Lead Application Engineer — Custom IC Design and Implementation

Job Title

Lead Application Engineer — Custom IC Design and Implementation

Role Summary

Customer-facing application engineering role supporting custom IC design, implementation, simulation, layout, and electromagnetic analysis. Act as a technical expert and consultant to customer design teams, driving adoption of Cadence tools and methodologies.

Work closely with customers, R&D, product engineering, and sales to resolve technical issues, deliver solutions, and ensure customer success on complex projects.

Experience Level

Senior — position title indicates senior/lead level. Requires a minimum of 3+ years of relevant industry experience in custom IC design, simulation, layout, or electromagnetic analysis.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include technical customer support, methodology guidance, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Diagnose and resolve complex customer issues affecting design schedules; coordinate with product development when needed.
• Advise customer design teams on methodologies and flows to improve productivity and design quality.
• Support simulation, layout, EM analysis, and heterogeneous integration workflows for custom ICs, RFICs, RF modules, and multichip modules.
• Deliver technical presentations, product demonstrations, and customized training to customers.
• Run technical evaluations and benchmarks and guide customers through successful delivery of Cadence solutions.
• Collaborate with sales and AEs to identify opportunities and develop technical strategies that address customer needs.
• Collect and communicate customer requirements and feedback to engineering and marketing teams to influence product improvements.
• Support customer adoption and proliferation of system-level, electromagnetic, and thermal analysis solutions.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience required to perform the role; nice-to-have items listed separately.

• Must-have: 3+ years of hands-on experience with simulation and/or layout tools for Custom IC design (analog, mixed-signal, or RF experience considered relevant).
• Must-have: Strong problem-solving, written and verbal communication, presentation, organizational, and planning skills.
• Must-have: Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Must-have: Ability to travel to customer sites as required and possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with electromagnetic solvers and EM analysis for custom ICs and advanced packaging.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with RFIC, RF module, or multichip module design spaces.

Education Requirements

BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical work experience.

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.