Senior Custom Layout Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Custom Layout Design Manager

Company: Cadence Design Systems

Location: Nanjing, China

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Management & Leadership / Technology

Date Posted: October 20, 2025

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage teams of custom layout designers to deliver high-quality analog and mixed-signal circuit blocks and IP designs for cutting-edge silicon processes.

• Oversee the end-to-end back-end implementation flow, from initial floor planning and detailed layout to final verification against foundry design rules.

• Actively contribute to the development, validation, and optimization of Cadence's proprietary Analog Design/Layout Agentic AI and custom design software to enhance productivity.

• Collaborate closely with circuit designers, other global layout teams, and Cadence EDA R&D to ensure technical requirements and schedules are met, and to influence tool development.

• Drive innovation in layout design, including expertise in FinFET and beyond (Gate All-Around) technologies for advanced process nodes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is anchored in advanced semiconductor design, specifically focusing on the critical "back-end" physical implementation of integrated circuits. The "Senior" and "Manager" titles, combined with the explicit mention of leading teams, project success, and AI development involvement, indicate a significant leadership and strategic contribution beyond pure technical execution. The emphasis on collaboration with global teams and R&D highlights the importance of communication and cross-functional synergy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute high-speed and high-accuracy cell, block, and IP block layouts within defined timelines, ensuring exceptional quality and efficiency.

• Foster collaboration with custom layout designers across global SSG (Silicon Solution Group) teams and other departments to produce high-quality IP and testchips.

• Partner with circuit designers globally to thoroughly understand and meet their technical specifications and project deadlines.

• Proactively contribute to and drive the development, validation, and continuous optimization of the Cadence SSG Analog Design/Layout Agentic AI to significantly boost custom layout design productivity and quality.

• Engage with Cadence EDA R&D teams to provide crucial feedback and collaborate on the development and enhancement of layout editing and verification tools.

• Manage and mentor custom layout designers, overseeing project execution, resource allocation, and team performance to ensure successful project delivery.

• Conduct detailed physical verification of layouts to ensure strict adherence to foundry design rules and technology specifications.

• Contribute to the full custom layout CAD flow, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance of design tools and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize a dual focus: direct technical contribution to layout design and management of both people and processes. The explicit mention of "Agentic AI development" and collaboration with R&D suggests a forward-thinking role that influences the future of EDA tools and methodologies, requiring a proactive and innovative mindset.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, or a related field.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline could be advantageous for roles involving AI development and advanced technology research.

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in microelectronics design, with a significant portion dedicated to custom layout design.

• Proven track record in managing design teams and leading complex layout projects from conception to completion.

Required Skills:

• Microelectronics Design: Strong foundational knowledge of semiconductor device physics and integrated circuit design principles.

• Custom Layout: Deep expertise in custom layout design for analog and mixed-signal circuits, including advanced techniques for performance, power, and area optimization.

• Analog Layout Techniques: In-depth understanding and practical application of essential techniques such as matching, shielding, thermal management, and parasitic extraction.

• Cadence Virtuoso Layout: Extensive hands-on experience with Cadence Virtuoso Layout Suite, including advanced features for complex designs.

• Physical Verification Tools: Proficiency with industry-standard physical verification tools (e.g., DRC, LVS, ERC) for ensuring design rule compliance and layout integrity.

• Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop teams of engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Project Management: Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, risk management, and stakeholder communication for complex design cycles.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Mandarin, essential for global team collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

• Presentation Skills: Ability to effectively present technical information, project status, and strategic proposals to diverse audiences.

• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including circuit designers, R&D, and other engineering groups worldwide.

Preferred Skills:

• AI Development: Experience or strong interest in contributing to the development and implementation of AI/ML-driven design tools, particularly in layout automation and optimization.

• Circuit Design: A solid understanding of analog and mixed-signal circuit design principles to effectively collaborate with circuit designers.

• High-Speed/High-Accuracy Design: Experience in designing custom layouts for high-speed and high-accuracy circuits.

• Layout Editing Tools: Familiarity with advanced layout editing techniques and methodologies beyond standard Virtuoso usage.

• FinFET/Gate-All-Around: Specific experience with layout design for advanced process nodes like FinFET and Gate-All-Around technologies.

• EDA R&D Collaboration: Prior experience working with EDA tool development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements strongly emphasize both deep technical expertise in custom layout and significant leadership capabilities. The inclusion of AI development and collaboration with R&D points to a role that is at the forefront of EDA innovation, requiring a candidate who is not only skilled in current best practices but also forward-looking and capable of influencing future tool development. The bilingual requirement (English & Mandarin) is critical for effective communication in a globalized company like Cadence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive portfolio showcasing successful custom layout design projects for analog/mixed-signal circuits, highlighting complexity and quality.

• Include case studies detailing how layout decisions impacted circuit performance, power consumption, area, and reliability.

• Provide examples of floor planning strategies, detailed layout implementations, and final verification reports.

Process Documentation:

• Present documentation of workflow design and optimization efforts for custom layout projects, illustrating efficiency gains.

• Include examples of process implementation and automation methodologies used to enhance layout quality and speed.

• Provide evidence of how performance was measured and analyzed throughout the layout design lifecycle, with a focus on continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Manager role involving AI and R&D collaboration, the portfolio should go beyond just showcasing completed layouts. It should demonstrate strategic thinking, process improvement initiatives, and an understanding of how layout impacts overall circuit performance and product success. Evidence of contributions to tool development or process innovation would be highly valuable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: ¥600,000 - ¥1,000,000 CNY per year.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This estimate is based on research for Senior Engineering Manager roles with 10+ years of experience in Nanjing, China, within the semiconductor/EDA industry. Factors influencing this range include specific technical expertise (e.g., advanced node layout, AI involvement), leadership scope, and Cadence's compensation structure for such critical roles. This range is a benchmark and may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., pension, 401k equivalent).

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and advanced certifications.

• Opportunities to work with cutting-edge EDA tools and technologies, including Agentic AI.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options.

• Relocation assistance may be available for eligible candidates.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: Benefits are tailored to attract and retain senior talent in a competitive global market, with a focus on long-term well-being, professional growth, and exposure to advanced technologies.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior management and R&D involvement, there may be an expectation for flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines or critical development milestones. This is common in leadership roles within the high-tech semiconductor industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Semiconductor Design Automation (EDA) and Electronic IP. Cadence is a global leader in providing innovative solutions that enable the creation of advanced electronic products.

Company Size: Cadence Design Systems is a large, publicly traded company with thousands of employees worldwide.

Founded: 1988. Cadence has a long history of innovation and leadership in the EDA industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of technology.

Team Structure:

• The Custom Layout team likely operates within the Silicon Solution Group (SSG) or a similar division focused on IP development and design services.

• This role will manage a team of custom layout designers, potentially located in Nanjing and collaborating with other global SSG teams.

• The manager will report to a higher-level engineering director or vice president overseeing custom design and IP development.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis: Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, using metrics to track layout quality, design cycle times, and the impact of AI/automation tools.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Implementing agile or iterative methodologies for design projects, with a strong focus on optimizing workflows for efficiency and quality, especially through AI integration.

• Automation & Efficiency: Continuous pursuit of automation in layout design and verification processes, leveraging Cadence's own advanced tools and developing new solutions.

Company Website: https://www.cadence.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Cadence fosters a culture of innovation, engineering excellence, and customer focus. As a leader in EDA, the company invests heavily in R&D and encourages employees to push technological boundaries. The Nanjing site is a significant hub for engineering talent, contributing to global product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Engineering. This position represents a significant step into leadership within a specialized engineering domain. It requires not only deep technical expertise but also the ability to manage teams, drive strategic initiatives, and influence tool development.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Custom Layout Design Manager will likely report to an Engineering Director or Vice President within the Silicon Solution Group. They will manage a team of custom layout designers and collaborate extensively with peer managers in circuit design and other operational functions.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on Cadence's ability to deliver advanced semiconductor IP. High-quality custom layouts are critical for the performance, power efficiency, and reliability of integrated circuits, directly influencing the success of Cadence's customers in consumer, industrial, and automotive markets. Involvement in AI development means influencing the future of the entire EDA industry.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced process nodes (e.g., sub-3nm, GAAFETs) and specialized layout techniques.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into roles with broader team management, larger project scope, or directorial responsibilities within the SSG.

• AI & Tool Development: Leading contributions to Agentic AI and custom design software can position the individual as a key innovator within Cadence and the EDA industry.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead cross-functional initiatives involving circuit design, verification, and R&D.

• Industry Influence: Becoming a recognized expert in custom layout and AI-driven design, potentially through industry publications or conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned for individuals aiming for senior leadership in a highly specialized and critical field. The blend of technical depth, management responsibility, and involvement in cutting-edge AI development offers a unique and impactful career trajectory within the semiconductor industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Cadence typically offers modern, well-equipped office environments designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): Nanjing, China. This is a key engineering hub for Cadence, providing access to a strong talent pool and advanced research facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to encourage interaction between team members, circuit designers, and R&D personnel, facilitating seamless communication for complex design challenges.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art Cadence EDA tools, high-performance computing resources, and advanced verification platforms. This includes direct engagement with the development of these tools.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional sync-ups to ensure alignment and address technical hurdles efficiently.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily on-site in Nanjing, China.

• Standard business hours (expected 40 hours/week), with flexibility often required to meet critical project timelines and development milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Nanjing emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and leveraging the specialized facilities and talent available at this key Cadence engineering center. The environment is geared towards high-performance engineering and innovation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or hiring manager review of resume and application, focusing on experience in custom layout, management, and semiconductor design.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions covering microelectronics design principles, custom layout techniques, experience with Cadence tools, and problem-solving scenarios related to layout challenges. Expect questions on matching, shielding, floor planning, and advanced process nodes.

• Management/Leadership Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team management experience, project oversight capabilities, and strategic thinking. This may involve behavioral questions and situational judgment scenarios.

• AI/R&D Focus Interview: Discussion on your understanding of AI in design, your contributions or interest in tool development, and your vision for optimizing layout processes with emerging technologies.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of selected projects from your portfolio, demonstrating your technical depth, problem-solving skills, and impact on circuit performance.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your most impactful projects that best represent your expertise in custom layout for analog/mixed-signal circuits, especially those involving complex challenges or advanced nodes.

• Highlight Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach to layout design, the specific techniques used, and the quantifiable results (e.g., performance improvements, power reduction, area optimization, yield enhancement).

• Showcase Process & Tools: Detail your workflow, the Cadence tools (Virtuoso, verification tools) you utilized, and any process innovations or optimizations you implemented.

• Address AI/R&D Involvement: If applicable, include examples of your contributions to tool development, scripting, or AI-driven design initiatives.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, trade-offs considered, and how you handled challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Layout Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical layout problem or a circuit block description and asked to outline your approach to its custom layout, including floor planning considerations, critical component placement, and routing strategies.

• Process Improvement: Be ready to discuss how you would improve existing layout processes, particularly in areas of automation, efficiency, and quality assurance, potentially incorporating AI.

• Team Management Scenario: You may be asked to describe how you would handle a challenging team dynamic, motivate engineers, or manage a project facing significant delays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both technical acumen in custom layout and leadership capabilities, with a significant emphasis on your potential contributions to Cadence's AI and tool development efforts. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for demonstrating practical expertise and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Cadence Virtuoso Layout Suite: The core tool for custom layout design. Expect proficiency in advanced features, custom scripting (SKILL), and integration with other Cadence tools.

• Cadence Physical Verification Tools: Expertise in tools like Pegasus or Assura for Design Rule Checking (DRC), Layout Versus Schematic (LVS), and Electrical Rule Checking (ERC).

• Cadence Custom Design Tools: Familiarity with a broader suite of tools for analog/mixed-signal design, simulation, and analysis.

• AI/ML Platforms: Potentially exposure to or direct involvement with AI/ML platforms and frameworks relevant to design automation (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, or proprietary Cadence solutions).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Cadence Analytics Tools: Tools for analyzing design metrics, performance data, and yield statistics.

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to use tools for creating dashboards and reports to communicate design status and impact to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Workflow/Project Management Systems: Familiarity with systems used for project tracking, task assignment, and collaboration.

• Scripting Languages: Proficiency in SKILL (Cadence's proprietary scripting language) and potentially Python for automation tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Deep expertise in the Cadence EDA tool suite is non-negotiable. The emphasis on AI and Agentic AI development indicates a need for candidates who are not only users of these tools but also contributors to their evolution, suggesting familiarity with scripting for automation and potentially ML concepts.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A strong drive to push technological boundaries, particularly in AI-driven design and advanced process technologies.

• Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-quality, high-performance custom layouts that meet stringent industry standards.

• Collaboration: Fostering a globally connected team environment where knowledge sharing and mutual support are paramount.

• Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting the technical and schedule needs of internal circuit design teams and external customers.

• Efficiency: Continuously seeking ways to optimize design processes, reduce cycle times, and enhance productivity through automation and AI.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with circuit designers, verification engineers, and R&D teams to ensure holistic design success.

• Process Review & Feedback: Encouraging a culture of constructive feedback and continuous improvement through regular design reviews and process assessments.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting open communication and sharing of best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned across global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Cadence's culture likely reflects a high-performance, engineering-driven environment. For this role, a proactive, collaborative, and innovative mindset is crucial, especially given the emphasis on AI and global team interaction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Global Teams: Effectively leading and coordinating a diverse team spread across different time zones and cultures, ensuring consistent quality and productivity.

• Pace of Technological Change: Staying ahead of rapid advancements in semiconductor processes (e.g., sub-3nm, GAAFETs) and EDA tool capabilities, requiring continuous learning.

• AI Integration: Successfully driving the adoption and optimization of Agentic AI and other automation tools, overcoming potential resistance and ensuring tangible benefits.

• Complex Design Requirements: Meeting the increasingly demanding technical specifications for high-speed, high-accuracy analog/mixed-signal circuits in advanced technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technology Training: Access to specialized training on cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing processes and their layout implications.

• EDA Tool Development Exposure: Direct involvement in the R&D of Cadence's next-generation design tools and AI technologies.

• Leadership & Management Programs: Opportunities for professional development in leadership, project management, and strategic planning.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in industry conferences, forums, and collaborations that can enhance professional networks and visibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are intrinsically linked to substantial growth opportunities. The ability to navigate these complexities will define success and career progression within Cadence and the broader EDA industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing a custom layout team to achieve high-quality results on aggressive schedules, especially when working with advanced process nodes." "How would you prioritize and drive the adoption of AI/Agentic AI within a custom layout team?"

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between layout designers and circuit designers, particularly when dealing with conflicting priorities or technical disagreements?" "Describe a situation where you had to influence an R&D team to improve a specific EDA tool feature. What was your approach and the outcome?"

• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a complex custom layout challenge you faced, detailing the problem, your analysis, the solution you implemented, and the impact on the circuit's performance." "How would you diagnose and resolve a recurring physical verification failure across multiple designs?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Cadence and this specific role in custom layout design management?"

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within an engineering team?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as compelling stories: the challenge, your strategic approach, the technical execution, and the measurable impact.

• Quantify Everything: Use specific metrics (e.g., % improvement in performance, % reduction in power, layout area saved, DRC/LVS clean rate) to demonstrate value.

• Highlight Leadership: For management roles, emphasize your role in team coordination, problem-solving, process improvement, and mentoring.

• Connect to Cadence: Where possible, subtly tie your experiences and skills to Cadence's known strengths, technologies, and strategic goals (e.g., advanced nodes, AI in design).

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss both your technical depth in custom layout and your leadership philosophy. Be ready to articulate how you can contribute to Cadence's strategic goals, particularly in leveraging AI for design automation and driving innovation in advanced semiconductor processes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Cadence careers portal via the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of experience in custom layout design, team leadership, project management, and any involvement with AI or tool development. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "Custom Layout," "Analog Design," "Cadence Virtuoso," "Team Management," "AI Development").

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a concise portfolio showcasing your most impactful custom layout projects. Focus on demonstrating technical depth, problem-solving skills, process improvements, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present this during interviews.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Cadence Design Systems, its products, its role in the EDA industry, and its presence in Nanjing. Understand its commitment to innovation, AI, and advanced technologies.

• Interview Practice: Practice articulating your experience and insights in response to potential interview questions, focusing on both technical and leadership aspects. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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