Principal Customer Service Engineer

Cadence; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 92,400 - 171,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

401(k) plan with employer match

Employee stock purchase plan

Medical, dental, and vision plan options

Job summary

Cadence in Irvine, California is seeking a Principal Customer Service Engineer to support advanced simulation services across multiple industries. This role involves leading FEA-based consulting projects, developing tailored simulation workflows, and performing complex analyses. Candidates should possess a BS in Mechanical Engineering, 7-10 years of experience with Multiphysics CAE tools, and strong programming skills, particularly in Python. The position offers an annual salary range of $92,400 to $171,600 plus benefits including a 401(k) plan and paid vacation.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder.
• 7-10 years professional experience with Multiphysics CAE tools.
• Strong experience managing multiple technical projects.
• Proficiency in programming/scripting, including Python.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of FEA-based engineering consulting projects.
• Develop end-to-end simulation workflows for customer needs.
• Perform analyses including linear/nonlinear stress, thermal, and dynamic simulations.
• Prepare reports and present results to customers.
• Support presales activities including discovery calls and proposals.

Skills

Multiphysics CAE tools (e.g., Nastran, Ansys, Abaqus)

Programming/scripting (including Python)

Communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent discipline

MS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent (preferred)

Tools

Python

Fortran

Nastran

Ansys

Abaqus

Job description

Overview

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology. Cadence’s Physical Systems Design & Analysis group is seeking a Principal Customer Service Engineer (Principal CSE) to support our Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Virtual Manufacturing & Costing (VMC) team. This team provides advanced simulation services across Automotive, Aerospace, Defense, Medical, and Power Generation industries.

This role is ideal for an experienced simulation engineer who enjoys solving complex customer problems, leading technical engagements, and contributing to both project delivery and presales activities.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of FEA-based engineering consulting projects across multiple industries
• Develop end-to-end simulation workflows tailored to customer needs
• Perform advanced analyses including linear/nonlinear stress, thermal, modal, frequency response, and dynamic simulations
• Process and mesh complex customer CAD geometry
• Prepare technical reports and deliver results presentations to customers
• Support presales activities including discovery calls, technical reviews, and solution proposals
• Estimate project scope, cost, and schedule to support new business acquisition
• Collaborate closely with commercial account managers on account planning and execution
• Mentor and support other members of the Customer Service Engineering team
• Deliver custom workflow or application-specific training as needed
• Travel to customer or test sites as required (up to 10%)

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder
• BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent discipline
• Minimum 7-10 years of professional experience with Multiphysics CAE tools (e.g., Nastran, Ansys, Abaqus)
• Strong experience managing multiple technical projects independently
• Proficiency in programming/scripting, including Python. (experience in Fortran, C/C++, batch scripting a plus)
• Experience with APIs, scripting, and data formats (XML, JSON)
• Familiarity with complex computing environments (local, cloud, HPC, VM)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Customer-focused mindset with strong problem-solving abilities
• Willingness to work through project completion, including occasional off-hours

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• Active or prior security clearance
• Background in aerospace analysis and qualification workflows
• Expertise in advanced analysis areas such as:
  • Implicit/explicit nonlinear FEA
  • Multibody dynamics coupled with FEA
  • Composite and elastomer modeling
  • PCL (Patran Command Language) and DMAP programming
• Prior experience in customer-facing technical consulting roles
• MSC software experience (Nastran, Apex, Patran, Marc, Dytran, Actran, Cradle, Simufact)
• BETA CAE software experience (ANSA, META, EPILYSIS)
• Interest or experience in AI-driven workflow automation

The annual salary range for California is $92,400 to $171,600. 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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