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Principal Software Engineer - Circuit Simulation R&D

3 days ago San Jose, CA

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

We seek a graduate researcher-practitioner in applied mathematics/statistics to advance algorithms for electronic circuit simulation, Monte Carlo yield analysis, and optimization. You will work cross-functionally to turn deep math into production-grade technology.

Qualifications

  • Graduate degree in applied mathematics, statistics, or a closely related field (CS with strong math focus).
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct literature reviews, translate theory to practice, and deliver innovative results in real-world settings.

Core Expertise

  • Statistical inference: significance testing (p-values, confidence intervals), Bayesian statistics, design of experiments, Monte Carlo methods (random sampling, density estimation).
  • Rare-event and reliability analysis (a plus): importance sampling, subset simulation, cross-entropy methods, extreme value/tail modeling, yield estimation.
  • Surrogate modeling and Uncertainty Quantification (a plus): Gaussian processes, polynomial chaos, sparse grids, variance reduction.

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Applied Mathematics (any of the following is a plus)

  • Optimization: linear, nonlinear, convex, integer, stochastic, variational; robust/multi-objective; derivative-free/global methods (e.g., CMA-ES, Bayesian optimization).
  • Numerical analysis: numerical linear algebra (sparse/Krylov/preconditioning), stiff ODE/DAE solvers, approximation, quadrature; model reduction (POD/MOR).
  • Differential equations: ODE/PDE/SDE, dynamical systems.
  • Probability and statistics: stochastic processes, inference, uncertainty quantification.
  • Data science: statistical learning, optimization for ML, dimensionality reduction.

Familiarity with Machine Learning (preferred)

  • Classical ML: regression (linear/logistic), regularization (ridge/lasso), classification (SVM, kNN), ensembles (trees, random forests, boosting).
  • Contemporary AI (a plus): graph neural networks, transformers, reinforcement/transfer learning, representation learning, active learning.

Software and Systems (Not needed but any of the following is a plus)

  • Programming proficiency in Python and/or C++ is a plus (NumPy/SciPy, PyTorch/JAX, performance optimization, clean APIs).
  • Strong computer science background is a plus (data structures, algorithms, version control, testing, CI/CD).
  • HPC/parallel computing (a plus): MPI, CUDA, distributed workflows.

Any prior Experience in the following areas is a plus

  • Scientific computing in one or more areas: computational electromagnetics, fluid/thermal/molecular dynamics, computational physics, or electrical circuit simulation.
  • Electronic design automation (EDA): SPICE/Spectre/Verilog-A, netlists, PVT/Monte Carlo flows, yield/parametric corners.

Responsibilities

  • Research, design, and validate algorithms for circuit simulation, rare-event estimation, and optimization.
  • Quantify accuracy/speed vs. baselines; perform rigorous statistical analyses.
  • Build robust, maintainable implementations and integrate with production toolchains.
  • Good Team Player as well as collaborate with cross-functional teams and document methods and results clearly.

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.

Client-provided location(s): San Jose, CA
Job ID: Cadence-R52417
Employment Type: FULL_TIME
Posted: 2026-01-08T18:38:31

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • FSA
    • HSA With Employer Contribution
    • Fitness Subsidies
    • On-Site Gym
    • Mental Health Benefits
    • Virtual Fitness Classes
    • Health Insurance
  • Parental Benefits

    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
    • Adoption Leave
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Casual Dress
    • On-Site Cafeteria
    • Holiday Events
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Unlimited Paid Time Off
    • Paid Holidays
    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Leave of Absence
    • Volunteer Time Off
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Stock Purchase Program
    • Performance Bonus
    • Financial Counseling
  • Professional Development

    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership Training Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion