Job Title
Staff Software Engineer – Developer Tooling
Job Description
Staff Software Engineer – Developer Tooling
At Cognichip, we are building the next-generation IDE to empower semiconductor design engineers with a 10x productivity boost through AI-native workflows and seamless integration with high-performance simulation engines. We are seeking an experienced software engineer with expertise in desktop application development (especially Electron/VS Code extensions) to join our IDE team. Unlike traditional web roles, this position focuses on developing and extending a VS Code–based IDE, creating deep integrations with AI, collaborative editing features, and advanced visualizations tailored for semiconductor design workflows.
Core Responsibilities
Design, implement, and maintain VS Code extensions and Electron-based IDE features for the Cognichip platform.
Develop advanced IDE features such as AI-assisted coding, linting, collaborative editing, syntax highlighting, and domain-specific visualizations.
Integrate the IDE with backend microservices and APIs, ensuring seamless performance across distributed environments.
Build and optimize cross-platform desktop experiences (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Collaborate closely with designers to implement polished, intuitive UI/UX patterns inside the IDE.
Contribute to performance profiling, debugging, and optimizations to ensure a responsive and reliable user experience.
Required Qualifications
6+ years of software engineering experience,



with 4+ years in desktop application development (Electron, VS Code extensions, or similar IDE frameworks).
Strong proficiency in TypeScript, JavaScript, React, and ES6+.
Experience developing VS Code extensions or other plugin-based IDE architectures.
Solid understanding of state management (e.g., Redux, Zustand) and component-driven UI frameworks.
Knowledge of cross-platform application design (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Familiarity with performance profiling and optimization in IDE or desktop applications.
Experience with version control and CI/CD workflows (GitHub, Jenkins, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications
Exposure to LLMs, AI-driven developer tools, or intelligent assistants inside IDEs.
Knowledge of Electron internals and packaging/distribution of desktop applications.
Experience with language parsers, syntax highlighting, lexical analysis, and editor/IDE UX patterns.
Experience implementing authentication, permissions, and role-based access in desktop apps.
Familiarity with semiconductor design tools or EDA workflows.
What We Offer
Opportunity to shape the Cognichip IDE, a flagship product at the intersection of AI, semiconductor design, and developer productivity.
Competitive compensation package including equity.
Work alongside world-class engineers, scientists, and product designers.
Cooperative and innovative startup culture where your impact is direct and visible.

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📌 Staff Software Engineer – Developer Tooling (Ontario)
🏢 Socket.dev
📍 Ontario