Principal Systems Architect, Communications Hardware (Remote Eligible | Relocation Assistance Available)

Ladders; United States; Remote; USD 158,000 - 242,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

401k with employer match

Paid time off

Medical benefits

Relocation assistance

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Ladders is seeking a Principal Systems Architect, Communications Hardware, with remote eligibility. This role owns the system-level architecture for compact, connected hardware from concept through mass production, balancing electrical, RF, mechanical, thermal, and power considerations.

The ideal candidate has deep experience guiding hardware programs through EVT, DVT, and PVT, collaborates with external partners, and drives robust validation plans for manufacturable designs.

Qualifications

• Requires 10+ years of hardware engineering experience in electrical, RF, or mechanical domains.
• Proven ability to own system architecture across disciplines.
• Demonstrated track record delivering hardware from concept to mass production (EVT/DVT/PVT).
• Experience with RF/antenna integration, power, thermal management, and tolerances.
• Skilled at writing system requirements and validation plans for certified products.
• Experience collaborating with ODM/JDM partners during development and production.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive system architecture across engineering disciplines.
• Create block and interaction diagrams to guide implementation.
• Analyze power, thermal, and computational constraints and propose solutions.
• Write and evaluate clear, testable system requirements for engineering teams.
• Lead cross-functional design reviews for stakeholder alignment.
• Oversee verification and validation strategies to mitigate risks.
• Coordinate with manufacturing for design for manufacturability and certification.

Skills

System architecture

Cross-disciplinary decision making

Hardware program leadership

Electrical/RF/Mechanical expertise

Requirement and validation planning

Tools

Altium

Cadence

SolidWorks

Job description

For our client, we are seeking a Principal Systems Architect, Communications Hardware (Remote Eligible | Relocation Assistance Available) to join the team of a leader in the Enterprise Technology space. This role will own the system-level architecture for compact, connected hardware products from concept through mass production. The work will require balancing electrical, RF, mechanical, thermal, and power considerations while partnering closely with engineering, manufacturing, and certification teams. The ideal candidate will bring strong cross-disciplinary technical judgement and experience guiding complex hardware programs through EVT, DVT, and PVT. This is a highly collaborative role focused on translating product goals into clear requirements, robust validation plans, and manufacturable designs. The position also includes close work with external development partners and internal stakeholders to reduce integration risk and ensure successful product launch.

Location: Remote

Compensation: $157,950 – $242,190 annually

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive system architecture across all engineering disciplines
• Create block diagrams and interaction diagrams to guide implementation
• Analyze and propose solutions for power, thermal, and computational constraints
• Write and evaluate clear, testable system requirements for engineering teams
• Lead cross-functional design reviews to ensure stakeholder alignment
• Oversee verification and validation strategies to mitigate integration risks
• Coordinate with manufacturing teams on design for manufacturability and certification

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hardware engineering experience with expertise in electrical, RF, or mechanical engineering
• Proven experience owning system architecture and making cross-disciplinary technical decisions
• Track record of taking compact, connected, battery-powered hardware from concept to mass production, including EVT, DVT, and PVT
• Deep experience in RF/antenna integration, power architecture, thermal management, and mechanical tolerances
• Experience developing system requirements and validation plans, with familiarity in certification and regulatory requirements
• Experience collaborating with ODM/JDM partners during development and production
• Proficiency in hardware design tools such as Altium, Cadence, and SolidWorks

Benefits

• Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
• Discretionary paid time off
• Paid parental leave for all employees
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Fitness programs
• Emotional and mental wellness support
• Learning and development programs
• Office snacks and refreshments

Our client is an equal opportunity employer.