Sr. Principal Design Engineer
Cadence Design SystemsJob Title
Sr. Principal Design Engineer
Role Summary
Join the semiconductor engineering team to design and optimize SRAM and register-file circuits for low-power, low-voltage, high-performance applications. Provide technical leadership across circuit design, characterization, layout supervision, and silicon validation.
Experience Level
Senior — typically 6 to 18 years of relevant experience; expects technical leadership in memory circuit design and verification.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include:
- Design and optimize full-custom or compiler-based SRAM macros, sense amplifiers, and self-timed circuits.
- Perform SPICE simulations and characterize timing, power, and static noise margin (SNM) across process corners.
- Guide physical design and layout teams to meet FinFET manufacturing rules and manage process variability.
- Support post-silicon validation, troubleshoot silicon issues, and participate in hardware bring-up.
- Automate characterization and verification workflows for data analysis and repeatable results.
Requirements
Must-have skills and experience:
- Extensive experience in SRAM and 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.
- Scripting skills in Python or Perl for workflow automation and data analysis.
- Experience supervising layout/physical implementation and addressing FinFET-specific issues.
- Strong analytical, debugging, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Nice-to-have:
- Experience with register files, sense amplifier innovation, or self-timed circuit techniques.
- Prior hands-on post-silicon validation and failure analysis experience.
Education Requirements
B.Tech or M.Tech in Electrical Engineering, VLSI, Microelectronics, or a closely related technical field (as stated in the 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.
