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Senior Principal Software Engineer

Yesterday San Jose, CA

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

Join our R&D team building next-gen Accelerated Verification IP (AVIP) and Virtual Bridge solutions for high-performance IO and memory coherence. You'll architect, implement, and productize PCIe Gen7 and CXL 2.0/3.x features across C++, UVM and virtualized system models that enable hardware, emulation, and hybrid platforms.

What you'll do

  • Design and enhance PCIe/CXL AVIP (agents, monitors, scoreboards, sequencers, coverage, error injection).
  • Develop Virtual Bridge components that connect virtual platforms/emulators/FW to RTL (traffic modeling, performance, debug).
  • Own feature bring-up for CXL.io / CXL.cache / CXL.mem, IDE/security, RAS, switching/fabric (CXL 3.x).
  • Deliver compliance and interoperability scenarios; drive customer escalations and cross-team integration.

What you'll need

  • BS with a minimum of 10 years of experience OR MS with a minimum of 7 years of experience OR PhD with a minimum of 5 years of experience
  • Experience with PCIe and/or CXL design/verification, deep protocol-layer knowledge (LTSSM, DLL/TLP, flow control, ordering).
  • Proficiency in Verilog RTL design and debug
  • Experience with emulation/acceleration or hybrid (virtual + RTL) flows; solid debug skills (waveforms, checkers, coverage).

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Nice to have

  • PCIe Gen6/CXL 3.x fabric features (multi-level switching, global fabric attach, pooling).
  • Performance modeling, QoS/traffic shaping; firmware/OS driver bring-up exposure; compliance tools.

The annual salary range for California is $154,000 to $286,000. 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-R53133
Employment Type: FULL_TIME
Posted: 2026-03-15T18:45:12

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