Sr. Customer Engagement Manager - PDK Enablement

Job Title

Sr. Customer Engagement Manager - PDK Enablement

Role Summary

Lead PDK enablement efforts within the foundry process engineering (PE) team to develop, integrate, validate, and release process design kits (PDKs) and associated technology files. Work directly with foundries and customers to ensure PDK quality and usability across design, verification, and extraction flows.

Provide tool support, develop scripts and automation for database and layer/device mapping, promote and enhance internal PDK tooling, and deliver real-time support and workarounds.

Experience Level

Senior — requires significant independent ownership; posting specifies 10+ years of related work experience.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

• Lead PDK development projects and coordinate foundry/customer interactions to define and deliver PDKs.
• Develop and integrate foundry rule decks and technology files using provided process design kits as a baseline.
• Perform PDK quality assurance: DRC, LVS, PEX, EMIR, Pcell layout, model validation, reliability, DFM, regression testing, and release management.
• Create scripts and tools to port and map design databases, device parameters, layout layers, and vias between technologies.
• Promote and enhance internal PDK development tools (Pcell designer, auto validation kits) and provide general tool usage support.
• Provide real-time support, implement bug workarounds, and coordinate with R&D to file and resolve defects.

Requirements

Must-have and desirable technical qualifications:

• Must-have: Hands-on experience leading PDK development teams or similar projects; strong practical experience with analog design flows including circuit/layout, physical verification (DRC/LVS/Dummy Fill), and post-layout RC extraction.
• Must-have: Proficiency in scripting/programming such as Perl, Tcl, or SKILL; ability to develop automation for data and layer/device mapping.
• Must-have: Solid understanding of SPICE models and simulation flows.
• Must-have: Experience providing tool support, creating workarounds, and interacting with R&D to resolve tool defects.
• Nice-to-have: Direct experience with major foundries and foundry PDK processes.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with Cadence PAS / Pcell Designer and internal PDK development tools.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree required with 10+ years of related working experience; Master’s degree is a plus.

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.