Lead Software Engineer – Virtual & Hybrid Platforms

Job Title

Lead Software Engineer – Virtual & Hybrid Platforms

Role Summary

Lead development and ownership of Cadence's pre‑silicon Virtual and Hybrid Platforms, from ROM and early boot through Linux/Android bring‑up. Work at the hardware/software boundary to enable early software development and platform readiness across multiple product teams.

Experience Level

Senior-level role. The posting requests 5+ years of software development experience with significant exposure to pre‑silicon or SoC platform environments.

Responsibilities

The role is the technical owner for platform readiness and integration across software, firmware, RTL, and architecture teams. Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and integrate Virtual and Hybrid Platforms using SystemC/TLM and RTL components.
• Lead end‑to‑end platform readiness from ROM and bootloaders through OS bring‑up and stability.
• Debug complex HW/SW issues using waveform analysis, GDB, JTAG, and co‑debug methods to reach root cause.
• Coordinate across architecture, RTL, IP, firmware, validation, and customer teams to translate hardware intent into software behavior.
• Drive platform performance optimization, multi‑threading enablement, synchronization and deadlock analysis.
• Apply AI‑assisted tools and automation to accelerate development, debugging, and log analysis.

Requirements

Must‑have technical skills and experience required for the role:

• 5+ years of software development experience, with significant work in pre‑silicon or SoC platform environments.
• Strong proficiency in C++, SystemC, and TLM 2.0.
• Hands‑on experience developing and integrating SoC Virtual and Hybrid Platforms, and integrating RTL with virtual/emulation environments.
• Strong understanding of SoC architecture, system‑level design, and hardware/software interactions.
• Expertise in software debugging, waveform‑based debug, and HW/SW co‑debug across complex systems.
• Proficient scripting and programming skills in Python, Shell, and C/C++.
• Experience with multi‑threaded software, synchronization, concurrency issues, and deadlock analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with Linux and/or Android bring‑up, including boot flow and kernel bring‑up.

Nice‑to‑have:

• Experience with Arm‑based SoCs, AMBA protocols, and emulation platforms.
• Familiarity with QEMU, Fast Models, or processor simulation environments.
• Prior work in environments where virtual platforms are the primary software development vehicle.
• Experience using AI‑assisted development, debugging, or automation workflows.

Education Requirements

Not specified.

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.