Principal Software Engineer — Low-Power Verification (Palladium & Protium)
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Software Engineer to help build the next generation of low-power verification software for the Palladium and Protium emulation platforms. In this role, you will drive innovations that improve the debuggability, performance, and scalability of multi-billion-gate UPF (Unified Power Format) designs across modular compilation flows (2-state and 4-state).
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and optimize low-power verification software for Palladium and Protium.
- Improve UPF design debuggability within the IXCOM Modular Compiler and Parallel Partition Compiler (2-state and 4-state).
- Enhance compiled streaming probes and accelerate waveform generation for large-scale designs.
- Collaborate closely with R&D, Product Engineering (PE), and Application Engineering (AE) to deploy UPF solutions across diverse flows, including:
- AVIP + UPF + 2/4-state
- UVMA + UPF + 2/4-state
- MC + UPF
- Dielets + UPF
- Consolidate and unify UPF software across Palladium and Protium platforms.
- Contribute to major initiatives such as:
- MC + PPC flow with UPF 4-state
- UPF compilation time optimization
- Full Vision UPF probe integration
- SAGE UPF debug with Verisium
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering with 7+ years of relevant experience,
OR a Master’s degree with 5+ years,
OR a PhD with 1+ year of industry experience.
Required Skills
- Strong proficiency in object-oriented design and C++ development.
- Experience with standard C/C++ libraries and the C++ STL.
- Demonstrated ability to build high-performance software for large-scale data processing.
- Scripting experience in Perl, Tcl/Tk, and/or Python.
- Familiarity with IEEE 1801 and UPF implementation.
- Experience with Verilog, SystemVerilog, and VHDL.
The annual salary range for California is $136,500 to $253,500. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.
We’re doing work that matters. Help us solve what others can’t.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
Similar Jobs
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.
