Principal Software Engineer

Cadence Design Systems; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 218,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and holidays

401(k) plan with employer match

Employee stock purchase plan

Medical, dental and vision options

Job summary

Cadence Design Systems in California seeks a senior engineer to advance nonlinear finite element analysis technologies for MSC Nastran, Marc, and related tools. The role focuses on research, development, and validation of advanced algorithms and coupled simulations.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise in nonlinear mechanics, numerical methods, and engineering software development, with a track record of solving complex problems and delivering reliable simulation capabilities.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and implementing finite element analysis software and numerical material models.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and develop advanced nonlinear FEA algorithms to support MSC Nastran, Marc, and related products.
• Develop, maintain, test, and optimize linear and nonlinear solution capabilities with validation and performance improvements.
• Create engineering models to verify, demonstrate, and benchmark linear and nonlinear analyses.
• Identify defects, enhancements, and numerical issues to support product improvement.
• Create and maintain test cases, benchmarks, and regression workflows for validation and performance.
• Support QA activities including benchmarking, certification, validation, and release testing.
• Prepare technical documentation for product enhancements, features, QA procedures, and training materials.
• Collaborate with engineering, QA, and product teams to improve performance and release readiness.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support evolving priorities.

Skills

Nonlinear mechanics

Numerical methods

Fortran

C/C++

Python

Linux

MSC Nastran

Marc

FEA software

Finite element methods

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Computational Mechanics, or a related field

Tools

MSC Nastran

Marc

Fortran

C/C++

Job description

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology. We are looking for a senior-level engineer to help research, design, develop, and improve advanced nonlinear finite element analysis technologies for MSC Nastran, Marc, and related simulation products. This role is ideal for someone with deep expertise in nonlinear mechanics, numerical methods, and engineering software development who enjoys solving complex technical problems and building reliable, high-quality simulation capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, design, and develop advanced algorithms for nonlinear finite element analysis to support multidisciplinary simulations and technology integration within MSC Nastran, Marc, and related products.
• Develop, maintain, enhance, and test linear and nonlinear solution capabilities, including implementation, validation, optimization, and performance improvements.
• Create representative engineering models to verify, demonstrate, and benchmark linear and nonlinear analysis capabilities.
• Identify, investigate, and report software defects, enhancement requests, numerical issues, and performance concerns to support continuous product improvement.
• Create and maintain test cases, benchmark models, automated tools, and regression testing workflows for validation and performance evaluation.
• Support QA activities, including benchmarking, certification, validation, release testing, and compliance with established product quality metrics and guidelines.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation for product enhancements, new features, software improvements, QA procedures, testing methodologies, benchmarks, and training materials.
• Collaborate with engineering, QA, and product teams to improve product performance, reliability, usability, and release readiness.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as needed to support evolving business and organizational priorities.

Senior-Level Expectations

• Lead the design and development of complex nonlinear analysis technologies and co-simulation capabilities.
• Provide technical guidance, code review, and mentorship to other engineers.
• Participate in architecture reviews, design discussions, roadmap planning, and strategic technology decisions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend approaches that enhance Hexagon Nastran's simulation capabilities, product quality, and competitive position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of nonlinear mechanics, numerical methods, contact mechanics, contact algorithms, and finite element methods, including implicit and explicit nonlinear analysis technologies.
• Ability to develop, evaluate, review, maintain, and validate engineering software code using sound engineering judgment.
• Hands-on experience in two or more of the following areas: contact mechanics; large deformation and large rotation; finite element formulation and element development; fluid-structure interaction; computational fluid dynamics; heat transfer; fracture and failure mechanics; solution algorithms and numerical methods; electrical and electromagnetic analysis; acoustics; or geometry modeling and NURBS technologies.
• Strong engineering analysis, debugging, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to create clear design documentation, technical specifications, test plans, and professional reports using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and related tools.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to collaborate across engineering, QA, and product teams.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend approaches that enhance Hexagon Nastran's simulation capabilities, product quality, and competitive position.

Required and Preferred Experience

• Experience developing and implementing finite element analysis software, user subroutines for commercial FEA packages, and numerical material models.
• Strong programming skills in Fortran and C/C++, with working knowledge of Python, Linux shell scripting, and other scripting languages.
• Experience with MSC Nastran, Marc, or similar commercial finite element analysis software.
• Background in nonlinear solid mechanics analysis, including geometric nonlinearity, contact mechanics, nonlinear material behavior, large deformation, and large rotation formulations.

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Computational Mechanics, or a related field.

Salary

The annual salary range for California is $117,600 to $218,400. 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

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E-Verify

Cadence participates in the E-Verify program in certain U.S. locations as required by law. Download More Information on E-Verify (64K) 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.