develop system tools in Perl to automate test program generation to replace previously unsupport test tool.
   • Manage EDA license forecasting and work with project managers and license operations team to track license resource capability and capacity requirements.
   • Design the functional blocks for the SONET/SDH ASIC using VHDL.
   • Assemble test fixtures, load banks, troubleshoot boards, and perform bench level repair.
   • Add test cases, file bug reports, verify rtl fixes and stabilize the test case regressions.
   • Work on verification of subsystem at various levels, complex RTL debugging, customer support and bug diagnosis.

   More design verification engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the design verification engineer job description is a good way to get more applicants. A design verification engineer salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a design verification engineer in Nevada may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level design verification engineer. Additionally, a design verification engineer with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average design verification engineer salary

   $117,277yearly

   $56.38 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level design verification engineer salary

   $88,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 19, 2026

   Average design verification engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$164,010	$79
   2	California	$142,727	$69
   3	New York	$114,182	$55
   4	Vermont	$112,374	$54
   5	Oregon	$110,148	$53
   6	Texas	$108,989	$52
   7	Massachusetts	$108,657	$52
   8	Arizona	$102,321	$49
   9	Alabama	$100,583	$48
   10	Colorado	$97,560	$47
   11	Pennsylvania	$97,380	$47
   12	Minnesota	$96,969	$47
   13	North Carolina	$96,757	$47
   14	Georgia	$95,979	$46
   15	Florida	$95,337	$46
   16	New Hampshire	$94,019	$45

   Average design verification engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Meta	$175,450	$84.35	330
   2	ByteDance	$165,532	$79.58	7
   3	Waymo	$154,781	$74.41	7
   4	Apple	$153,293	$73.70	385
   5	Google	$153,050	$73.58	182
   6	Palo Alto Networks	$150,626	$72.42	5
   7	Microsoft	$147,038	$70.69	162
   8	Pure Storage	$145,151	$69.78	6
   9	Magnum Semiconductor	$143,861	$69.16
   10	CyberCoders	$139,165	$66.91	4
   11	NVIDIA	$135,452	$65.12	184
   12	Harley-Davidson	$135,428	$65.11	2
   13	Cisco	$134,456	$64.64	49
   14	Futurewei Technologies	$133,608	$64.23
   15	Amazon	$133,568	$64.22	400
   16	Arista Networks	$133,104	$63.99	18
   17	Tesla	$132,423	$63.66	16
   18	Altran Corporation	$132,360	$63.63
   19	Aviat Networks	$130,982	$62.97
   20	Samsung Electronics Device Solutions (Semiconductor & Display)	$130,119	$62.56	33

4. Writing a design verification engineer job description

   A design verification engineer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a design verification engineer job description:

   Design verification engineer job description example

   Acara Solutions is looking for a FPGA Design/Verification Engineer our client located in Louisville, CO
   
   As a FPGA Verification Engineer on our team, you can count on joining a team where you matter and contribute solutions to help our customers keep people safe.
   
   This position offers the unique opportunity to get involved on the ground floor of exciting new programs, designing and developing new software and hardware components to be integrated into the future F-35, F-16, and our Skunk Works mission systems.
   
   You will join a team that applies Agile development frequently utilizing the latest resources and technology and who ultimately values creative thinking.
   
   You will make an extraordinary impact in the lives of many by developing state-of-the-art embedded systems, SoC, as well as, FPGA solutions targeting F-35, F-16, and our Skunk Works IRADs.
   
   With your unique expertise in SystemVerilog and the Universal Verification Methodology (UVM) to verify FPGA-based designs on Linux, you may be sought after for ingenious solutions to complex problems while also positively guiding, growing, and mentoring junior engineers on your team.
   
   Determining architecture design & logic of system simulation and testbenches of FPGA and ASIC designs
   Creating verification test plans to achieve system functional and coverage metrics closure Supporting internal and external technical reviews Involved in all phases of software development Collaborating with the design team to resolve any defects identified Pay and Benefits: The Salary for this position is between $ 54.00 and $ 92.00 per hour (Max Pay rate).
   
   Required Skills / Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED Minimum of 16 years' experience in the verification of FPGA and/or ASIC devices. Minimum of 16 years' experience with modern verification methodologies such as UVM, OVM or VMM. Minimum of 16 years' HDL programming experience with VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog. Preferred Skills / Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering Demonstrated experience in ASIC / FPGA life cycle (architecture, design, simulation, verification, validation, integration & test). Knowledgeable in automated test pattern generation, logic equivalency checking, linting and other formal design checks. Knowledge of digital design, development, and simulation. Metrics collection, analysis, and reporting. Additional Information : Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check and a drug screen.
   Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct, and Aleron's strategic partner, SDI) are Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. The Aleron companies welcome and encourage applications from diverse candidates, including people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for applicants taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
   Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right design verification engineer for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with design verification engineers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit design verification engineers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your design verification engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit design verification engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit design verification engineers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new design verification engineer

   Once you've selected the best design verification engineer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new design verification engineer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a design verification engineer?