Sr IP Sales Executive

Cadence; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Cadence in Silicon Valley seeks a dynamic sales professional to build and manage a regional pipeline for Cadence processor IP across startups to large enterprises. You will collaborate with Application Engineering, Marketing, Legal, Finance, and executives to drive revenue growth.

You will articulate Cadence’s value in AI, DSP, and processor technologies, lead negotiations, and shape regional strategies to accelerate adoption of Cadence IP across multiple markets.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years licensing semiconductor IP technology, with processor, DSP or AI hardware experience preferred.
• BSEE or equivalent technical degree; MBA preferred.
• Strong technical background with broad processor hardware and software ecosystem.
• Experience selling to startups and large enterprises; proven strategic selling.

Responsibilities

• Generate, qualify, and advance new business opportunities in the region; pipeline development, opportunity management, and leading contract negotiations.
• Clearly articulate the value proposition for Cadence processor technology to key customers across executive management and engineering stakeholders.
• Partner with technical and marketing teams to develop regional strategies that accelerate adoption and proliferation of the technology.
• Provide market and account feedback to inform product roadmaps and go-to-market strategies.
• Track account activity and provide regular updates to management on strategies, progress and results.
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans aligned to regional growth objectives.

Skills

Strategic selling

Account management

Technical licensing

Pipeline development

Education

BSEE or equivalent

MBA

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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