Lead Application Engineer

Job Title

Lead Application Engineer

Role Summary

Provide technical leadership and hands-on support for digital IC implementation, customer demonstrations, and sales engagements. Act as a primary technical contact for customers during design-in and tape-out activities.

Experience Level

Senior-level role; expects multiple years of hands-on IC design or implementation experience.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

• Deliver technical product demonstrations and support sales presentations for digital IC implementation tools.
• Execute and troubleshoot full APR flow: floorplanning, placement, timing analysis, CTS, routing and signoff timing closure.
• Drive physical verification (PV) closure methodology and timing/power/area signoff processes.
• Support and lead customer engagements to accelerate business and enable successful tape-outs.
• Mentor and lead other team members; operate with limited supervision on routine assignments.

Requirements

Required technical skills and attributes:

• Hands-on experience with full APR/implementation flows, including timing analysis, CTS, congestion and routing issues, and DRC debugging.
• Knowledge of both logical and physical implementation concerns (timing, signal integrity, congestion, hierarchical design) and MSV methodology.
• Proficiency with scripting (shell, Perl, Tcl) for automation and flow development.
• Strong verbal and written communication in English and Chinese; comfortable presenting to customers.
• Customer-facing mindset with experience supporting demonstrations and design engagements.
• Ability to lead technical tasks and work independently with minimal direction.
• Nice-to-have: experience with Cadence Innovus and prior advanced-node tape-out exposure.

Education Requirements

Prefer a Master’s degree with 3+ years of IC design experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of IC design experience (digital/IC design focus as specified in the posting).

About the Company

Company: Cadence Design Systems

Headquarters: San Jose, California, USA

Cadence Design Systems is a global electronic design automation company that provides software, hardware, and intellectual property for designing advanced semiconductor chips. With over 25 years in the industry, Cadence is known for its innovative technology solutions and has been recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. The company is dedicated to solving complex technical challenges in order to enable customers to create revolutionary products and experiences.