Software Architect - Systems

About the Opportunity

The Software Architect - Systems is a senior technical leadership role responsible for defining and driving the overall system architecture for embedded Linux platforms. This role combines deep technical expertise with strategic thinking to design scalable, maintainable, and high-quality systems that meet customer requirements and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Define overall system architecture and component structure
• Design APIs, interfaces, and integration points between components
• Create architectural diagrams, specifications, and documentation
• Ensure architecture supports scalability, performance, and maintainability
• Address non-functional requirements (security, reliability, safety, performance)
• Develop technical vision and roadmap for system evolution
• Evaluate and select technologies, frameworks, and tools
• Define technical standards and guidelines organization-wide
• Plan for long-term technical debt reduction and system improvements
• Balance innovation with stability and risk management
• Review and approve architectural decisions and designs
• Ensure consistency and alignment across teams and projects
• Identify and resolve architectural conflicts and issues
• Establish architecture review processes and best practices
• Maintain architecture documentation and knowledge base
• Provide technical guidance to engineering teams
• Mentor engineers on architecture and design principles
• Lead architecture discussions and technical reviews
• Collaborate with technical leads and senior engineers
• Drive technical excellence and quality standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of software engineering experience
• 7+ years of experience with embedded Linux or systems software
• 5+ years in architecture or senior technical design roles
• Experience designing and architecting complex, large-scale systems
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis - without requirement for any type of visa sponsorship/transfer, now, or at any time in future. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
• Preferred location is Austin, TX. Candidates based in San Diego, CA, Walnut Creek, CA, or Boston, MA will also be considered. Must be able to work in a hybrid/on-site environment as required.

Technical Skills

• Expert-level understanding of system architecture and design
• Deep knowledge of Linux kernel and user space architecture
• Strong experience with embedded systems and real-time systems
• Proficiency in C/C++ and systems programming
• Knowledge of software design patterns and architectural patterns
• Experience with build systems, toolchains, and development tools

Architecture & Design Skills

• System architecture and component design
• API design and interface specification
• Design documentation and technical writing
• Architecture evaluation and trade-off analysis
• Design pattern application and best practices

Domain Expertise

• Embedded Linux platform architecture
• Linux kernel architecture and subsystems
• User space application architecture
• Build system and toolchain architecture
• Hardware abstraction and BSP architecture
• System integration and component interaction

Leadership & Communication

• Strong technical communication and presentation skills
• Ability to influence and drive architectural decisions
• Experience mentoring engineers on architecture
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical architecture
• Collaboration and consensus-building skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Architecture certifications (TOGAF, etc.)
• Extensive Yocto Project experience
• Experience with safety-critical systems (ISO 26262, DO-178C, etc.)
• Knowledge of formal methods and verification
• Open source architecture contributions
• Experience in automotive, aerospace, or industrial sectors
• Published technical papers or architecture articles

Benefits

• Hybrid work model for workplace flexibility
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance
• Short and long-term disability coverage
• RRSP matching for financial security
• Flexible time-off policies for work-life balance
• Employee assistance program for mental well-being
• Learning benefits, including a LinkedIn Learning subscription and seminars