Software Engineer II

Cadence Design Systems

San Jose, California, United StatesFull-time$105,000–$195,000Posted Nov 5, 2026

About the role

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

Cadence Design Systems is looking for a highly motivated Software Engineer II to join the Innovus R&D team.

Innovus is Cadence’s flagship digital implementation platform, enabling customers to design advanced semiconductor chips from RTL to GDSII.

In this role, you will contribute to the development of advanced routing technologies for digital physical design,

with an emphasis on structural routing including bus routing and constrained routing.

You will work closely with experienced R&D engineers to develop algorithms and software solutions for challenging routing problems in advanced semiconductor designs.

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement algorithms for advanced bus routing and constrained routing

Develop high-performance and scalable software using C/C++ on Linux/UNIX platforms

Debug routing issues and improve quality of results, runtime, and robustness

Collaborate with R&D teams to define requirements, validate solutions, and deliver production-quality features

Minimum Qualifications

MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field

Strong programming skills in C/C++

Strong foundation in algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving

Good understanding of software development and debugging in Linux/UNIX environments

Strong analytical and debugging skills

Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment

Preferred Qualifications

Coursework, research, internship, or project experience in VLSI CAD, physical design, algorithms, computational geometry, or optimization

Basic knowledge of digital IC design or physical design concepts

Experience with algorithm development or large-scale software development

Familiarity with scripting languages such as Tcl, Python, or Perl

Exposure to EDA tools or place-and-route flows is a plus, but not required

The annual salary range for California is $105,000 to $195,000. 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.

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement algorithms for advanced bus routing and constrained routing
  • Develop high-performance, scalable C/C++ software on Linux/UNIX
  • Debug routing issues and improve quality of results, runtime, and robustness
  • Collaborate with R&D teams to define requirements, validate solutions, and deliver production-quality features

Qualifications

  • MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
  • Strong C/C++ programming skills and foundation in algorithms and data structures
  • Understanding of software development and debugging in Linux/UNIX environments
  • Strong analytical and debugging skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team
  • Preferred experience in VLSI CAD, physical design, algorithms, computational geometry, optimization, or large-scale software development
  • Familiarity with Tcl, Python, or Perl is a plus
  • Exposure to EDA tools or place-and-route flows is a plus

Benefits

  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) plan with employer match
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Medical, dental, and vision plan options
  • Potential bonus and equity incentive compensation

Skills mentioned

C++CLinuxDebuggingPerformance OptimizationSystem DesignPythonSystems EngineeringSoftware TestingGit

About Cadence Design Systems

Cadence is a market leader in AI and digital twins, pioneering the application of computational software to accelerate innovation in the engineering design of silicon to systems. Our design solutions, based on Cadence’s Intelligent System Design™ strategy, are essential for the world’s leading semiconductor and systems companies to build their next-generation products from chips to full electromechanical systems that serve a wide range of markets, including hyperscale computing, mobile communications, automotive, aerospace, industrial, life sciences and robotics. In 2024, Cadence was recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the world’s top 100 best-managed companies. Cadence solutions offer limitless opportunities—learn more at www.cadence.com.

Software Development10,001+ employeesSan Jose, California

H-1B sponsorship history

Historical employer filing data was found for Cadence Design Systems. The employer record includes 1,739 historical certified applications. This is employer-level history, not a guarantee that this role currently offers sponsorship.