principal software engineering Hardware Engineer ic Master's · Posted Jul 8, 2026
$136,500 – $253,500
USD per year

About this role

Cadence Design Systems is hiring a principal-level Hardware Engineer in the software engineering function based in San Jose, CA. The posting calls out experience with Compliance. Listed education preference: a master's degree or equivalent. Compensation is listed at $136,500–$253,500 per year.

Role
Hardware Engineer
Function
software engineering
Level
principal
Track
Individual contributor
Employment
Full-time
Location
San Jose, CA
Education
Master's degree
Posted
Jul 8, 2026
AI Summary
Design Engineering Architect translates standards and customer requirements into scalable memory interface PHY IP architectures (DDR, LPDDR). Provides technical leadership on electrical, timing, power, and protocol considerations while acting as customer-facing architect during pre-sales and post-delivery support. Collaborates cross-functionally with design, verification, and silicon validation teams.

Job description

from Cadence Design Systems careers

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

A Design Engineering Architect provides the technical leadership needed to translate evolving standards and customer requirements into scalable, high‑quality IP architectures. This role reduces execution risk, accelerates customer engagements, and strengthens long‑term product competitiveness.

Design Engineering Architect – Roles & Responsibilities

  • Contribute to PHY architecture development with deep understanding of memory interface PHY IPs (e.g., DDR, LPDDR), including electrical, timing, power, and protocol considerations
  • Drive architecture decisions aligned with JEDEC standards, protocols, and compliance requirements
  • Good understanding of PHY/IO circuit architecture including TX/RX, clocking, termination, power delivery, and signal integrity trade‑offs
  • Act as a customer‑facing technical architect during pre‑sales, evaluations, and post‑delivery support, clearly articulating architecture choices and trade‑offs
  • Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, and Program teams to support customer engagements, RFIs, and technical proposals
  • Provide expert‑level IP support to customers, including architecture clarification, feature customization
  • Work cross‑functionally with design, verification, layout, and silicon validation teams to ensure architectural intent is correctly implemented
  • Review and guide architecture specifications, design reviews, and technical documentation
  • Influence product and technology roadmap planning by identifying future standards, protocol evolution, and customer‑driven requirements
  • Demonstrate strong communication, accountability, and technical ownership across internal and external interactions

Required Qualifications

  • M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • Minimum 15 years of industry experience in memory interface PHY, high‑speed IO, or related domains
  • Strong background in memory interface PHYs, JEDEC standards, and protocols
  • Proven ability to own customer‑facing technical engagements and drive issues to closure
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

The annual salary range for California is $136,500 to $253,500. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.

We’re doing work that matters. Help us solve what others can’t.

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