RTL2GDS, Product Engineering Architect

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 179,000 - 332,000; Full time

Job summary

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. in San Jose, CA, is seeking a Product Engineer to collaborate with R&D, Application Engineering, and product marketing to advance chip design software tools. You will provide place-and-route expertise to customers and internal teams, driving RTL-to-GDSII flow improvements.

The role requires seven years of digital implementation experience, strong VLSI timing knowledge, and proficiency with 7nm nodes and EDA tools. Excellent communication is essential.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering with at least seven years of digital implementation experience.
• Strong understanding of VLSI physical design and timing analysis.
• Experience with 7nm and below nodes using industry-standard EDA tools.
• Proficiency in scripting languages or AI tools for productivity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support Cadence’s digital products and resolve customer issues with R&D and release teams.
• Conduct design benchmarks.
• Develop innovative flows and methodologies tailored to customer needs.

Skills

VLSI design

Timing analysis

EDA tools

Scripting/AI tools

Communication skills

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

7+ years digital implementation experience

Tools

Synthesis tools

Physical design tools

Signoff tools

Clock tree synthesis

Job description

SAN JOSE

Full time

R54516

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

This position presents an exciting opportunity within Cadence’s Digital and Signoff Group (DSG) for a Product Engineer. In this dynamic environment, you’ll collaborate closely with R&D, Application Engineering & product marketing teams to help drive the development of advanced chip design software tools. As a Product Engineer, you will serve as a key technical resource, providing place-and-route expertise to both Cadence customers and internal development teams.

Candidates should bring a strong motivation and energy, along with a thorough understanding of ASIC design methodologies across all stages of the RTL to GDSII flow. Hands-on experience with timing closure and PPA optimization at 7nm and below is essential. Your analytical strengths will be vital in diagnosing customer challenges and delivering well-organized solutions. Excellent communication skills are required to ensure clear and effective collaboration.

Responsibilities for this role include supporting Cadence’s digital products, tracking and resolving customer issues alongside R&D and release teams, and conducting design benchmarks. You will also develop innovative flows and methodologies tailored to customer needs.

To qualify, applicants must possess a

• BS in Electrical Engineering with at least seven years of experience in digital implementation as either a design or product engineer

• Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of VLSI physical design and timing analysis, including familiarity with clock tree synthesis, routing optimization, and silicon signoff challenges

• Experience with industry-standard EDA tools for synthesis, physical design, and signoff at 7nm and below nodes is required

• Proficiency in scripting languages or AI tools for productivity enhancement will be considered an asset

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

The annual salary range for California is $178,500 to $331,500. 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.

Additional Jobs (https://cadence.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/addl_jobs)

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:

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

• Read the policy(opens in a new tab) (https://www.cadence.com/content/dam/cadence-www/global/en_US/documents/company/careers/equal-employment-opportunity-policy.pdf)

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].

Privacy Policy:

Job Applicant If you are a job seeker creating a profile using our careers website, please see the privacy policy(opens in a new tab) (https://www.cadence.com/en_US/home/privacy/privacy-policy.html) .

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) (https://www.cadence.com/content/dam/cadence-www/global/en_US/documents/company/careers/e-verify-participation-poster.pdf)

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.

Cadence is committed to creating a diverse environment and 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.