Principal Systems Architect - Connected Devices

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 will be 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 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, 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. Proven experience designing or building IoT/device-to-cloud 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’s a general idea of what to expect: Intro call with our Talent Acquisition Team (30-45 minutes) Interview with VP, Product Development (45-60 minutes) Assessments Final interviews with Chief Technical Officer (~60 minutes) Offer & onboarding What we offer: This role offers a competitive salary range of CAD140,000 – CAD160,000 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’ll also enjoy: Comprehensive health benefits Tuition reimbursement program Retirement savings plans Wellness Program Additional perks and 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 with an employee experience founded in opportunity, teamwork, empowerment, and curious minds always asking what if. Not only does our commitment to the exceptional deepen relationships with our partners and customers, it also 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 and businesses. Since 1985, the company has expanded into 28 markets across five continents, with products trusted by more than 90% of Fortune 500 companies.  StarTech.com has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies by Deloitte for 15 consecutive years and is ranked in the top 5% of companies worldwide for sustainability by EcoVadis.   StarTech.com is an  Equal Opportunity Employer . In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, StarTech.com will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If selected to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in 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. Qualifications Skills Behaviors : Motivations : Education Experience Licenses & Certifications Careers at StarTech.com