Principal Software Engineer Jobs in San Jose, CA
Principal Software Engineer jobs in San Jose are in high demand, concentrated in North San Jose, Downtown, and the Santana Row corridor across semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, enterprise software, and AI. Employers actively hiring include Cadence Design Systems, AMD, and Google. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.
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 Xcelium simulator to meet the staggering complexity of future AI and hyperscale chip designs. You will be part of an innovative, geographically distributed team dedicated to advancing the capabilities of RTL/logic simulation for semiconductor technology. The work environment encourages collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous learning.
We are looking for an experienced C/C++ software engineer to join the Xcelium Software Development Team to develop and enhance RTL/logic simulation products.
Responsibilities:
- Enhance and support Xcelium RTL/logic simulator engine to add new features and extend existing features.
- Enhance and support Timing Constraints Verification technology used inside Xcelium simulator.
- The role involves designing, tuning, and innovating graph algorithms involving SDC constraints support on multi‑billion‑node graphs.
- Conduct deep-dive bottleneck analysis and implement performance optimizations in C/C++ to improve compilation speed and memory footprint.
- Collaborate with global team members to deliver high-quality results in a distributed environment.
- Write Specifications and Unit Tests for your code.
Position Requirements/Qualifications:
- MS/PhD in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering.
MS in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering with a minimum of 7 years of experience OR PhD with a minimum of 5 years of experience
- 5+ years of experience in EDA software development.
- Strong background in RTL/Logic Simulation, SDC constraints and Timing Analysis especially path exceptions handling in a STA tool.
- Excellent programming skills in C/C++ and a deep understanding of SystemVerilog or Verilog.
- Experience in multi-threaded/ concurrent programming.
- Ability to quickly learn new technologies and adapt to project requirements.
- Prior experience with RTL/logic simulation software development is an added plus.
The annual salary range for California is $161,000 to $299,000. 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.
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Find JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Job Market in San Jose
Who's Hiring
- Cadence Design Systems56

- AMD28

- Google28

- Bloom Energy28

- Extreme Networks28

Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware
- Technology & Software
Principal Software Engineer Jobs in San Jose: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a principal software engineer job in San Jose?
Target San Jose's densest hiring pockets: the semiconductor and chip design firms clustered in North San Jose, the cloud and enterprise software companies anchored Downtown and near Santana Row, and the AI and networking companies throughout the north corridor. Candidates who stand out combine deep systems expertise with cross-functional leadership experience. A portfolio of shipped product at scale and familiarity with large distributed systems carries significant weight with San Jose hiring teams.
Which companies hire principal software engineers in San Jose?
Companies currently hiring principal software engineers in San Jose include Cadence Design Systems, AMD, and Google, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. San Jose's employer base skews toward established technology companies, semiconductor manufacturers, and networking hardware firms, giving principal-level candidates a range of product and infrastructure-focused opportunities.
Are there remote principal software engineer jobs in San Jose?
Yes, though the picture is mixed: principal software engineer roles tied to hardware, chip design, or hands-on lab work are largely on-site, while those focused on distributed systems, platform engineering, or enterprise software tend to be more remote-friendly. About 45% of principal software engineer openings tied to San Jose are remote or hybrid as of September 2026. Platform and backend architecture roles attract the highest share of remote-eligible postings from San Jose employers.
How can I get a principal software engineer job in San Jose with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is moving up through staff or senior engineer roles at San Jose's mid-size technology and semiconductor companies, which often have clearer promotion tracks than large enterprises. Firms in North San Jose's networking and storage corridors regularly develop principal-level talent internally. Contributing to high-visibility infrastructure projects, taking technical lead ownership on a product area, and building a reputation for cross-team design work positions candidates for that first principal offer without waiting for an opening to appear externally.
Which industries hire the most principal software engineers in San Jose?
Most principal software engineer openings in San Jose sit in Electronics & Hardware and Technology & Software, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. San Jose's identity as a hub for semiconductors, networking hardware, and cloud infrastructure means these sectors consistently generate principal-level demand that outpaces most other U.S. cities.
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