About Altera
Altera is shaping the future of programmable logic by delivering FPGA and adaptive computing solutions that enable innovation across cloud, communications, industrial, automotive, aerospace, and emerging AI applications. We are seeking talented engineers who are passionate about solving complex technical challenges and advancing the next generation of FPGA software and design automation technologies.
The Opportunity
As an EDA Software Engineer, you will design, develop, and optimize software that powers Altera's FPGA design tools and workflows. You will work closely with FPGA architects, software engineers, hardware designers, and verification teams to build scalable Electronic Design Automation (EDA) solutions that enable customers to efficiently design, compile, verify, and deploy FPGA-based systems.
This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy building high-performance software, solving complex algorithmic problems, and working at the intersection of software engineering and semiconductor technology.
What You'll Do
- Design and develop software components for FPGA EDA tools, including synthesis, placement, routing, timing analysis, design rule checking, and compilation flows.
- Create scalable algorithms and data structures to improve tool quality, runtime performance, and resource utilization.
- Develop features that enhance FPGA developer productivity and design closure.
- Analyze and optimize software performance, memory usage, and compilation efficiency.
- Collaborate with FPGA architecture, CAD, verification, and product engineering teams to define and implement new capabilities.
- Debug complex customer-reported issues and develop sustainable solutions.
- Contribute to software architecture, coding standards, testing frameworks, and CI/CD automation.
- Research emerging technologies and methodologies in EDA, FPGA compilation, and AI-assisted design optimization.
- Participate in code reviews and mentor junior engineers as appropriate.
Our compensation is designed to reflect the Canadian labour market. The actual salary offered may vary based on several factors, including the position’s location, as well as the candidate’s experience, skills, training, and job-specific knowledge. In addition to base salary, we offer performance-based incentive opportunities that reward both individual contributions and overall company success.
Estimated Salary Range: $83.5K – $133.4K CAD
We use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for the position. This posting is for an existing vacancy. Canadian work experience is not required for this role. Applicants must be eligible for any required Canada export authorizations.
Qualifications:Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
- 3+ years of software development experience.
- Strong programming experience in C++.
- Solid understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design principles.
- Experience developing software on Linux environments.
- Strong debugging and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent collaboration and communication abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools and methodologies.
- Knowledge of FPGA, ASIC, digital design, or computer architecture concepts.
- Experience with synthesis, placement and routing, timing analysis, or physical design algorithms.
- Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python, Tcl, or Perl.
- Understanding of multithreaded and high-performance computing techniques.
- Experience developing large-scale software systems.
- Knowledge of machine learning applications in EDA is a plus.
- Experience working with version control systems and modern software development practices.
Technical Skills
- Programming: C++, Python, Tcl
- Platforms: Linux, Git, CI/CD tools
- Areas of Interest: FPGA compilation, synthesis, place-and-route, timing analysis, optimization algorithms, EDA workflows, hardware/software co-design
Why Join Altera?
- Help build the next generation of FPGA development tools used by engineers worldwide.
- Work on highly technical challenges at the intersection of software and semiconductor innovation.
- Collaborate with industry-leading FPGA architects and software engineers.
- Competitive compensation, bonus opportunities, and long-term incentive programs.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
- 3+ years of software development experience
- Strong programming experience in C++
- Solid understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design principles
- Experience developing software on Linux environments
- Strong debugging and problem-solving skills
- Excellent collaboration and communication abilities
- Experience with Electronic Design Automation tools and methodologies
- Knowledge of FPGA, ASIC, digital design, or computer architecture concepts
- Experience with synthesis, placement and routing, timing analysis, or physical design algorithms
- Familiarity with Python, Tcl, or Perl
- Understanding of multithreaded and high-performance computing techniques
- Experience developing large-scale software systems
- Knowledge of machine learning applications in EDA
- Experience with version control systems and modern software development practices
Altera (altera.com) Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Altera (altera.com) and has not been reviewed or approved by Altera (altera.com).
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Retirement Support — Feedback suggests retirement programs are robust, with offerings such as a 401(k) and a pension. This breadth supports long-term financial security.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Feedback suggests time-off policies are generous, including PTO, paid sick days, and paid holidays. Wellness initiatives like gym memberships further support balance.
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Parental & Family Support — Feedback suggests parental leave is generous. Family-building support, including fertility benefits and adoption reimbursement, is highlighted as part of the package.
Altera (altera.com) Insights
What We Do
Altera: Accelerating Innovators Altera provides leadership programmable solutions that are easy-to-use and deploy in applications from cloud to edge, offering limitless AI possibilities. Our end-to-end broad portfolio of products including FPGAs, CPLDs, Intellectual Property, development tools, System on Modules, SmartNICs and IPUs provide the flexibility to accelerate innovation. Altera is helping to shape the future through pioneering innovation that unlocks extraordinary possibilities for everyone on the planet.
