Principal Customer Service Engineer

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

Cadence’s Physical Systems Design & Analysis group is seeking a Principal Customer Service Engineer (Principal CSE) to support our Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Virtual Manufacturing & Costing (VMC) team. This team provides advanced simulation services across Automotive, Aerospace, Defense, Medical, and Power Generation industries.

This role is ideal for an experienced simulation engineer who enjoys solving complex customer problems, leading technical engagements, and contributing to both project delivery and presales activities.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of FEA‑based engineering consulting projects across multiple industries
• Develop end‑to‑end simulation workflows tailored to customer needs
• Perform advanced analyses including linear/nonlinear stress, thermal, modal, frequency response, and dynamic simulations
• Process and mesh complex customer CAD geometry
• Prepare technical reports and deliver results presentations to customers
• Support presales activities including discovery calls, technical reviews, and solution proposals
• Estimate project scope, cost, and schedule to support new business acquisition
• Collaborate closely with commercial account managers on account planning and execution
• Mentor and support other members of the Customer Service Engineering team
• Deliver custom workflow or application‑specific training as needed
• Travel to customer or test sites as required (up to 10%)

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder
• BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent discipline
• Minimum 7-10 years of professional experience with Multiphysics CAE tools (e.g., Nastran, Ansys, Abaqus)
• Strong experience managing multiple technical projects independently
• Proficiency in programming/scripting, including Python.  (experience in Fortran, C/C++, batch scripting a plus)
• Experience with APIs, scripting, and data formats (XML, JSON)
• Familiarity with complex computing environments (local, cloud, HPC, VM)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Customer‑focused mindset with strong problem‑solving abilities
• Willingness to work through project completion, including occasional off‑hours

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• Active or prior security clearance
• Background in aerospace analysis and qualification workflows
• Expertise in advanced analysis areas such as:
  • Implicit/explicit nonlinear FEA
  • Multibody dynamics coupled with FEA
  • Composite and elastomer modeling
  • PCL (Patran Command Language) and DMAP programming
• Prior experience in customer‑facing technical consulting roles
• MSC software experience (Nastran, Apex, Patran, Marc, Dytran, Actran, Cradle, Simufact)
• BETA CAE software experience (ANSA, META, EPILYSIS)
• Interest or experience in AI‑driven workflow automation

The annual salary range for California is $92,400 to $171,600. 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.