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Lead Software Engineer, Robotics Simulation

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.

San Jose, CAFull-time$119–221K/yrSeen 1w agoSeen in employer's feed 5 days ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$119–221K/yr
Location
San Jose, CA
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

Olive lists jobs from US employers, including remote roles you can work from the United States.

Job overview

Cadence seeks a Simulation Engineer to develop simulation technology for physical AI and robotics, including many-body dynamics, finite element analysis, and contact algorithms. The role connects numerical methods with practical robotics deployment by validating algorithms on hardware and comparing simulated behavior with real-world results. The required qualification is a degree in mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related discipline; a PhD and experience across simulation and robotics are preferred.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Simulation AlgorithmsMany-Body DynamicsFinite Element AnalysisContact AlgorithmsRobotics Hardware ValidationControl TheoryController OptimizationController TuningRobotics Deployment

Qualifications

Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or RelatedPhD in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or Related

Benefits

Paid Time Off
401(k) Match
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance

Full job description

SAN JOSE

Full time

R56946

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

We are seeking a Simulation Engineer to develop simulation technology for physical AI and robotics applications. In this role, you will develop simulation algorithms spanning many-body dynamics and finite element analysis, with a particular emphasis on contact algorithms, and validate their performance on robotics hardware. Working at the intersection of simulation and real-world deployment, you will connect numerical methods with practical robotics applications.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop simulation algorithms for physical AI and robotics applications, including many-body dynamics and finite element analysis.

  • Develop and refine contact algorithms to model physical interactions in robotics scenarios.

  • Validate simulation algorithms on robotics hardware and use experimental results to guide improvements.

  • Evaluate simulation behavior against real-world deployment scenarios to identify and address differences between simulated and hardware results.

  • Apply control theory and controller optimization and tuning methods to support simulation and hardware validation, as applicable.

Required Qualifications

  • Degree in mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

  • PhD in mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.

  • Expertise spanning both numerical methods or simulation and practical robotics deployment scenarios.

  • Experience with many-body dynamics, finite element analysis, and contact algorithms.

  • Experience validating simulation algorithms on robotics hardware.

  • Expertise in control theory and controller optimization and tuning.

The annual salary range for California is $119,000 to $221,000. 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.

Additional Jobs (https://cadence.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/addl\_jobs)

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:

Cadence is committed to equal employment opportunity throughout all levels of the organization.

We welcome your interest in the company and want to make sure our job site is accessible to all. If you experience difficulty using this site or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact [email protected].

Privacy Policy:

Job Applicant If you are a job seeker creating a profile using our careers website, please see the privacy policy(opens in a new tab) (https://www.cadence.com/en\_US/home/privacy/privacy-policy.html) .

E-Verify Cadence participates in the

E-Verify program in certain U.S. locations as required by law. Download More Information on E-Verify (64K) (https://www.cadence.com/content/dam/cadence-www/global/en\_US/documents/company/careers/e-verify-participation-poster.pdf)

Cadence plays a critical role in creating the technologies that modern life depends on. We are a global electronic design automation company, providing software, hardware, and intellectual property to design advanced semiconductor chips that enable our customers create revolutionary products and experiences.

Thanks to the outstanding caliber of the Cadence team and the empowering culture that we have cultivated for over 25 years, Cadence continues to be recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. 
 Our shared passion for solving the world’s toughest technical challenges, our dedication to pushing the limits of the industry, and our drive to do meaningful work differentiates the people of Cadence.

Cadence is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other protected class.

Cadence is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other protected class.

How this job compares

Set against the 508 open Simulation Engineer jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 3, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$119–221K/yr
  • California median$150–233K/yr131 salary ranges
  • US median$130–200K/yr363 salary ranges

This range's midpoint, $170K, is 12% below the California median midpoint ($194K) — in the middle half of Simulation Engineer salary ranges in California.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 173 open Simulation Engineer jobs in California and 508 across the US. 5% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in California
Experience
Simulation Engineer postings that state a minimum ask for 5 years of experience at the median; the middle half ask for 3 to 6 years (411 postings).
Education
212 of the 508 open Simulation Engineer jobs (42%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 3, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

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