Associate Principal Software Architect

Job description

The Role: As an Associate Principal Software Architect, you’ll lead the design and optimisation of embedded systems for connected electronic products, defining robust BLE/Wi-Fi integration and guiding Joint Development Manufacturer (JDM) suppliers in software delivery. You’ll work with business teams to refine requirements, define high-level architecture, and proactively size and present alternative solutions to stakeholders—ensuring only the best options advance. You’ll collaborate with hardware teams on MCU selection, participate in DFMEA, and define both software safety and security requirements, developing resilient and secure software architecture throughout. From concept to production, you’ll provide technical solutions, build relationships across functions and partners, and continually review current practices—proposing and implementing initiatives that improve efficiency and effectiveness. This role will be based at the Dyson Shenzhen Office and/or JDM supplier sites, depending on project needs. The successful candidate should be willing to travel and work onsite at JDM locations as required to support architecture reviews, technical alignment, development activities, integration, and product delivery. Key Responsibilities Define and document software requirement documents and software architecture. Work with hardware teams to select MCUs that balance performance and cost. Participate in DFMEA processes for early risk identification and mitigation. Define software safety requirements and engineer strong safety designs. Define software security requirements based on product security requirement; develop and implement secure software architecture and design (authentication, encryption, secure boot, OTA updates). Size work packages, propose options, discuss alternatives with stakeholders, and support selection of optimal solutions. Guide and mentor software development teams internally and at JDM suppliers. Integrate BLE/Wi-Fi connectivity and secure cloud communication. Lead design reviews, assure code quality, and validate compliance for supplier-developed software. Maintain oversight of the development process, providing solutions as needed throughout projects. Build strong professional relationships inside and outside software functions. Continually assess and improve current working practices—propose new initiatives to boost overall function effectiveness. Requirements Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Electronics, Telecommunication, or Computer Engineering (or equivalent). 8+ years of experience in embedded systems software development, including requirements analysis, design, coding, and testing. 3 years as a software architect Technical Skills Advanced proficiency in C, C++, UML, RTOS, and/or embedded Linux. Strong understanding of MCU architecture for embedded systems. Extensive experience with communication protocols: I2C, SPI, UART, MQTT, DIPC. Expertise with connectivity standards: Wi-Fi, BLE, NFC. Practical knowledge of IoT protocols (MQTT, HTTPS). Skilled in real-time operating systems (RTOS) for embedded environments. Familiarity with cloud integration, OTA firmware updates, and secure provisioning. Experience with MCU selection and system-level hardware/software co-design. Exposure to DFMEA and safety analysis for embedded appliance development. Knowledge of software safety standards and secure software architecture. Skilled in embedded software security: requirements definition, secure coding, authentication, encryption, secure boot, and OTA updates. Leadership & Communication Skilled at refining requirements and defining architecture with business teams and JDM partners. Able to size work, present options, and facilitate stakeholder discussions toward smart decisions. Proven guidance for JDM suppliers through design, implementation, and validation. Effective communicator with strong documentation and cross-functional collaboration. Process & Quality Strong understanding of Agile development, requirements management, and version control (Git). Familiarity with regulatory compliance and product certification. Ability to define and enforce coding standards, testing strategies, and software validation. Committed to reviewing practices and driving continuous process improvements. Dyson is an equal opportunity employer. We know that great minds don’t think alike, and it takes all kinds of minds to make our technology so unique. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other any other dimension of diversity.