principal software engineering Hardware Engineer tech_leadership · Posted Jun 20, 2026
$123,200 – $228,800
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 Python, Backend Development. Compensation is listed at $123,200–$228,800 per year.

Role
Hardware Engineer
Function
software engineering
Level
principal
Track
Tech leadership
Employment
Full-time
Location
San Jose, CA
Posted
Jun 20, 2026

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.

Key Responsibilities

 

Provide technical support to Cadence customers in the areas of Backend Digital Design Implementation and Signoff including Place and Route, Design Closure, and timing/power signoff
Guide customers on how to best utilize Cadence technologies to achieve their design goals and meet project schedules

  • Conduct technical presentations and product demonstrations
  • Drive technical evaluations/benchmarks to success
  • Work closely with R&D to enhance the tools and methodologies to meet and exceed customer’s requirements
  • Drive adoption and proliferation of Cadence tools and technologies 
  • Amend and augment the flow as needed using Tcl and/or other programming skills to meet objectives and improve results/flows
  • Capture best practices and lessons learned from current evaluations/benchmarks and utilize to improve efficiency and success rate in next engagements 

 

Job Requirements

 

Minimum

  • BS degree Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical, Engineering, or related field 
  •  5+  years of design/EDA industry experience with IC digital implementation flows and font-end EDA tools including Synthesis, DFT, and Logical Equivalence Checking
  • Strong knowledge in Digital Design Fundamentals, Semiconductor fundamentals, and Static Timing Analysis is required
  • Prior experience with IC digital implementation flows and backend EDA tools including Place and Route, IR Drop, backend design timing and power closure
  • Experience with advanced nodes 10nm and below’
  • Experience in scripting languages such as Tcl/Perl/Python is a must
  • Strong customer-facing communication and problem-solving skills
  • Strong personal drive for continuous learning and expanding professional skill sets
  • Strong verbal, written, and customer communication skills

 

Preferred

  • MS degree Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical, Engineering, or related field 
  • Prior experience with Cadence tools such as Genus, Innovus, Conformal, Tempus, Modus, and/or Voltus is highly desired
  • Experience with advanced nodes 5nm and below

 

The annual salary range for California is $123,200 to $228,800. 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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