Cadence Design Systems

Principal Software Engineer - Compiler Development

Cadence Design Systems$117K — $218K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS with 10+ years, MS with 7+ years, or PhD with 5+ years of experience
  • 5+ years of experience in Compiler Development, EDA, or High-Performance Computing
  • Expert-level proficiency in modern C++ and deep understanding of SystemVerilog or Verilog
  • Proven experience in compiler theory aspects like lexing, parsing, and code generation
  • Knowledge of multi-threading, memory management, and cache-locality optimizations
  • Innovative mindset challenging traditional EDA tools

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement advanced SystemVerilog language extensions
  • Develop and optimize high-performance compiler components focused on intermediate representations
  • Conduct performance analysis and implement optimizations in C/C++
  • Architect compilers and simulators for complex AI designs
  • Explore and prototype innovative features such as LLM enhanced compilation

Benefits

  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) plan with employer match
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Variety of medical, dental, and vision plan options
  • Potential for bonus and equity
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Xcelium compiler and build performance team develops the compiler and code generator for Xcelium logic simulator. We are developing the next generation compiler capable of verifying highly complex chip designs

Join the team behind Xcelium, the industry-leading logic simulator, to architect the next generation of hardware verification technology. As a Senior Engineer in the System Verification Group, you will be at the forefront of EDA innovation, evolving the SystemVerilog compiler to meet the staggering complexity of future AI and hyperscale chip designs.

We are looking for dynamic engineers who thrive on "impossible" scaling challenges and want to invent the algorithms that will power tomorrow's silicon.

Key Responsibilities
  • Language Evolution: Design and implement advanced SystemVerilog language extensions.
  • Compiler Architecture: Develop and optimize high-performance front-end and code generation compiler components, focusing on intermediate representations (IR) that scale to multi-billion gate designs.
  • Performance Engineering: Conduct deep-dive bottleneck analysis and implement performance optimizations in C/C++ to improve compilation speed and memory footprint.
  • Design Scalability: Architect compiler and simulator specifically tuned for complex AI designs, ensuring the engine can handle the massive replicated and parallel structures inherent in next-gen neural processing units (NPUs).
  • Innovation & Research: Explore and prototype "blue-sky" features, LLM enhanced Compilation, parallel compilation, distributed compilation.


Qualifications
  • 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
  • 5+ years in Compiler Development, EDA, or High-Performance Computing.
  • Expert-level C++ (modern standards) and a deep understanding of SystemVerilog or Verilog.
  • Proven track record in compiler theory (lexing, parsing, semantic analysis, code generation).
  • Experience with multi-threading, memory management, and cache-locality optimizations.
  • An inventive spirit with the desire to challenge the status quo of traditional EDA tools.

Why This Role is Exciting

"You aren't just maintaining a tool; you are building the backbone of the semiconductor industry. As AI chips grow in complexity, the compiler becomes the primary gatekeeper of engineering productivity. Here, you will invent the techniques that allow the world's most advanced chips to reach the market."
  • Scale: Work on codebases that manage the largest designs on the planet.
  • Impact: Your optimizations directly reduce the "time-to-market" for global tech giants.
  • Future-Proofing: Be part of the transition toward AI-accelerated chip design and cloud-scale verification.

Desirable Skills
  • Knowledge of LLVM or similar compiler frameworks.
  • Experience with Python for internal tooling and test automation.
  • Familiarity with hardware verification environments (UVM).


Are you ready to build the compiler that designs the future? Apply to join the System Verification Group today.

The annual salary range for Massachusetts is $117,600 to $218,400. 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.

About Cadence Design Systems

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. is an American multinational electronic design automation software and engineering services company, founded in 1988 by the merger of SDA Systems and ECAD, Inc. The company produces software, hardware and silicon structures for designing integrated circuits, systems on chips (SoCs) and printed circuit boards.
Learn more about Cadence Design Systems
Size
9,300 employees
Market Cap
$43.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$590.6 million
Founded
2018
5 Year Trend
+10.5%
Revenue
$2.6 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Cadence Design Systems

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Principal Software Engineer - Compiler Development jobs: