Software Architect

Job description

Renesas Electronics is seeking an experienced Software Architect to join our Embedded Processing team in Austin, Texas. This strategic role focuses on software emulation tools for shift-left development , enabling our engineering teams and customers to develop, test, and validate software months before physical silicon is available. As a technical leader, you will bridge the gap between hardware and software development cycles, working with industry-leading emulation platforms to accelerate time-to-market for our semiconductor solutions across industrial, consumer, and IoT markets. This position offers the unique opportunity to shape early development strategies, define emulation roadmaps, and enable customer success in the critical pre-silicon phase of our product lifecycle. Core Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Strategy Define technical requirements and architectural standards for software emulation workflows Lead cross-functional teams in developing early-stage embedded software solutions Establish best practices for shift-left development methodologies Evaluate and recommend new emulation tools and platforms to keep our technology stack competitive Serve as a technical authority on virtual platform development Development & Implementation Design and implement virtual platform configurations using Synopsys Virtual Platform , QEMU , or SIMICS Develop hardware/software co-emulation frameworks using ZEBU , HAPS , and related hardware accelerators Build automation pipelines for continuous integration and testing on emulation infrastructure Debug complex system-level issues across hardware emulation and software simulation environments Customer Enablement Enable early access programs for key customers, providing them with working emulation environments Gather customer feedback to inform product roadmap and feature prioritization Work directly with customer engineering teams to integrate our emulation solutions into their development flows Support proof-of-concept demonstrations for prospective clients evaluating our semiconductor solutions Team Management Mentor junior developers and engineers on emulation technologies and best practices Conduct code reviews and ensure high-quality software delivery Coordinate project timelines and resource allocation across multiple initiatives Foster a collaborative team culture aligned with Renesas' TAGIE values Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (Master's degree preferred) 8+ years of professional software development experience 3+ years in a technical leadership or team lead capacity Proven track record in embedded systems or semiconductor industry Essential Technical Skills Required Competencies Virtual Platforms Deep hands-on experience with Synopsys Virtual Platform, QEMU, SIMICS Hardware Emulation Working knowledge of Synopsys ZEBU / HAPS, or equivalent platforms Programming Languages C/C++, Python, Shell scripting; Verilog/VHDL exposure preferred Embedded Systems ARM architecture, RISC-V, or similar microcontroller/microprocessor families Operating Systems Linux kernel, RTOS environments, bootloaders, device drivers Development Methodologies Shift-left development, CI/CD pipelines, agile/Scrum frameworks Soft Skills & Leadership Strong technical communication skills for explaining complex concepts to diverse audiences Ability to build consensus across hardware, software, and business stakeholders Problem-solving mindset with demonstrated success resolving challenging technical issues Capacity to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced development environment Day-to-Day Activities 40% Strategic planning, requirement definition, and documentation 30% Hands-on development and technical implementation 20% Team leadership, mentoring, and coordination 10% Customer engagements, demonstrations, and support Location & Work Arrangement Primary Office: Austin, Texas Work Model: Hybrid (3-4 days on-site) Travel: Occasional travel (approximately 10-15%) for customer meetings, industry conferences, and global team collaboration Renesas is an embedded semiconductor solution provider driven by its Purpose, To Make Our Lives Easier . With a global team of over 21,000 engineers and problem solvers in more than 30 countries, we offer the opportunity to work on world‑leading technology for Automotive, Industrial, Infrastructure, and IoT, shaping a safer, healthier, greener, and smarter future. At Renesas, TAGIE is our culture, grounded in being Transparent, Agile, Global, Innovative, and Entrepreneurial. It shapes how we work, grow and deliver on our purpose together. This collaborative spirit and mindset drive our semiconductor technology to transform industries and impact millions of lives. We believe in rewarding our employees with a competitive benefits package alongside their salary. More information will be provided during the hiring process. Are you ready to join our team and shape the future with us? Renesas Electronics is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to supporting diversity and fostering a work environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For more information, please read our Diversity & Inclusion Statement . Renesas Electronics deals with dual-use technology that is subject to U.S. export controls regulations. Under these regulations it may be necessary for Renesas to obtain U.S. government export license prior to release of technology to certain persons. The decision whether or not to file or pursue an export license application is at the sole discretion of Renesas. At Renesas, we are more than just a semiconductor company; we are the engine behind a "safer, smarter, and more sustainable" future. Headquartered locally in the heart of San Jose, our Silicon Valley team is at the forefront of innovation in Automotive, Industrial, Infrastructure, and IoT technologies. By blending cutting-edge embedded processing with world-class analog and power expertise, we develop "Winning Combinations" that power billions of intelligent devices globally. Joining our San Jose office means joining a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where your work directly impacts the next generation of AI-driven infrastructure and green energy solutions.