Principal Application Engineer — Full Custom Layout

Job Title

Principal Application Engineer — Full Custom Layout

Role Summary

This is a customer-facing application engineering role focused on full-custom IC layout, simulation, and implementation flows. The role supports customers by presenting solutions, demonstrating software, resolving technical issues, and driving adoption of Cadence tools and methodologies.

You will work directly with customer design teams and internally with R&D, Product Engineering, and Sales to ensure customer success for advanced-node custom IC projects.

Experience Level

Senior (Principal). Posting specifies a minimum of 5 years of practical hands-on experience in simulation and layout applications for custom IC design.

Responsibilities

The principal AE will support customers across design, layout, and verification phases and act as the technical lead for Cadence tool adoption and problem resolution.

• Understand customers' custom IC design, simulation, and layout challenges and recommend solutions.
• Guide customer teams on methodology and flows to improve productivity and quality.
• Resolve critical tool issues affecting project timelines; collaborate with product development and peer AEs.
• Support custom design and layout flows, including advanced-node (FinFET) technologies.
• Deliver technical presentations, training, and product demonstrations; develop customized materials as needed.
• Support technical evaluations and benchmarks; drive delivery of Cadence solutions for customer projects.
• Partner with Sales and Sales Management to identify opportunities and inform winning strategies.
• Communicate customer requirements and feedback to Engineering and Marketing to improve products and features.
• Help customers adopt and proliferate system-level solutions, including heterogeneous integration and electromagnetic/thermal analysis.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience, plus a short list of desirable qualifications.

• Must-have: Minimum 5 years practical hands-on experience in simulation and layout applications for Custom IC Design; experience in analog, mixed-signal, or RF design or layout.
• Must-have: Experience with Cadence layout tools, particularly for advanced-node (FinFET) geometries.
• Must-have: Strong problem-solving, written and verbal communication, organizational, planning, and presentation skills; ability to manage multiple projects and work independently.
• Nice-to-have: Experience setting up PDKs and familiarity with LVS, DRC, EMIR, EM and parasitic extraction tools.
• Nice-to-have: Programming or scripting skills (CSH, SKILL) and experience collaborating with Sales to develop technical strategies.
• Some travel may be required.

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.