Sr Principal Hardware Design Engineer — Emulation Acceleration System Platform
Cadence Design SystemsJob Title
Sr Principal Hardware Design Engineer — Emulation Acceleration System Platform
Role Summary
Architect, design, bring-up, and sustain Cadence's emulation-acceleration hardware system platform. This is a hands-on senior engineering role based in the San Jose headquarters that combines system architecture, board and schematic design, PCB layout coordination, signal integrity, and production support. Reports to the Sr Engineering Group Director of R&D.
Experience Level
Senior — expects substantial senior-level experience. Typical experience guidance: PhD ≥ 8 years, MS ≥ 10 years, BS ≥ 12 years in relevant hardware/system design.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include system architecture, hardware design, verification through production, and technical leadership.
- Define and drive architecture, design, bring-up, and sustain activities for emulation-acceleration system platforms.
- Design boards and schematics; coordinate with PCB layout and signal-integrity engineers to meet performance and manufacturability targets.
- Lead design reviews and establish hardware engineering standards, procedures, and documentation.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior hardware engineers; lead cross-functional design efforts.
- Support hardware bring-up, debug, and production ramp; address quality and manufacturing issues.
- Propose and lead process improvements to improve productivity and product quality.
Requirements
Key must-have skills and experience, plus a few preferred items.
- Must-have: Minimum of 10 years developing board-level hardware and systems.
- Must-have: Proven track record taking hardware systems from concept to production.
- Deep experience in system architecture, signal integrity (SI/PI), power design, board management, and high-speed interfaces.
- Practical experience with schematic capture tools and collaboration with PCB layout engineers.
- Hands-on experience with board bring-up, debug, and sustaining hardware platforms.
- Demonstrated technical leadership and ability to mentor junior engineers.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to create plans and technical reports.
- Ability to operate independently, prioritize and manage multiple concurrent tasks, and work effectively across cross-functional teams.
- Nice-to-have: Familiarity with volume manufacturing methods and production processes.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with a minimum of 12 years' relevant experience, OR Master's degree with a minimum of 10 years' relevant experience, OR PhD with a minimum of 8 years' relevant experience. (Degree in Electrical Engineering specified in source.)
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.
