Principal Software Engineer - Circuit Simulation R&D

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., * 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology., Cadence plays a critical role in creating the technologies that modern life depends on. We are a global electronic design automation company, providing software, hardware, and intellectual property to design advanced semiconductor chips that enable our customers create revolutionary products and experiences. Thanks to the outstanding caliber of the Cadence team and the empowering culture that we have cultivated for over 25 years, Cadence continues to be recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. Our shared passion for solving the world's toughest technical challenges, our dedication to pushing the limits of the industry, and our drive to do meaningful work differentiates the people of Cadence.