Cadence is a pivotal leader in electronic design, building upon more than 30 years of computational software expertise. The company applies its underlying Intelligent System Design strategy to deliver software, hardware and IP that turn design concepts into reality.
Cadence customers are the world’s most innovative companies, delivering extraordinary electronic products from chips to boards to systems for the most dynamic market applications including consumer, hyperscale computing, 5G communications, automotive, aerospace industrial and health.
At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.
Job Title: Contracts Program Manager
Location: Munich, Germany
Reports to: Sr Group Director
Job Overview:
The Cadence Contracts Program Manager will support and drive business development and commercial proposals for EU and European Government-funded programs. This role partners closely with Sales, Legal, and cross-functional stakeholders to help progress opportunities through to contract award, while aligning with Cadence business objectives.
The role involves collaboration across technical and commercial teams within Cadence, as well as engagement with external stakeholders including European institutions, national governments, and industry partners.
The Contracts Program Manager will also provide guidance on key compliance processes throughout the tendering lifecycle, including request for quotation (RFQ), proposal development, negotiation, and contract execution.
Job Responsibilities:
- Represent Cadence with the EU Commission and European member states in relation to the EU Chips Act and other government initiatives across the European Union.
- Engage with ecosystem partners, academic institutions, established organisations, and semiconductor start-ups to develop opportunity pipelines, define requirements (software, hardware, and cloud), and support proposal and contract development.
- Assess contract terms and identify potential risks, recommending approaches to mitigate exposure, including alternative contractual language.
- Contribute to negotiations with customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies to support successful contract outcomes.
- Guide Cadence teams on potential commercial, operational, and financial considerations within government requests for proposal (RFPs) and associated terms and conditions.
- Identify and escalate risks or issues to executive management, legal, and sales stakeholders where appropriate.
- Build and maintain an understanding of Cadence products, services, and processes to effectively support contract strategy and execution.
Job Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience in a relevant field (e.g. silicon design, electronics manufacturing, or related discipline).
- Experience across multiple stages of government contract negotiation and management.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to interpret complex contractual and regulatory documentation.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
- Experience in semiconductor, electronics, or related technical industries.
- Knowledge of EU government funding programmes (e.g. EU Chips Act).
- Additional language skills such as German or French preferred.
Cadence is committed to equal employment opportunity and employment equity throughout all levels of the organization. We strive to attract a qualified and diverse candidate pool and encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
We’re doing work that matters. Help us solve what others can’t.Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in a relevant field (e.g., silicon design, electronics manufacturing)
- Experience across multiple stages of government contract negotiation and management
- Strong attention to detail and ability to interpret complex contractual and regulatory documentation
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
- Experience in semiconductor, electronics, or related technical industries
- Knowledge of EU government funding programmes (e.g., EU Chips Act)
- Additional language skills such as German or French
Cadence Design Systems Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Cadence Design Systems and has not been reviewed or approved by Cadence Design Systems.
-
Equity Value & Accessibility — A discounted ESPP with a lookback feature and equity included in total compensation make ownership broadly accessible and potentially meaningful. Structured compensation at an industry leader adds predictability to equity participation.
-
Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage are described as solid, with mental‑health/EAP and fertility support enhancing the offering. The breadth across core care and family‑building needs strengthens the healthcare package.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Global Recharge Days, volunteer time off, and companywide breaks indicate a comprehensive time‑off framework. In addition, many salaried roles are described as having flexible or generous PTO policies.
Cadence Design Systems Insights
What We Do
Cadence enables electronic systems and semiconductor companies to create the innovative end products that are transforming the way people live, work and play. Cadence® software, hardware and IP are used by customers to deliver products to market faster. The company's Intelligent System Design strategy helps customers develop differentiated products—from chips to boards to intelligent systems—in mobile, consumer, cloud, data center, automotive, aerospace, IoT, industrial and other market segments. Cadence is listed as one of Fortune Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For.
