Principal Systems Architect - Connected Devices

StarTech.com; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement savings plans

Wellness Program

Additional perks and rewards

Job summary

StarTech.com is seeking a Principal Systems Architect - Connected Devices in the United States to own the end-to-end architecture across hardware, firmware, host software, and cloud services. You will drive scalable, secure, multi-tenant device platforms and lead external partner teams to deliver robust, future-ready connectivity solutions.

The role requires deep embedded firmware expertise, cross‑platform software experience, and a strong track record in security design.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in systems architecture, IoT, or embedded platforms.
• Deep expertise in embedded firmware architecture (ARM-based MCUs, RTOS, secure boot, OTA).
• Strong hardware knowledge including USB-C, Thunderbolt, USB Power Delivery and display technologies.
• Experience managing ODMs and external development partners.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and low-level programming.
• Strong understanding of cross-platform host software (Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Ability to operate as a senior individual contributor with high ownership and autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the end-to-end system architecture across hardware, firmware, host software, and cloud platforms.
• Architect a scalable, multi-tenant device management platform enabling remote updates, monitoring, and analytics.
• Lead hardware architecture for USB-C, Thunderbolt (TB4/TB5), USB4, and power delivery systems.
• Define firmware architecture including secure boot, remote firmware updates / OTA updates, device monitoring, telemetry, and diagnostics.
• Establish and own security architecture across device and cloud ecosystems.
• Translate product strategy into technical roadmaps, reference architectures, and scalable solutions.
• Direct and manage external development partners (ODMs, firmware vendors, cloud teams).
• Conduct architecture and design reviews; act as the final technical decision-maker.
• Partner cross-functionally with Product Management, Customer & Partner Success, Marketing and Customer Support teams.
• Act as a technical evangelist supporting StarTech.com’s connected device vision internally & externally.
• Define the host-side software architecture, including Windows applications, firmware update utilities, and device management tooling.
• Establish deployment patterns using SCCM and Intune, evaluating suitable technology stacks for host apps.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Embedded systems knowledge

Cross-platform development

Senior individual contributor

Security architecture

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/CE/EEE

Tools

.NET/C# for Windows host apps

SCCM/Intune deployment tooling

OTA firmware update tooling

Job description

StarTech.com continues to expand its portfolio of smart connectivity solutions to meet the needs of IT professionals and businesses. This newly created role will play a key role in supporting the design and development of next-generation products.

Reporting to the VP, Product Development, the Principal Systems Architect - Connected Devices will define and own the end-to-end architecture across hardware, firmware, host software, and cloud services. This role is accountable for ensuring the platform is scalable, secure, and differentiated, while driving execution in collaboration with internal teams and external development partners.

As the technical authority and system owner, you will establish the architectural foundation for a multi-phase connected device ecosystem.

What you willbe responsible for:

• Define and own the end-to-end system architecture across hardware, firmware, host software, and cloud platforms.
• Architect a scalable, multi-tenant device management platform enabling remote updates, monitoring, and analytics.
• Lead hardware architecture for USB-C, Thunderbolt (TB4/TB5), USB4, and power delivery systems.
• Define firmware architecture including secure boot,remote firmware updates /OTA updates,device monitoring,telemetry, and diagnostics.
• Establish and own security architecture across device and cloud ecosystems.
• Translate product strategy into technical roadmaps, reference architectures, and scalable solutions.
• Direct and manage external development partners (ODMs, firmware vendors, cloud teams).
• Conduct architecture and design reviews; act as the final technical decision-maker.
• Partner cross-functionally with ProductManagement, Customer& PartnerSuccess,MarketingandCustomer Supportteams.
• Act as a technical evangelist supportingStarTech.com’sconnected devicevision internally & externally.
• Define the host-side software architecture, including Windows applications, firmware update utilities, and device management tooling, while establishing clear boundaries and interfaces between firmware, host software, and cloud services.
• Establish enterprise deployment patterns using SCCM and Intune, including silent execution, detection methods, and logging/diagnostics, while evaluating and selecting suitable technology stacks for host applications (e.g., native Windows frameworks vs. web-based UI).

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in systems architecture, IoT, or embedded platforms.
• Deep expertise in embedded firmware architecture (ARM-based MCUs, RTOS, secure boot, OTA).
• Strong hardware knowledge including USB-C, Thunderbolt, USB Power Delivery and display technologies.
• Experience managing ODMs and external development partners.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and low-level programming.
• Strong understanding of cross-platform host software (Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Ability to operate as a senior individual contributor with high ownership and autonomy.
• Ability to translate complex technical systems into clear documentation and direction.
• Familiarity with cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, or GCP (AWS preferred).
• Strong understanding of security architecture for connected devices.
• Experience leading distributed or offshore development teams.
• Exposure to AI-assisted development tools for code review and productivity.
• Experience building multi-tenant cloud platforms and device management systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience building Windows-based host-side device management software using .NET/C#, including system-level applications, CLI tools, and enterprise automation interfaces.
• Familiarity with Windows and modern frontend frameworks (e.g., WinUI, WPF, React + MUI), with the ability to evaluate architectural tradeoffs and support enterprise deployment models such as SCCM and Intune.

What to expect from the Hiring Process:

We respect your time and value transparency.Here’sa general idea of what to expect:

• Intro call with our TalentAcquisitionTeam (30-45 minutes)
• Interview (s) with Product Development Leadership (45-60 minutes)
• Assessments
• Offer & onboarding

What we offer:

This role offers a competitive salary and eligibility to participate in our bonus program. At StarTech.com, we value fairness and regularly benchmark pay to stay competitive, recognizing each person’s unique contributions.

As part of the StarTech.com “One Team,”you’llalso enjoy:

• Retirement savings plans
• Wellness Program
• Additionalperksand rewards

About us

We are in the business of human-centered experiences starting with yours. We believe delivering on our promise of "hard-to-find, made easy" begins withan employeeexperience founded in opportunity, teamwork, empowerment, and curious minds always asking what if. Not only does our commitment to the exceptionaldeepenrelationships with our partners and customers,italso ignites connection within our team.

StarTech.com is a global leader in tech connectivity solutions, manufacturing a wide range of accessories designed to meet the demanding performance standards of IT professionals andbusinesses. Since 1985, the company has expanded into 28 markets across five continents, with productstrustedby more than 90% of Fortune 500 companies. StarTech.com has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best ManagedCompanies by Deloitte for 15 consecutive yearsand is ranked in the top 5% of companies worldwide for sustainability byEcoVadis.

StarTech.com is an Equal Opportunity Employer .In accordance withthe Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, StarTech.com will provideaccommodationsthroughout the recruitment,selectionand/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If selected toparticipatein the recruitment,selectionand/or assessment process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you mayrequirein respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.

StarTech.com uses AI tools only for administrative support, such as transcribing interview notes and organizing candidate details into standardized prescreening and interview templates. These tools do not screen, rank, or assess candidates. All hiring decisions are made by our Talent Acquisition team and Hiring Managers. Candidate information is collected and used solely for recruitment purposes in compliance with applicable privacy laws.