Principal Systems Architect – Connected Devices

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Canada.

📋 Description

• Define and take ownership of the complete system architecture encompassing hardware, firmware, host software, and cloud platforms.

• Design a scalable, multi-tenant device management platform that facilitates remote updates, monitoring, and analytics.

• Lead the hardware architecture initiatives for USB-C, Thunderbolt (TB4/TB5), USB4, and power delivery systems.

• Specify the firmware architecture, including secure boot, remote firmware updates/OTA updates, device monitoring, telemetry, and diagnostics.

• Establish and maintain the security architecture across device and cloud environments.

• Convert product strategy into technical roadmaps, reference architectures, and scalable solutions.

• Directly manage relationships with external development partners (ODMs, firmware vendors, cloud teams).

• Conduct architecture and design reviews, serving as the final authority on technical decisions.

• Collaborate across functions with Product Management, Customer & Partner Success, Marketing, and Customer Support teams.

• Serve as a technical evangelist promoting StarTech.com’s vision for connected devices both internally and externally.

• Define the architecture for host-side software, including Windows applications, firmware update utilities, and device management tools, while clarifying boundaries and interfaces between firmware, host software, and cloud services.

• Establish enterprise deployment patterns utilizing SCCM and Intune, incorporating silent execution, detection methods, and logging/diagnostics, while assessing and choosing appropriate technology stacks for host applications (e.g., native Windows frameworks versus web-based UI).

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• Over 10 years of experience in systems architecture, IoT, or embedded platforms.

• Demonstrated experience in designing or constructing IoT/device-to-cloud platforms.

• In-depth knowledge of embedded firmware architecture (ARM-based MCUs, RTOS, secure boot, OTA).

• Strong hardware expertise including USB-C, Thunderbolt, USB Power Delivery, and display technologies.

• Experience in managing ODMs and external development partners.

• Proficient in C/C++ and low-level programming.

• Solid understanding of cross-platform host software (Windows, macOS, Linux).

• Capacity to function as a senior individual contributor with significant ownership and autonomy.

• Ability to distill complex technical systems into clear documentation and guidance.

• Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP (AWS preferred).

• Strong grasp of security architecture for connected devices.

• Experience in leading distributed or offshore development teams.

• Exposure to AI-assisted development tools for code review and productivity.

• Experience in creating multi-tenant cloud platforms and device management systems.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits

• Tuition reimbursement program

• Retirement savings plans

• Wellness Program

• Additional perks and rewards