Principal Systems Architect – Connected Devices

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

📋 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 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 oversee the security architecture across both the device and cloud ecosystems.

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

• Direct and manage relationships with external development partners, including ODMs, firmware vendors, and cloud teams.

• Conduct architecture and design reviews, acting as the final technical decision-maker.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Customer & Partner Success, Marketing, and Customer Support teams.

• Serve as a technical evangelist, advocating for StarTech.com’s connected device vision both internally and externally.

• Define the host-side software architecture, encompassing Windows applications, firmware update utilities, and device management tools.

• Establish boundaries and interfaces between firmware, host software, and cloud services.

• Create enterprise deployment patterns utilizing SCCM and Intune, including silent execution, detection methods, and logging/diagnostics.

• Assess and select appropriate technology stacks for host applications, weighing native Windows frameworks against web-based UI.

• Report directly to the VP of Product Development.

⛳️ 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.

• Extensive expertise in embedded firmware architecture, including ARM-based MCUs, RTOS, secure boot, and OTA updates.

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

• Experience managing ODMs and other external development partners.

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

• Solid understanding of cross-platform host software for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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

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

• Familiarity with AWS, Azure, or GCP, with a preference for AWS.

• Strong comprehension of security architecture for connected devices.

• Experience leading distributed or offshore development teams.

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

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

• Preferred experience in building Windows-based host-side device management software using .NET/C#.

• Familiarity with Windows and contemporary frontend frameworks such as WinUI, WPF, or React + MUI is preferred.

• Ability to assess architectural trade-offs and support enterprise deployment models like SCCM and Intune is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary.

• Eligibility for participation in the bonus program.

• Comprehensive health benefits.

• Tuition reimbursement program.

• Retirement savings plans.

• Wellness Program.

• Additional perks and rewards.

• Accommodations provided throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process for applicants with disabilities.