Lead Software Engineer, ML/RL for robotics

Cadence Design Systems; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

Cadence Design Systems is seeking a specialist to advance simulation technology for physical AI and robotics. You will connect learning environments with the Cadence simulators to accelerate deployment, enabling AI-driven learning within engineering simulations across dynamics, structures, fluids, and thermal domains.

The role emphasizes ML RL/VLM/VLA expertise, with a potential PhD and a compensation package including bonus/equity.

Qualifications

• Degree in computer science, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience and expertise in machine learning, reinforcement learning, and/or vision-language models (VLMs) or vision-language-action models (VLAs).
• PhD in computer science, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Develop simulation technology supporting physical AI and robotics applications.
• Integrate learning environments with Cadence’s existing engineering-grade simulators.
• Enable learning workflows that leverage simulation capabilities across dynamics, structures, fluids, and thermal applications.

Skills

Machine learning

Reinforcement learning

Vision-language models

Vision-language-action models

Education

Bachelor's or higher in CS/ME or related

PhD (preferred)

Job description

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology. Help advance simulation technology for physical AI and robotics at Cadence. Cadence develops engineering-grade simulators for dynamics, structures, fluids, and thermal applications. In this role, you will connect learning environments with existing simulators to accelerate deployment for robotics applications, bringing engineering simulation and AI-driven learning together.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop simulation technology supporting physical AI and robotics applications.
• Integrate learning environments with Cadence’s existing engineering-grade simulators.
• Enable learning workflows that leverage simulation capabilities across dynamics, structures, fluids, and thermal applications.
• Support the use of integrated learning and simulation environments to accelerate deployment for robotics applications.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in computer science, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and expertise in machine learning, reinforcement learning, and/or vision-language models (VLMs) or vision-language-action models (VLAs).
• PhD in computer science, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.

The annual salary range for California is $119,000 to $221,000.

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.

Benefits

• 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.

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

We welcome your interest in the company and want to make sure our job site is accessible to all. If you experience difficulty using this site or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].

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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.