Principal Software Engineer

Job Title

Principal Software Engineer

Role Summary

Senior software engineer for the Quantus parasitic extraction product in the Digital & Signoff Group. The role focuses on software and algorithm development, performance optimization, integration with layout/schematic editors and simulators, and support for production EDA flows.

Experience Level

Senior. Typical expectation: 7+ years of relevant industry experience (or 5+ years with a relevant Master’s degree).

Responsibilities

Contribute to development, optimization, and integration of parasitic extraction software. Key responsibilities include:

• Design, implement, and maintain C++ code for computationally intensive EDA applications on Linux/UNIX.
• Develop and optimize algorithms for speed and memory efficiency; apply multi-threading, distribution, and HPC techniques.
• Debug complex software and perform accuracy analysis and performance profiling.
• Integrate tools with layout/schematic editors and simulators; contribute to GUI components and workflow integration.
• Collaborate cross-functionally, respond to customer issues, and define project completion criteria and checklists.
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle from requirements through delivery.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience:

• Proficient in C++ development and debugging in a UNIX/Linux environment on large codebases.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze algorithmic complexity and implement performance and memory optimizations.
• Experience with multi-threading, distributed computing, or other HPC approaches.
• Familiarity with software development tools: version control, build systems, and release practices.
• Scripting experience (Tcl, Perl, Python) for automation and tooling tasks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical collaboration and customer interaction.
• Preferred: experience developing EDA tools or working within chip-design flows.
• Preferred: GUI development (Qt) and familiarity with LEF/DEF, layout connectivity, or parasitic extraction concepts.
• Preferred: background or implementation experience in computational geometry, numerical methods, solving large linear systems, Maxwell’s equations, or model order reduction.

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering (with ~7+ years experience) or Master’s degree in a related field (with ~5+ years experience). Maths or physics background noted as a plus. (Degree+experience combinations listed in the original 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.