Lead Software Engineer

What You'll Do

• Develop mathematical models and numerical methods to simulate thermal and structural interactions within complex engineering systems.
• Design and implement analytical and numerical solvers, including quasi-static and time-stepping algorithms for ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and partial differential equations (PDEs).
• Design and implement high-performance simulation software using modern C++ (C++17/20), delivering robust, scalable, and maintainable solutions.
• Develop and optimize compute-intensive algorithms using multithreading, SIMD techniques, and GPU acceleration technologies such as CUDA and OpenCL.
• Analyze software performance, identify computational bottlenecks, and implement optimizations across CPU and GPU architectures.
• Leverage AI-assisted engineering tools such as GitHub Copilot, Claude, or similar to improve development productivity while maintaining high engineering quality standards.
• Translate research concepts, prototypes, and proof-of-concepts into production-ready software.
• Collaborate closely with software developers, research engineers, product managers, and domain experts to deliver innovative simulation capabilities.
• Job Qualifications: A PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• We welcome applications from recent PhD graduates as well as those with several years of post-doctoral or industry research experience.
• Strong software development skills with demonstrated proficiency in modern C++.
• Deep understanding of object-oriented design, software architecture, and software engineering best practices.
• Strong knowledge of numerical methods, mathematical modelling, and computational problem solving.
• Experience developing performance-critical software or computational algorithms.
• Understanding of AI-assisted software development and practical use of LLMs, and agent-based development workflows.
• Additional Skills/Preferences: Experience in multi-body dynamics, multiscale modelling, finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, or other physics-based simulation domains.
• Knowledge of modern software development practices including CI/CD, automated testing, and DevOps workflows.
• Knowledge of high-performance computing techniques including SIMD vectorisation, cache optimization, distributed computing, and parallel programming.
• Additional Information: This role is based in our Nottingham office, with a hybrid working arrangement of at least 3 days per week on-site.
• You will join a specialist Solver Team working alongside research engineers, software developers, product managers, and domain experts.
• The team operates with a strong culture of technical rigour and collaborative problem-solving, using modern tooling including GitHub, Azure DevOps, and AI-assisted development environments.
• 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.