Sr IP Sales Executive

Cadence; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Cadence seeks a high-impact sales professional to build and manage a regional pipeline for Cadence processor IP technology, driving adoption across Silicon Valley and beyond. You will negotiate licenses, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and lead initiatives to exceed revenue targets while expanding market penetration.

The ideal candidate has a track record closing $1M+ license deals, deep processor hardware/software knowledge, and experience selling to startups and large enterprises.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience licensing semiconductor IP technology; processor, DSP and/or AI hardware acceleration experience preferred.
• BSEE or equivalent technical degree required; MBA preferred.
• Strong technical background with broad understanding of the processor hardware and software ecosystem.
• Understanding of key markets such as AI, automotive, robotics, audio, wireless, storage, data center, and consumer applications, including application‑specific requirements, is a plus.
• Experience working with both startups and large enterprise accounts to sell complex, differentiated technology solutions.
• Passion for developing and applying strategic selling skills in a highly technical sales environment.

Responsibilities

• Generate, qualify, and advance new business opportunities in the region, including pipeline development.
• Opportunity management and leading contract negotiations with customers and Cadence teams.
• Meet or exceed quarterly and annual revenue targets.
• Clearly articulate the value proposition for adopting Cadence processor technology to key stakeholders.
• Partner with technical and marketing teams to develop regional adoption strategies.

Skills

Strategic selling

Sales pipeline management

Semiconductor IP

Account management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BSEE or equivalent technical degree

MBA preferred

Tools

CRM (Salesforce)

Job description

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

This role is responsible for building, developing, and driving a sales pipeline for Cadence processor IP technology across key accounts in Silicon Valley and beyond.

The successful candidate will develop and manage a sales pipeline while driving market penetration, adoption, and revenue growth. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Application Engineering, Business Unit Marketing, Legal, Finance, Cadence executives, and the Cadence EDA software sales team to achieve regional sales targets.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record selling semiconductor intellectual property (IP) technology to organizations ranging from startups to large enterprises. They should bring a strong understanding of processor technology, including DSPs and AI, along with the hardware and software considerations required to position Cadence processor technology across a broad range of applications and markets. Strong strategic selling experience and demonstrated success closing large ($1M+) license agreements are essential.

Role Responsibilities

• Generate, qualify, and advance new business opportunities in the region, including:
  • Pipeline development
  • Opportunity management
  • Leading contract negotiations with customers and Cadence business, legal, and functional teams
  • Meeting or exceeding quarterly and annual revenue targets
• Clearly articulate the value proposition for adopting Cadence processor technology to key semiconductor customers across executive management, marketing, architecture, hardware engineering, and software engineering stakeholders.
• Partner with technical and marketing teams to develop and execute regional strategies that accelerate adoption and proliferation of the technology.
• Provide market and account feedback to the Tensilica Business Unit to inform product roadmaps and go-to-market strategies.
• Track account activity and provide regular updates to management, business unit leaders, and executive stakeholders on account strategies, progress, and results.
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans aligned to regional growth objectives.
• Demonstrate a hands‑on, self‑starting approach with the initiative and creativity required to drive complex strategic deals.

Key Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience licensing semiconductor IP technology; processor, DSP and/or AI hardware acceleration experience preferred.
• BSEE or equivalent technical degree required; MBA preferred.
• Strong technical background with broad understanding of the processor hardware and software ecosystem.
• Understanding of key markets such as AI, automotive, robotics, audio, wireless, storage, data center, and consumer applications, including application‑specific requirements, is a plus.
• Experience working with both startups and large enterprise accounts to sell complex, differentiated technology solutions.
• Passion for developing and applying strategic selling skills in a highly technical sales environment.

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