Sr. Principal Design Engineer
Cadence Design SystemsJob Title
Sr. Principal Design Engineer
Role Summary
Join the semiconductor engineering team to design and develop SRAM and register-file circuits for low-power, low-voltage, high-performance applications. The role focuses on full-custom and compiler-based SRAM macro design, characterization, layout coordination, and silicon validation.
Experience Level
Senior — typically 6 to 18 years of relevant SRAM/VLSI/memory design experience.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include circuit design, simulation, layout coordination, and post-silicon validation.
- Design and optimize full-custom or compiler-based SRAM macros, sense amplifiers, and self-timed circuits.
- Perform SPICE simulations to analyze timing, power, and Static Noise Margin (SNM) across process corners.
- Lead and coordinate with physical design/layout teams to meet FinFET manufacturing rules and address process variability.
- Develop and execute characterization methodologies for memory and register files.
- Support post-silicon testing, validation, and hardware debug/troubleshooting.
Requirements
Must-have skills and experience.
- 6–18 years of experience in SRAM or memory circuit design and characterization.
- Deep understanding of CMOS device physics, transistor sizing, and memory cell stability.
- Proficiency with EDA tools such as Cadence Virtuoso and SPICE simulators.
- Experience scripting for automation and data analysis (Python or Perl).
- Proven ability to collaborate with circuit designers, architecture teams, CAD engineers, and physical design teams.
- Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail.
Nice-to-have: experience with FinFET process flows, compiler-based memory generation, or prior silicon bring-up and failure analysis.
Education Requirements
B.Tech or M.Tech in Electrical Engineering, VLSI, or Microelectronics.
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.
