Principal Product Engineer – Virtuoso Backend Flows

Job Title

Principal Product Engineer – Virtuoso Backend Flows

Role Summary

Customer-facing engineering role responsible for developing, validating, and driving adoption of advanced backend design flows in Cadence Virtuoso for leading-edge process nodes.

The role combines physical design methodologies, automation, and direct customer engagement to enable efficient design implementation and influence future product capabilities.

Experience Level

Senior. See Education Requirements for degree and years-of-experience equivalence.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and validate backend implementation and signoff flows within Virtuoso for advanced-node processes.
• Work directly with customers to understand technical challenges and deliver production-ready solutions.
• Create automation, scripts, and tooling to streamline design flows and improve repeatability.
• Troubleshoot complex integration and signoff issues and coordinate fixes with R&D teams.
• Document methodologies, produce training materials, and provide customer training and support.
• Influence product direction by collecting customer feedback and proposing enhancements.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience:

• Strong experience in custom IC backend design, layout, and signoff flows for advanced nodes.
• Deep familiarity with Cadence Virtuoso layout environments and advanced-node implementation methodologies.
• Proficiency in automation and scripting (SKILL, Python, Perl, or UNIX Shell).
• Proven ability to work directly with customers to analyze problems and deliver effective solutions.
• Experience troubleshooting complex issues and collaborating across engineering teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication, documentation, and training skills.

Education Requirements

BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field with 9+ years of relevant experience; or MS with 7+ years of relevant experience. Equivalent practical experience will be considered.

Compensation & Benefits

California annual salary range: $136,500 to $253,500 (base). Eligible for incentive compensation (bonus, equity) and benefits including paid vacation and holidays, 401(k) with match, employee stock purchase plan, and medical/dental/vision options.

We aim to solve hard problems in semiconductor design; the work impacts complex, real-world products.

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.