Lead Application Engineer - Custom IC Design and Implementation

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

We offer fantastic opportunities to grow, no matter where you are in your career. The ideal candidate will be energetic, innovative, and highly motivated to help customers solve their most challenging custom IC and system design and simulation problems using Cadence technology.

This is a customer-facing application engineering (AE) role where you will present solutions, demonstrate software, solve complex customer problems, and develop creative solutions and flows. You will work closely with customers to understand their design challenges and drive adoption and proliferation of recommended solutions. You will work closely with R&D, Product Engineering, and Sales to drive customer success. You will be the technical expert on Cadence tools and a valued consultant on design and implementation issues. You will own customer success!

This role spans a broad range of Custom IC Design and Implementation technologies, including simulation, layout, and electromagnetic analysis.

You must manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities include:

• Understanding customers' custom IC design, simulation, layout, and electromagnetic analysis challenges
• Guiding customer design teams on methodologies and flows to improve productivity and design quality
• Resolving critical tool issues impacting customer project timelines, often collaborating with product development and peer AEs
• Supporting customers with their custom design, simulation, layout, and EM analysis flows
• Working closely with customers in RFIC, RF module, and multichip module design spaces
• Conducting technical presentations, technical training, and product demonstrations to customers, including developing customized presentations as required
• Supporting technical evaluations and benchmarks, and driving the process to successfully deliver Cadence solutions
• Partnering with Sales Management and other AEs to identify sales opportunities, prioritize them, and help develop winning sales strategies
• Developing an understanding of customer needs and competitive technologies and sales strategies to create solutions that best meet customer and Cadence objectives
• Communicating customer requirements and feedback to Cadence Engineering and Marketing groups for issue resolution and to improve product features and quality
• Helping customers adopt and proliferate Cadence system-level solutions, including heterogeneous integration and electromagnetic and thermal analysis

Skills needed for this role:

• Minimum 3 years of practical, hands-on experience in simulation and/or layout applications for Custom IC Design. Analog, mixed-signal, RF design or layout experience is a plus.
• Experience with electromagnetic solvers (e.g., EM analysis for custom IC and advanced packaging) is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, organizational, planning, and presentation skills are essential
• Ability to work independently and productively, delivering high-quality output in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Must be open to constant personal development and growth to meet the evolving demands of the electronics industry
• Some travel may be required and necessary
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive to customer sites as required

Minimum Education and Experience:

Education: BS/MS in Electrical or Computer Engineering or equivalent work experience

Experience: 3+ years of relevant industry experience in custom IC design, simulation, layout, or electromagnetic analysis

The annual salary range for California is $102,900 to $191,100. 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.

Client-provided location(s): San Jose, CA

Job ID: Cadence-R54005

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2026-03-28T18:39:30