Software Engineer II - Compiler/LLVM

Cadence Design Systems; Cork; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

25 days holiday

Private Medical

Dental plans

Income Protection

Life Insurance

Group Pension

Cycle to work

Gym subsidy

Volunteer time

Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Cadence Design Systems in Cork, Ireland, seeks a Software Engineer II for the Tensilica Xtensa compiler toolchain. You will work on LLVM-based compilers for Xtensa processors, focusing on code generation, optimisations, and performance under real workloads. Collaboration with hardware/architecture teams is essential to enable new capabilities.

The role requires a strong C/C++ background and 2+ years in systems software or compilers, with a path to impact across semiconductor and systems markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in CS/EE (or equivalent practical experience).
• 2+ years of experience in systems software, compilers, or low-level development.
• Strong programming in C/C++ and understanding of compiler concepts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance compiler components for Tensilica/Xtensa architectures
• Work on code generation, instruction selection, and core optimizations
• Collaborate with hardware and architecture teams to enable new features
• Analyze performance and debug compiler/system-level issues

Skills

C/C++ programming

Systems software

Compiler concepts

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in CS/EE

Tools

LLVM

GCC

Job description

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology. Cadence is a pivotal leader in electronic design, building upon more than 30 years of computational software expertise. The company applies its underlying Intelligent System Design strategy to deliver software, hardware and IP that turn design concepts into reality. Cadence customers are the world’s most innovative companies, delivering extraordinary electronic products from chips to boards to systems for the most dynamic market applications including consumer, hyperscale computing, 5G communications, automotive, aerospace industrial and health.

Job Title

Software Engineer II - Compiler/LLVM

Location

Cork, Ireland or Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Reports To

Sr Software Architect

Job Overview

Tensilica, a Cadence company, delivers configurable processor IP and DSP solutions powering AI, vision, audio, and communications workloads. Its Xtensa architecture enables highly optimised, domain-specific designs with industry-leading performance and efficiency. The C Compiler team builds the toolchain that unlocks this performance. Working on LLVM-based compilers for Xtensa processors, the team focuses on high-quality code generation, architecture-aware optimisations, and real-world workload performance. In close partnership with hardware and architecture teams, they enable new capabilities and deliver production-grade tools used by leading semiconductor and systems companies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance compiler components for Tensilica/Xtensa architectures
• Work on code generation, instruction selection, and core optimizations
• Collaborate with hardware and architecture teams to enable new features
• Analyze performance and debug compiler/system-level issues

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• Approximately 2+ years of academic or industry experience in systems software, compilers, or low-level development (flag for human review if strictly required)
• Strong programming skills in C and/or C++
• Foundational understanding of compiler concepts and/or computer architecture

Nice to Have

• Exposure to LLVM, GCC, or similar compiler frameworks
• Experience with embedded systems or performance analysis
• Familiarity with assembly language

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday per year
• Private Medical and Dental plans
• Income Protection and Life Insurance
• Group Personal Pension Plan
• Cycle to work scheme and gym subsidy
• 5 days paid time to volunteer to give back to our communities
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cadence is committed to equal employment opportunity and employment equity throughout all levels of the organization. We strive to attract a qualified and diverse candidate pool and encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We’re doing work that matters. Help us solve what others can’t.

Cadence is committed to equal employment opportunity throughout all levels of the organization.

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Cadence plays a critical role in creating the technologies that modern life depends on. We are a global electronic design automation company, providing software, hardware, and intellectual property to design advanced semiconductor chips that enable our customers create revolutionary products and experiences. Thanks to the outstanding caliber of the Cadence team and the empowering culture that we have cultivated for over 25 years, Cadence continues to be recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For.

Our shared passion for solving the world’s toughest technical challenges, our dedication to pushing the limits of the industry, and our drive to do meaningful work differentiates the people of Cadence.

Cadence is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other protected class.