Software Engineer II - Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS), Innovus R&D

About Cadence and the Role

Cadence is a leading innovator in electronic design automation, leveraging over 30 years of expertise to develop software, hardware, and intellectual property that transform design concepts into real-world semiconductor products. Our customers encompass the world's top technology companies delivering cutting-edge electronics for sectors such as consumer electronics, hyperscale computing, 5G communications, automotive, aerospace, industrial, and healthcare.

The Innovus R&D group in Cambridge focuses on advancing the Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS) aspect of physical chip design, a crucial factor impacting chip speed and power consumption. We seek an early-career software engineer to join our collaborative global team, contributing to high-performance EDA algorithm development, while exploring AI-driven design automation techniques under strong mentorship.

Key Duties and Contributions

• Design, develop, and fine-tune CTS algorithms using C/C++ emphasizing high performance, scalability, correctness, and improved quality of results across diverse chip designs.
• Debug and enhance CTS functionalities within the Innovus platform to resolve performance bottlenecks, bolster robustness, and optimize runtime efficiency.
• Innovate with AI-based and automated workflows that reduce manual interventions, improve design flexibility, and facilitate trade-off exploration in physical design.
• Research and prototype adaptive, data-driven approaches that enhance tool reliability and chip design quality across varied architectures.
• Collaborate extensively with global engineering and research teams to share insights, shape technology directions, and influence product roadmaps.
• Document and communicate technical developments, algorithms, and experimental results through reviews, written reports, and presentations.
• Maintain awareness of cutting-edge trends in algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and EDA to continuously integrate advanced concepts into our work.

Qualifications and Skills

• MSc degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related mathematical/technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience in a relevant area.
• Proficient programming in C and C++ within Linux or Unix environments, with strong command of core data structures and algorithmic complexity analysis.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to methodically dissect complex technical challenges and effectively communicate solutions to peers.

Preferred but Not Required

• Familiarity with artificial intelligence or machine learning applications, optimization strategies, or automated decision-making frameworks.
• Understanding of EDA domain-specific areas like timing analysis, clock tree synthesis, and physical design workflows.
• Experience in multi-threaded or parallel programming especially for performance-critical software.
• A scientific curiosity about large-scale software behavior and improvements.
• A proactive interest in new technologies and challenging problem domains, demonstrated through personal projects, research, or academic work.

Additional Information

This position is based at Cadence's Innovus R&D office in Cambridge, where engineers and researchers tackle some of the most challenging problems in chip design in a highly collaborative environment. The role offers opportunities for cross-geography teamwork and working on a major semiconductor design platform used worldwide.

Work Environment and Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• 25 days of paid annual leave
• Comprehensive private medical and dental insurance plans, along with income protection and life insurance coverage
• Group personal pension scheme
• Cycle to work incentives and gym membership subsidies
• 5 days paid volunteer leave to support community involvement
• Employee stock purchase opportunities
• Employment at a Fortune 100 recognized great place to work

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cadence fosters an inclusive and equitable workplace, promoting diversity throughout all company levels. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and are committed to maintaining an equitable employment environment.