CAE Principal Software Architect (Design)

Frontdoor Defense; Torrance (CA); Hybrid; USD 171,000 - 314,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity plan

Generous time off

Comprehensive health benefits

Job summary

Divergent is seeking a CAE Principal Software Architect to lead architecture and delivery of GPU-accelerated CAE desktop and web applications from Torrance, CA. The role requires deep expertise in 3D interactive engineering software, architecture frameworks, and scalable design practices.

You will drive performance, reliability, and reusable engineering practices across the DES suite, guiding teams and collaborating with leadership to meet program objectives and evolving computational design

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in software architecture and desktop application development.
• Proven expertise in high-performance 3D applications and rendering pipelines.
• Experience designing GPU-enabled compute systems and scheduling workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and design of high-performance, interactive 3D desktop and web-based CAE applications across multiple programs.
• Establish frameworks, patterns, and methodologies to improve efficiency, scalability, and maintainability.
• Mentor engineers on desktop software architecture and 3D application development.

Skills

Software architecture

GPU computing

Desktop/web apps

Job description

CAE Principal Software Architect (Design)

Lead the architecture and delivery of GPU-accelerated CAE desktop and web applications

Location: Torrance, California

Compensation: $171,450 - 314,390 USD / year

About The Role

Principal Software Architect

Divergent's Design and Engineering Systems (DES) organization is seeking a Principal Software Architect to lead the architecture and development of high-performance, interactive 3D desktop and web-based computer-aided engineering (CAE) applications.

This role serves as a recognized technical expert in desktop application architecture, driving innovation across engineering software programs and disciplines. The Principal Software Architect establishes application frameworks, develops technical methodologies, and delivers cross-functional solutions that improve development efficiency, application performance, and software quality across the DES suite.

Through technical leadership and collaboration, this individual addresses complex architectural challenges, establishes reusable engineering practices, and guides development teams in delivering scalable applications that support Divergent's computational design capabilities.

The Role

• Lead the architecture and design of high-performance, interactive 3D desktop and web-based CAE applications across multiple engineering programs or technical disciplines.
• Establish application frameworks, software design patterns, and architectural methodologies that improve development efficiency, scalability, maintainability, and reuse.
• Architect and implement critical components of GPU-enabled job execution and scheduling systems supporting computationally intensive engineering workflows.
• Drive innovative solutions to complex application architecture, graphics rendering, UI design, performance, and software integration challenges.
• Define technical approaches for interactive 3D visualization, application responsiveness, resource utilization, and reliable execution of engineering workflows.
• Establish architectural frameworks and development practices that reduce technical risk and prevent fragmented application ownership.
• Lead cross-functional technical initiatives, integrating application architecture with computational design, CAE solvers, and platform capabilities.
• Provide technical direction to engineering teams, delegate implementation, and ensure architectural decisions are consistently applied.
• Mentor engineers across teams on desktop software architecture, 3D application development, software quality, and engineering best practices.
• Collaborate with DES and Platform IPT leadership to align technical solutions with program objectives and evolving computational design requirements.
• Anticipate emerging technical challenges and evaluate technologies that improve application scalability, usability, and long-term maintainability.
• Define and track technical outcomes related to application performance, development efficiency, software reliability, and architectural reuse.

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls.
• Extensive experience in software architecture and desktop application development.
• Demonstrated expertise designing and developing high-performance, interactive 3D applications, preferably within CAE, CAD, PLM, or engineering software environments.
• Proven ability to solve complex, ambiguous technical problems and develop innovative software architecture solutions.
• Strong understanding of graphics and rendering pipelines, UI architecture, desktop software frameworks, and application performance optimization.
• Experience developing reusable software frameworks, architectural methodologies, and technical standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives across multiple projects, programs, or disciplines.
• Experience providing technical direction, mentoring engineers, and influencing implementation decisions across teams.
• Familiarity with engineering software ecosystems such as Siemens NX, Teamcenter, or comparable CAE and PLM platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in software engineering, industrial applications, CAE, CAD, PLM, scientific computing, or related technical domains.
• Experience architecting GPU compute systems, clustered GPU workloads, job scheduling, or distributed execution frameworks.
• Experience integrating topology optimization, computational geometry, simulation, or CAE solvers into interactive desktop applications.
• Experience with modern desktop application frameworks and interactive 3D visualization technologies.
• Track record of delivering software used by mechanical engineers, computational designers, or research teams.
• Demonstrated success establishing technical best practices and improving development efficiency across multiple engineering teams.
• Experience coordinating technical solutions across software, platform, and computational engineering disciplines.

Environment

• Onsite/Hybrid/Remote

Compensation

At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels E07 - E09 as evaluated through our interview process.

• E07 / Principal Engineer: $171,450 - $235,740
• E08 / Sr. Principal Engineer: $197,990 - $272,240
• E09/ Technical Fellow: $228,650- $314,390

Pay Range $171,450 -$314,390 USD

What We Offer:

• Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.
• Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
• Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
• Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint.

Equal Employment Opportunity Divergent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected characteristic. Divergent provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act. EEO Poster

In order to adjust to changes in our business, it may become necessary to add, remove or modify certain duties and responsibilities, or to reassign you to another job position. From time to time you may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected.