Principal Program Manager - Academic & Research Partnerships

We Are:

Synopsys is the leader in engineering solutions from silicon to systems, enabling customers to rapidly innovate AI-powered products. We deliver industry-leading silicon design, IP, simulation and analysis solutions, and design services. We partner closely with our customers across a wide range of industries to maximize their R&D capability and productivity, powering innovation today that ignites the ingenuity of tomorrow.

You Are:

You have spent years navigating the space where academic research meets commercial impact, and you understand that the best partnerships are not transactional, they are built on shared goals, mutual respect, and a clear understanding of what each side actually needs. You know how to walk into a professor's lab, understand what they are working on, and see the thread that connects their research to a customer problem or a technology gap three years out.

You are comfortable in rooms with government program managers talking about workforce funding one day and sitting with a startup team spun out of a university lab the next. You do not just manage partnerships, you architect them with an eye toward IP, compliance, and long-term value, not just the kickoff meeting.

You have a technical foundation strong enough to hold your own in conversations about VLSI, EDA tools, or advanced packaging, and you use that fluency to build credibility and spot opportunities others miss. You are organized enough to manage agreements, timelines, and cross-functional stakeholders without dropping threads, and strategic enough to know which relationships will matter in five years, not just next quarter.

This role serves as the North America lead for execution of Synopsys’ Workforce Development strategy, working in close partnership with the global Workforce Development function to localize, implement, and scale high-impact programs across the region.

At Synopsys, you will work with a team that takes academic and research partnerships seriously, and you will help shape how the next generation of semiconductor talent learns, builds, and enters the industry.

What You'll Be Doing:

North America Research Partnerships (SARA)

• Identify, assess, and develop strategic research partnerships with key universities and research institutions in North America
• Build long-term relationships with leading professors, principal investigators, and research centres aligned with Synopsys technology and customer/government priorities
• Support contract negotiation and coordination related to research collaborations, including IP, licensing, and compliance matters
• Scout emerging research areas and university spin-offs relevant to Synopsys’ technology roadmap, including support for early-stage engagement and potential M&A deal sourcing

Workforce Development (WFD)

• Serve as the North America point of ownership for planning and execution of Workforce Development programs, aligned with Synopsys’ global strategy and regional business priorities
• Develop a deep understanding of U.S. federal and state workforce development initiatives related to semiconductors, EDA, and advanced packaging
• Position Synopsys as a strategic partner for government, academia, and industry consortia addressing workforce gaps
• Collaborate with universities, government agencies, and customers to secure and execute multi-million-dollar workforce development projects
• Support the scaling of workforce development programs that expand access to Synopsys technology and prepare students for industry roles
• Build and manage a portfolio of WFD initiatives, including prioritization, resource allocation, and ROI tracking
• Develop and maintain a structured pipeline of WFD opportunities (federal, state, and industry-funded), including proactive identification and qualification
• Drive scalable program models (e.g., curriculum creation on demand, hands-on design experiences, cloud-based tool access programs) to increase relevant talent development
• Define and track success metrics, including institutional adoption, talent pipeline outcomes, and strategic/revenue impact
• Ensure alignment with global Workforce Development leadership to replicate best practices and maintain consistency in program design and messaging

Cross-Functional and Ecosystem Engagement

• Work closely with North America sales, marketing, and business teams to align academic and workforce programs with regional business priorities
• Support and co-organize technical events such as research workshops, design challenges, training programs, and conference engagements to strengthen Synopsys’ thought leadership position in workforce development and research partnerships with the scientific community
• Collaborate with Marketing and PR to amplify Synopsys’ leadership in workforce development through campaigns, thought leadership, and executive engagement
• Identify revenue and strategic growth opportunities arising from research institutions, government-funded programs, and university-affiliated startups

Program Governance and Operations

• Establish and maintain standardized processes for WFD program intake, evaluation, and prioritization across North America
• Implement tracking and reporting mechanisms to provide visibility into program performance, funding, and outcomes
• Ensure cross-functional execution discipline, including coordination with legal, finance, and operations stakeholders
• Develop repeatable playbooks and frameworks to scale successful WFD and research partnership models

The Impact You Will Have:

• Position Synopsys as the go-to partner for semiconductor research and academic collaboration across top-tier universities and government-funded programs
• Expand the pipeline of industry-ready talent by scaling workforce development initiatives that give students hands-on experience with Synopsys technology before they graduate
• Accelerate innovation by connecting academic research with real customer challenges and Synopsys product roadmaps, creating a feedback loop that benefits both sides
• Unlock new revenue streams by identifying strategic opportunities within research institutions, publicly funded programs, and university-affiliated startups
• Strengthen relationships with government agencies and industry consortia, ensuring Synopsys has a seat at the table where semiconductor policy, funding, and workforce strategy are shaped
• Create long-term value by building partnerships that evolve with technology trends, not just one-off agreements that expire after a grant cycle
• Enhance Synopsys visibility and influence in academic and government circles, making the company a recognized leader in advancing semiconductor education and research

What You'll Need:

• MS or PhD in Engineering or a closely related field
• Strong background in the EDA industry and/or semiconductor ecosystem, with proven experience managing academic research partnerships, workforce development programs, or similar cross-functional initiatives
• Strong understanding of the U.S. academic, research, and government funding landscape
• Proven ability to influence across organisations and manage complex stakeholder environments, including legal, IP, and operational considerations
• Methodical yet creative program manager with strong execution discipline
• Ability to operate effectively across technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience managing or contributing to government-funded workforce or education programs (e.g. CHIPS Act, NSF, DOE, state initiatives)
• Demonstrated ability to scale education or training programs across multiple institutions
• Experience working with public-private partnerships or industry consortia
• Program management capabilities, including metrics definition, ROI tracking, and governance frameworks
• Excellent communication skills; comfortable representing Synopsys in academic, government, and industry forums

The Team You'll Be Part Of:

You will be part of the Synopsys Academic & Research Alliances (SARA) team, focused on building partnerships that drive innovation and talent development across the semiconductor ecosystem. The team works closely with universities, government agencies, and internal business groups to align research, education, and workforce initiatives with Synopsys strategic priorities. Together, you will play a key role in shaping the future of semiconductor research and developing the next generation of industry talent.

Rewards and Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive range of health, wellness, and financial benefits to cater to your needs. Our total rewards include both monetary and non-monetary offerings. Your recruiter will provide more details about the salary range and benefits during the hiring process.