RTL2GDS Principal Product Engineer

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

About the Opportunity

Cadence's Digital and Signoff Group (DSG) is looking for a seasoned Principal Product Engineer to drive technical excellence across our digital implementation product portfolio. You will serve as a senior technical authority — a key
bridge between Cadence's R&D organization and strategic customers — influencing product direction and ensuring our tools meet the most demanding design challenges at advanced process nodes.

In this high-impact role, you will lead complex customer engagements, guide benchmark strategies for next generation technology nodes, and champion new methodologies that push the boundaries of power, performance, and area (PPA) optimization. Your expertise will shape the roadmap of Cadence Innovus, Tempus, and Genus as you collaborate directly with senior R&D architects.

What You Will Do

▸ Own complex, high-priority customer escalations from diagnosis through resolution, acting as the senior technical point-of-contact for strategic accounts.
▸ Lead the development and execution of advanced design benchmarks targeting 7nm, 5nm, 3nm, and nextgeneration
nodes, with a focus on PPA optimization and runtime performance.
▸ Partner with Cadence R&D architects to identify product gaps, propose algorithmic improvements, and validate new feature releases.
▸ Define and develop reference methodologies and best-practice flows for hierarchical and flat design implementation using the full Cadence digital toolchain.
▸ Mentor junior and senior product engineers, providing technical guidance and code/flow reviews on complex implementation challenges.
▸ Drive automation initiatives in Tcl, Perl, Python, and Shell to build scalable infrastructure for regression testing, benchmarking, and customer flow replication.
▸ Represent Cadence DSG in customer technical reviews, design-for-manufacturability (DFM) workshops, and industry conferences.
▸ Influence product roadmap decisions by synthesizing customer feedback, competitive landscape insights, and internal R&D capabilities into actionable recommendations.

What You Bring

▸ BE, MS in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
▸ 6–8 years of deep, hands-on experience in ASIC physical design and/or EDA product engineering, with a demonstrable track record of shipping designs or product improvements.
▸ Expert-level understanding of the full RTL-to-GDSII flow: synthesis, floor-planning, placement, CTS, routing, static timing analysis, and physical sign-off.

▸ Proven experience with timing closure and PPA optimization at 16nm and below — including 10nm, 7nm, and 5nm FinFET processes.
▸ Deep proficiency with Cadence Innovus Implementation System, Tempus Timing Signoff Solution, and Genus Synthesis Solution; familiarity with Pegasus Physical Verification is a strong asset.
▸ Advanced expertise in static timing analysis: multi-mode multi-corner (MMMC), POCV/AOCV, hold-time optimization, and clock domain crossing (CDC) methodology.
▸ Thorough understanding of hierarchical design methodologies — interface timing modeling (ITM/ETM), blackbox flows, and top-level integration.
▸ Extensive knowledge of low-power design: IEEE 1801 UPF, multi-voltage domains, power gating, retention strategies, and dynamic voltage/frequency scaling.
▸ Strong scripting and automation skills: Tcl (advanced), Perl, Python, and Shell; experience building reusable flow infrastructure is highly valued.
▸ Demonstrated leadership in technical problem-solving with an organized, data-driven approach and the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
▸ Excellent communication skills — able to present complex technical content clearly to executive stakeholders, customers, and R&D partners alike.

Leadership & Soft Skills

▸ Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical projects, from initial scoping through delivery and documentation.
▸ Experience in customer-facing roles with the gravitas to manage high-stakes technical discussions under pressure.
▸ Comfort operating independently in a fast-paced, matrix organization while driving accountability and results.
▸ Passion for staying at the forefront of semiconductor design trends, with an ability to translate emerging challenges into product opportunities.

Nice to Have

▸ Experience with Cadence Joules RTL Power Solution, Voltus IC Power Integrity, or Innovus-Tempus integrated signoff flows.
▸ Knowledge of advanced routing constraints: self-aligned double patterning (SADP), EUV-specific design rules, and advanced via optimization.
▸ Familiarity with chip design in automotive (ISO 26262), AI/ML accelerator, or HPC application domains.
▸ Prior experience in an R&D engineering role at an EDA or semiconductor company.

Why Cadence?

▸ Shape the future of EDA — your work directly influences tools used to design next-generation processors, SoCs, and AI chips.
▸ Collaborative, high-Caliber team of engineers working on the world's most complex implementation challenges.
▸ Competitive total compensation package including equity, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
▸ Strong focus on continuous learning, with access to industry conferences, internal training, and research partnerships.

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.

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