Senior CAD Automation and Mixed-Signal Simulation Engineer

Apple, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 176,000 - 312,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple, Inc. is seeking a Senior CAD Automation and Mixed-Signal Simulation Engineer to own and evolve AMS simulation methodology across analog, RF, interconnect, PMIC, and memory design teams.

You will lead architecture, validation, and tooling strategy with strong emphasis on automation and cross-functional collaboration. You will mentor engineers, drive CAD automation adoption, and partner with third-party vendors to meet Apple's quality and performance standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of AMS (Analog Mixed-Signal) industry experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python, Perl, C/C++, or TCL programming.
• Deep, hands-on experience with mixed-signal co-simulation tools and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Own and define the direction and roadmap for a state-of-the-art mixed-signal simulation methodology across multiple technology nodes and diverse circuit/IC types.
• Serve as the primary technical authority for custom/transistor-level circuit design teams, taking end-to-end accountability for functional behavior and verification.
• Lead the investigation and adoption of novel CAD automations to scale impact beyond individual projects.
• Own and manage strategic relationships with third-party EDA tool vendors and ensure Apple quality standards.
• Lead resolution of critical technical challenges using deep expertise and cross-functional influence.
• Define and champion strategies bridging analog and digital domains and establish best practices.
• Proactively identify risks and architect durable mitigation across design quality.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers to elevate team capability.
• Lead small software teams in designing and delivering CAD applications.

Skills

AMS expertise

Python/Perl/C/C++/TCL

Co-simulation

Leadership/mentoring

AI/LLMs in CAD

HDL: SV/Verilog/VHDL

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE/CE

Tools

Cadence Xcelium/Verisium/Indago/SimVision/AMS Designer

Spectre/PrimeSim/Finesim

Virtuoso ADE

VCS/Verdi

Questa/Symphony

Job description

Senior CAD Automation and Mixed-Signal Simulation Engineer

Do you want to help shape the future generations of processors that will enable the next remarkable Apple innovation? If so, we invite you to consider joining our team. We are seeking a senior engineer and technical leader with deep expertise in hardware and CAD flow development to own and drive Apple's AMS (Analog/Mixed-Signal) simulation methodology. You will architect, lead, and continuously evolve the AMS simulation methodology and tooling strategy for our analog, RF, interconnect, PMIC, and memory design teams - spanning circuit analysis, pre and post-layout simulation, RTL simulation, behavioral modeling, analog+digital co-simulation, logic equivalency checks, and signoff. You will define how design engineers interact with and leverage mixed-signal simulations and design verification workflows to deliver validated IP in cutting-edge silicon. As a senior member of the team, you will mentor engineers, influence technical direction, and lead small development teams to deliver novel and complex CAD solutions. The successful candidate thrives in dynamic, multi-disciplinary environments, operates with a high degree of autonomy, and brings a proven track record of driving innovation at scale. Your leadership will directly shape the experiences of millions of Apple customers through the delivery of state-of-the‑art processors across Apple's diverse product portfolio.verification workflows, delivering validated IP in cutting-edge silicon. The successful candidate will thrive in dynamic, multi-disciplinary environments and demonstrate a hands‑on, enthusiastic, and self‑motivated approach. If you are passionate about delivering exceptional value to users and paying meticulous attention to detail, this role may be the perfect fit for you. Your contributions will directly impact the experiences of millions of Apple customers by delivering state‑of‑the‑art processors across the diverse range of Apple products.

Description

As a member of our CAD team, you will architect, develop, maintain and enhance AMS (Analog/Mixed-Signal) simulation methodology and solutions for our analog, RF, and mixed-signal designs. The role requires you to work with different technology nodes and provide flows/methodologies for the different tool sets. You will be collaborating closely with design teams. You will drive and coordinate efforts to develop and validate AMS/co‑simulation flows, providing ease of use, speeding up design validation, and ensuring functional silicon.

Responsibilities

• Own and define the direction and roadmap for a state-of-the-art mixed-signal simulation methodology across multiple technology nodes and diverse circuit/IC types
• Serve as the primary technical authority for custom/transistor-level circuit design teams, taking end-to-end accountability for functional behavior, performance verification, and analog/digital interface integrity
• Lead the investigation, architecture, and org-wide adoption of novel CAD automations - driving impact that scales beyond individual projects
• Own and manage the strategic relationship with third-party EDA tool vendors - defining requirements, driving tool improvements, and holding vendors accountable to Apple's quality and performance standards
• Lead resolution of the most critical and ambiguous technical challenges, leveraging deep expertise, creative problem-solving, and cross-functional influence
• Define and champion the strategy for bridging the analog and digital domains, establishing best practices adopted across design teams
• Proactively own risk identification and systemic mitigation across design quality - architecting durable solutions that close structural gaps in simulation and modeling methodology
• Mentor and technically guide junior and mid-level engineers, elevating team capability and fostering a culture of engineering excellence
• Lead small software development teams in the design and delivery of novel, complex CAD applications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of relevant AMS (Analog Mixed-Signal) industry experience
• Strong proficiency in Python, Perl, C/C++, or TCL programming
• Deep, hands‑on experience with mixed-signal co-simulation tools and methodologies

Preferred Qualifications

• Expert-level experience with industry-standard AMS tools including Cadence (Xcelium, Verisium/Indago, SimVision, AMS Designer), Synopsys (VCS, Verdi), or Siemens (Questa, Symphony)
• Deep knowledge of analog simulation tools such as Cadence Spectre, Synopsys PrimeSim/HSPICE/Finesim, or Siemens AFS
• Proven track record of architecting and delivering solutions to complex simulation accuracy, speed, and capacity challenges at scale
• Expert-level experience with mixed-signal simulation implementation including discipline resolution, binding, IE setup, Connect Modules, AMSD blocks, wreal, TCL probes, real number modeling, UDNs, etc.
• Proficiency with behavioral and functional circuit description languages including SystemVerilog, VerilogA, Verilog, Verilog-AMS, VHDL
• Demonstrated experience leading the application of LLMs/AI agents to CAD software development, test generation, debugging, and team-wide efficiency improvements
• Strong understanding of custom IC designs and transistor description formats (SPICE, DSPF, schematics)
• Advanced skills in object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, system architecture, command‑line and GUI interaction, testing/coverage, and revision control
• Deep expertise in Virtuoso Schematic Editor, PDK content, CDF properties, hierarchy editor, SKILL code, netlisting, and Analog Design Environment (ADE)
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with a demonstrated ability to influence technical direction at senior and executive levels
• Proven track record of driving quality and productivity improvements at an organizational level
• Demonstrated experience leading small software development teams to design and deliver novel, complex CAD applications

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $175,500 and $311,700, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here - in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong. Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.