Lead Software Engineer, Robotics Simulation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and paid holidays

401(k) plan with employer match

Employee stock purchase plan

Medical, dental and vision plan

Job summary

Cadence Design Systems is seeking experts to develop simulation algorithms for physical AI and robotics, including many-body dynamics and finite element analysis. You will refine contact algorithms, validate against robotics hardware, and evaluate simulated versus real deployment behavior.

Strong background in control theory and controller optimization is preferred. The role emphasizes collaboration with hardware teams and ongoing refinement based on experimental results, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Degree in mechanical engineering, computer science, or related discipline.
• PhD preferred for advanced roles.
• Experience with numerical methods or simulation for robotics deployment.

Responsibilities

• Develop simulation algorithms for physical AI and robotics applications, including many-body dynamics and finite element analysis.
• Develop and refine contact algorithms to model physical interactions in robotics scenarios.
• Validate simulation algorithms on robotics hardware and use experimental results to guide improvements.
• Evaluate simulation behavior against real-world deployment scenarios to identify and address differences between simulated and hardware results.
• Apply control theory and controller optimization and tuning methods to support simulation and hardware validation, as applicable.

Skills

Many-body dynamics

Finite element analysis

Control theory

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, computer science, or related discipline

PhD in mechanical engineering, computer science, or related discipline

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Develop simulation algorithms for physical AI and robotics applications, including many-body dynamics and finite element analysis.
• Develop and refine contact algorithms to model physical interactions in robotics scenarios.
• Validate simulation algorithms on robotics hardware and use experimental results to guide improvements.
• Evaluate simulation behavior against real-world deployment scenarios to identify and address differences between simulated and hardware results.
• Apply control theory and controller optimization and tuning methods to support simulation and hardware validation, as applicable.

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.
• Expertise spanning both numerical methods or simulation and practical robotics deployment scenarios.
• Experience with many-body dynamics, finite element analysis, and contact algorithms.
• Experience validating simulation algorithms on robotics hardware.
• Expertise in control theory and controller optimization and tuning.

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.

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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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, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other protected class.