Software Architect

Homerun B.V.; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

DRIFT is seeking an experienced Software Architect to elevate our digital artworks, experiential installations, and internal systems. You’ll bridge artistic vision with software engineering and production, ensuring scalable, robust systems for on-site exhibitions worldwide.

You will design architecture, mentor engineers, and drive best practices across multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with artists, designers, and hardware engineers to deliver reliable, long-term solutions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in C++ development and proven track record.
• Experience with creative coding frameworks (NAP, openFrameworks, or Cinder).
• Solid understanding of 3D graphics programming (Vulkan or OpenGL).
• Experience working with CI/CD pipelines and deployment workflows.
• Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams including artists, designers and engineers.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• System design and architecture balancing creativity with feasibility, timelines and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Design and build the software architecture behind kinetic sculptures, immersive installations and live performances worldwide.
• Collaborate with artists, designers and engineers to turn ambitious ideas into reliable real-world systems.
• Define and maintain coding standards, system architecture, and technical best practices across the organization.
• Connect software with robotics, sensors, lighting, motion systems and custom-built hardware.
• Review code, mentor engineers, and ensure high-quality technical output and growth across the team.
• Anticipate technical risks and design systems for long-term stability and maintainability in public environments.
• Drive improvements in development tooling, workflows, and CI/CD deployment processes.
• Contribute to and lead R&D efforts for new technologies and creative coding techniques.
• Ensure high-quality technical documentation and knowledge sharing across multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

C++ development

3D graphics

Vulkan/OpenGL

CI/CD pipelines

leadership

cross-disciplinary collaboration

Tools

NAP

openFrameworks

Cinder

Job description

At DRIFT, you'll architect the software behind kinetic sculptures and immersive installations that are experienced by millions of people around the world.

If you're excited by building software that exists beyond the screen, we'd love to meet you.

We’re looking for an experienced Software Architect to elevate our digital artworks, experiential installations, and internal systems to the next level. In this role, you’ll be the key link between artistic vision, software engineering, and production, ensuring our complex systems are scalable, robust, and future-proof—both internally and on-site at high-stakes global exhibitions.

What you’ll do

• Design and build the software architecture behind kinetic sculptures, immersive installations and live performances that are exhibited around the world.

• Work directly with artists, designers and engineers to transform ambitious ideas into reliable real-world systems.

• Define and maintain coding standards, system architecture, and technical best practices across the organization.

• Connect software with robotics, sensors, lighting, motion systems and custom-built hardware.

• Review code, mentor engineers, and ensure high-quality technical output and growth across the development team.

• Anticipating technical risks and design systems for long-term stability, reliability, and maintainability in public environments.

• Drive improvements in development tooling, workflows, and CI/CD deployment processes.

• Contribute to and lead R&D efforts for new technologies, experimental approaches, and creative coding techniques.

• Ensure high-quality technical documentation and knowledge sharing across multidisciplinary teams.

Who you are

• You have 5+ years of experience in C++ development and a proven track record of delivering stable, complex installations and/or products.

• You are experienced with creative coding frameworks (such as NAP, openFrameworks, or Cinder).

• You have a solid understanding of 3D graphics programming (Vulkan or OpenGL) and experience working on large, complex codebases.

• You are comfortable working with CI/CD pipelines and optimizing deployment workflows.

• You have proven experience working in interdisciplinary teams with artists, designers, and both software and hardware engineers.

• You possess strong communication skills and are a clear, confident communicator who can effortlessly bridge the gap between art, technology, business, and production.

• You excel at leadership and mentorship, with a passion for coaching other engineers and explaining complex technical concepts clearly.

• You possess strong system design & architecture skills, balancing creative ambition with technical feasibility, timelines, and budgets.

• You are a strategic thinker and advanced problem solver who thrives on bringing structure to dynamic, collaborative environments.

It's a plus if you have:

• Experience with embedded programming (e.g., FreeRTOS, Arduino) and low-level C.

• Experience or affinity with electronics.

• Experience in audio signal processing (DSP).

• A track record of contributing to or working on open-source projects.

What we offer

• You'll build software that doesn't end up in a dashboard or mobile app, but becomes part of internationally acclaimed artworks experienced by audiences around the globe.

• The chance to work on innovative digital art projects at the cutting edge of creativity and technology that will be experienced worldwide.

• A dynamic, collaborative, and non-traditional environment where your technical vision truly makes an impact.

• Freedom to shape your role, drive innovation, and grow within the organization.

• A supportive and talented team of engineers, designers, and creatives.

• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Ready to bring our digital art to life?

Applications for this vacancy can be submitted until 31 July 2026.