Lead Software Engineer

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

Cadence is a pivotal leader in electronic design, building upon more than 30 years of computational software expertise. The company applies its underlying Intelligent System Design strategy to deliver software, hardware and IP that turn design concepts into reality.

Cadence customers are the world’s most innovative companies, delivering extraordinary electronic products from chips to boards to systems for the most dynamic market applications including consumer, hyperscale computing, 5G communications, automotive, aerospace industrial and health.

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

Job Title: Lead Software Engineer

Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom

Reports to: Software Engineering Director

Job Overview:

Genus Synthesis Solution is a leading technology tool for synthesizing digital designs from RTL (Register Transfer Language) specifications (Verilog or VHDL) into netlists based on standard cells. Trusted by over 400 customers worldwide, Genus enables chip design through cutting-edge optimization for timing, area, and power.

Genus is complemented by ChipWare®, an IP library of configurable, off-the-shelf components that deliver best-in-class hardware quality across power, area, and delay requirements.

As part of our expansion, we are seeking talented individuals who share our passion for computer arithmetic and our commitment to quality, innovation, and insight. This role offers a unique opportunity to work across software and hardware development, applied research, and direct customer engagement, making you a true subject matter expert in the field.

Job Responsibilities:

• Collaborate within a team to design, optimize, verify, and document a library of high-quality arithmetic components (e.g., floating-point operators) for chip designers.

• Ensure components are robust, efficient, and easy to integrate.

• Drive innovation in system design and optimisation for timing, area, and power.

Job Qualifications:

• Strong academic background (Master’s / PhD in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering).

• Eagerness to learn how to build, optimize, and verify complex arithmetic operators for microchips.

• Programming experience is a plus (especially C, C++, Python, or SystemVerilog).

• Excellent creative and analytical problem-solving skills.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Your contributions will directly influence the design of next-generation chips used by leading technology companies worldwide.

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with advanced synthesis tools and IP libraries that set industry standards.

• Growth & Learning: Gain deep expertise in computer arithmetic, hardware optimization, and software development in a collaborative environment.

• Innovation Culture: Be part of a team that values creativity, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

• Global Reach: Engage with customers and projects across the globe, shaping solutions that power modern electronics.

Check what we can offer you:

• Competitive salary

• 25 days holiday per year

• Private Medical and Dental plans, Income Protection and Life Insurance

• Group Personal Pension Plan

• Cycle to work scheme and gym subsidy

• 5 days paid time to volunteer to give back to our communities

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

• The opportunity to work for a Great Place to Work© & Fortune 100 organization

Cadence is committed to equal employment opportunity and employment equity throughout all levels of the organization. We strive to attract a qualified and diverse candidate pool and encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

We’re doing work that matters. Help us solve what others can’t.