Lead Software Architect

Actalent; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent seeks an experienced Architect/Technical Lead to define and lead the technical architecture for an aftermarket In-Cab AI Assistant platform for heavy equipment. The role covers embedded compute, display, audio, and connected-device capabilities with a focus on safety, compliance, and reliability.

You will guide discovery, design decisions, and release readiness, produce architecture artifacts, and coordinate with suppliers while prioritizing latency, offline behavior, and risk reduction.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the end-to-end architecture across embedded compute, display, audio, machine interfaces, assistant services, OTA, logging, and diagnostics.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Embedded systems

Linux

Software architecture

Technical leadership

CAN/J1939

AI grounding

OTA/Diagnostics

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Jetson/NVIDIA edge AI

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Architect / Technical Lead to define and lead the technical architecture for an aftermarket In-Cab AI Assistant platform for heavy equipment. The solution includes dedicated compute, a secondary display, voice-first interaction, machine integration, grounded Q&A, and connected-device capabilities such as OTA updates, logging, and diagnostics. This role is responsible for setting the end-to-end architecture and ensuring the solution remains within safety, compliance, and security constraints. Responsibilities Define and evolve the end-to-end system architecture across embedded compute, display, audio, machine interfaces, assistant services, OTA, logging, and diagnostics. Provide technical leadership across discovery, implementation, integration, optimization, and release readiness. Translate program objectives and constraints into architecture, design decisions, and technical priorities. Ensure the solution remains within defined safety boundaries, including no AI-driven machine movement and no bypass of existing confirmation patterns. Guide machine integration, grounded assistant behavior, and non-functional requirements such as latency, boot time, offline behavior, and reliability. Produce architecture artifacts, interface definitions, and technical decision records. Support troubleshooting, supplier coordination, and technical risk reduction across the program.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. 8+ years of experience in software, systems, or embedded engineering, including architecture or technical leadership responsibilities. Experience designing and delivering embedded or edge-compute systems. Strong background in Linux-based embedded systems and system-level software design. Experience with hardware/software integration, including compute, display, audio, or similar device components. Experience with machine, vehicle, or industrial interfaces, such as CAN/J1939/CDL or similar environments. Experience designing systems with safety, compliance, or functional constraints. Familiarity with AI-enabled applications, preferably grounded assistant or RAG-style systems. Experience with OTA, diagnostics, logging, telemetry, and device management for connected products. Strong documentation, problem-solving, and cross-functional technical leadership skills. Strong communication. Strong C/C++ and Python programming skill. Preferred Qualifications Experience with NVIDIA Orin / Jetson or similar edge AI platforms. Experience with voice systems, including ASR, TTS, and in-cab audio integration. Experience with HMI for industrial, automotive, or heavy-equipment applications. Background in heavy equipment, automotive, industrial IoT, robotics, or connected machinery. GPU. AI. Experience with cybersecurity architecture for connected embedded systems. Experience with aftermarket or retrofit products. Familiarity with technical content grounding using manuals, service documentation, or fault data