Software Engineering Director (R&D Operations)

Cadence Design Systems; United States; Remote; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Cadence Design Systems in China seeks a Development Lead to head the Apex team, guiding architecture, design, implementation, and build/test automation, CI/CD, and release readiness. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, reliable software releases that align with business objectives.

The role requires deep CAE domain experience, 25+ years in software, and leadership across distributed teams, with strong C++, Python, Windows, Linux, and test automation skills.

Qualifications

• 25+ years of experience in the software industry with experience in managing CAE R&D.
• Experience leading large-scale application development.
• Experience delivering predictable releases while managing scope, quality, resources, and dependencies.
• Proven leadership and demonstrated ability for team development.
• Hands-on experience using AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute R&D initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to deliver multiple product releases per year.
• Develop and maintain build systems, code coverage, regression testing, and development environments.
• Organize daily scrum meetings to ensure continuous integration and continuous delivery.
• Participate in Sprint planning and Sprint/Release retrospective meetings and provide feedback for planning/improvements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical or operational issues.
• Drive process improvements and best practices.
• Participate in weekly technical discussions and provide feasibility analysis.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to team growth.

Skills

C++

Python

Windows

Linux

Test automation

Agile methodologies

Leadership

Team development

CAE domain knowledge

Cross-functional coordination

Education

Masters in software/computer science/mechanical engineering or related engineering domains

Tools

GitHub Copilot

Cursor

Job description

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

Position Summary We are seeking a highly motivated Development Lead to join our Apex team. The successful candidate will lead software development for Apex in China, provide hands‑on technical and operational direction across architecture, design, implementation, build and test automation, CI/CD, defect resolution, and release readiness, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver secure, reliable, and high‑quality software releases that support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute R&D initiatives.
• Collaborate with various internal and external teams to deliver multiple product releases per year.
• Develop and maintain build systems, code coverage, regression testing, and development environments.
• Organize daily scrum meetings to ensure continuous integration and continuous delivery.
• Participate in Sprint planning and Sprint/Release retrospective meetings and provide feedback for planning/improvements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical or operational issues.
• Drive process improvements and best practices.
• Participate in weekly technical discussions and provide feasibility analysis.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to team growth.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Masters in software/computer science/mechanical engineering or related engineering domains

Experience

• 25+ years of experience in the Software Industry with experience in managing CAE R&D
• Experience leading large‑scale application development
• Experience delivering predictable releases while managing scope, quality, resources, and dependencies.
• Proven leadership and demonstrated ability for team development
• Strong technical background with proficiency in C++, Python, Windows, Linux, and Test automation
• Proven experience with risk management, agile methodologies, and coordinating across various product groups such as UX, QA, IT, and Support.
• Has a strong understanding of the CAE domain and worked in MSC, Ansys, Ansa or related companies.
• Hands‑on experience using AI‑assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, or similar platforms to improve developer productivity, code quality, test generation, documentation, and engineering workflows.

Technical Leadership Skills

• Ability to provide technical direction across architecture, design, implementation, testing, and release execution.
• Strong capability to evaluate technical trade‑offs, guide design reviews, and make sound engineering decisions aligned with product strategy.
• Experience leading geographically distributed engineering teams and coordinating execution across product, QA, IT, support, and release management functions.
• Ability to mentor senior engineers, develop technical leads, and build a culture of engineering ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to identify technical risks early, define mitigation plans, and ensure predictable delivery of complex software programs.
• Strong understanding of software quality practices, including automation, code coverage, regression strategy, build stability, and release readiness.
• Ability to communicate complex technical topics clearly to executive stakeholders, product teams, and engineering contributors.

Soft Skills

• Strong people leadership skills with the ability to mentor engineers, set expectations, provide feedback, and build a high‑performing delivery-focused team.
• Excellent communication skills for working with engineering teams, product stakeholders, QA, program management, and senior leadership.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to make practical decisions under technical and schedule constraints.
• Ability to drive accountability, remove execution blockers, and maintain focus on predictable, high‑quality delivery.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence across teams and build alignment around technical priorities and delivery commitments.

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