Software Architect

forms** combining RTL, transactors, and virtual models for pre-silicon enablement.

• Develop systemC and Multithreaded C++ models and Transactors necessary for bringup of software on a Hybrid platform.

• Lead software bring-up on pre-silicon platforms (emulators / FPGA prototypes), including:

  • Bare-metal environments
  • Linux OS
  • Android
  • Windows (where applicable)

• Drive end-to-end platform readiness from early boot (ROM, bootloaders) to OS stability.

• Work closely with RTL, IP, firmware, validation, and customer teams to define requirements, align interfaces, and plan deliverables.

• Debug complex software and platform issues using:

  • Waveform analysis
  • Software debuggers (GDB, JTAG-based, emulator debuggers, etc.)
  • Logs and traces

• Identify root causes across HW/SW boundaries and propose robust architectural fixes.

Technical Expertise & Qualifications

Required Skills

• Strong background in software architecture with proven experience building and debugging complex pre-silicon platforms.

• Hands-on experience integrating RTL with virtual and hybrid environments.

• Deep understanding of SoC architecture and system-level behavior across:

  • Mobile
  • Hyperscaler / Datacenter
  • Automotive platforms

• Expert knowledge of AMBA protocols and interconnects.

• Proven experience working with and integrating key SoC IPs such as:

  • UFS, NVMe, PCIe

• Strong proficiency in software debugging methodologies, including waveform-based debug and HW/SW co-debug.

• Solid programming and scripting skills (C/C++, Python, shell scripting preferred).

• Hands on experience on Multi-Threaded aspects, its challenges and tools to manage deadlocks

Preferred / Value-Add Skills

• Experience with SystemC modeling and transaction-level modeling; ability to modify or develop models is a strong plus.

• Prior experience working with emulators and FPGA-based platforms (Palladium, Protium, or similar).

• Familiarity with GenAI / LLM-based workflows applied to EDA, debugging, automation, or productivity acceleration.

• Knowledge of platform performance analysis and optimization.

Collaboration & Leadership Expectations

• Strong ability to work across cross-functional teams and with external customers to:
  • Understand complex, multi-team requirements
  • Translate them into executable technical plans
• Ability to independently lead and execute projects, owning outcomes end to end.
• While this is an individual contributor role, prior experience in:

  • Mentoring junior engineers

  • Technical leadership

  • Team or project ownership
    is highly valued.

Candidate Profile

• A senior, hands-on technologist with strong problem-solving skills and a system-level mindset.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
• Motivated to align with long-term technical growth and strategic platform evolution within Cadence.

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