Principal Field Application Engineer

Shape the future of mission-critical cloud infrastructure. ABOUT WIND RIVER Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical intelligent systems. For more than four decades, the company has been an innovator and pioneer, powering billions of systems that require the highest levels of security, safety, and reliability. Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and telecommunications industries solve complex technology challenges on their journey toward the new intelligent machine economy. The company’s software powers generation after generation of the safest, most secure systems in the world. Examples include playing a key role in NASA space missions such as Artemis I, the James Webb Space Telescope, and multiple Mars rovers. We’ve achieved recent 5G milestones including the world’s first successful 5G data session with Verizon and building one of the largest Open RAN networks in the world with Vodafone. The company has received industry recognition for its technology innovation and leadership, and for its workplace culture, including global Great Place to Work certification and being named a “Top Workplace” for ten consecutive years. If you want to be part of a unique culture where the lived experience is based on our cultural attributes of growth mindset, customer-focus, and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging, come join us and help advance the future software defined world. YOUR ROLE Wind River is seeking an exceptional Principal Architect – Strategic Solutions to become one of the company's most senior customer-facing technology leaders across the EMEA region. This role is designed for an individual who is equally comfortable advising CTOs and executive leadership teams as they are leading the architecture of complex cloud-native solutions. You will influence technology strategy, shape some of the region's largest digital transformation programmes and help customers modernise mission-critical infrastructure across Enterprise, Communications Service Provider (CSP) and Industrial markets. Working at the intersection of technology, strategy and business, you will serve as a trusted advisor to customers, enabling them to realise business outcomes through innovative architectures built on Wind River technologies. As an acknowledged thought leader, you will represent Wind River both internally and externally, influencing product strategy, industry direction and customer transformation initiatives while helping drive long-term strategic growth across the region. KEY RESPONDSIBILITES Act as the senior technical authority for strategic customer engagements across EMEA. Develop trusted relationships with CTOs, Chief Architects, CIO organisations and senior technology decision makers. Translate customer business objectives into technology strategies and solution architectures built on Wind River technologies. Lead technical strategy for complex, multi-year digital transformation programmes. Provide architectural leadership across Cloud, Kubernetes, Enterprise Linux, Virtualisation, Edge Computing, AI infrastructure and mission-critical platforms. Drive solution innovation that identifies new revenue opportunities within existing customer accounts. Lead technical governance throughout strategic sales engagements from early qualification through contract award. Own the technical architecture for complex RFP/RFI responses involving multiple vendors, technologies and workstreams. Work closely with Product Management and Engineering to influence future product direction based on customer requirements and market trends. Represent Wind River at executive briefings, industry events, customer workshops and technology forums. Produce high-quality architecture documentation, executive presentations and technical strategy papers. Mentor solution architects and pre-sales engineers across the organisation, promoting architectural excellence and best practice. Contribute to industry thought leadership through white papers, conference presentations and customer advisory engagements. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE Extensive experience in Enterprise Architecture, Solution Architecture or Chief Architect roles within enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, telecommunications or industrial markets. Demonstrated success engaging at C-Level, particularly within CTO organisations. Proven experience leading technical strategy for large, complex, multi-year technology programmes. Strong background managing technical aspects of high-value RFPs involving multiple vendors and complex solution ecosystems. Experience developing architecture across hybrid cloud, private cloud and edge environments. Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance customer business outcomes alongside technical excellence. Experience working across international organisations and supporting strategic customers throughout EMEA. HIGHLY DESIREABLE Experience within Communications Service Providers (CSP), Enterprise IT or Industrial sectors. Expertise in Kubernetes, OpenStack, Enterprise Linux, cloud-native platforms, virtualisation technologies and AI-enabled infrastructure. Experience working with major systems integrators, cloud providers and strategic technology partners. Demonstrated ability to build and manage senior technical relationships across complex partner ecosystems. Knowledge of software lifecycle management, DevSecOps, automation and cloud operations. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Strategic thinker with the ability to connect business objectives to technology outcomes. Exceptional executive communication and presentation skills. Highly collaborative with strong influencing and negotiation capabilities. Recognised technical leader with the credibility to influence both customers and internal stakeholders. Commercially aware, customer focused and results driven. Passionate about innovation, mentoring others and representing Wind River as a technology leader. #LI-PT1 Privacy Notice - Active Candidates: Aptiv is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.