Principal Embedded Systems Architect

Hamilton, New Zealand | Hybrid Flexibility | Embedded Linux, Firmware, IoT & Connected Devices

Architect innovative embedded systems. Lead technical conversations. Solve problems that others can't.

This is not a maintenance role. It isn't about sitting behind a desk working on a single product for years.

We're looking for a Principal Embedded Systems Architect who can step into complex client engagements, rapidly understand unfamiliar technologies, architect practical solutions, and lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts from concept through delivery.

As a trusted technical advisor, you'll work directly with customer engineering teams while remaining deeply hands-on in embedded software, firmware, and hardware integration. You'll help shape products across Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, IoT, industrial automation, automotive, and next-generation connected devices.

If you thrive on variety, technical ownership, and solving difficult engineering challenges, you'll fit right in.

What You'll Do

• Architect embedded systems and firmware solutions for diverse client projects.
• Develop production-quality software in Embedded C/C++ and embedded Linux environments.
• Lead hardware and software integration across ARM-based platforms and connected devices.
• Engage directly with client engineering teams to understand requirements, challenge assumptions, and recommend optimal technical solutions.
• Act as the primary technical interface during customer discussions, translating business needs into practical engineering outcomes.
• Mentor engineers and provide architectural guidance across project teams.
• Rapidly prototype and deliver solutions while balancing engineering quality with commercial deadlines.
• Collaborate with electronics engineers on board bring-up, debugging, wireless integration, and system validation.
• Leverage AI-assisted engineering tools where appropriate to accelerate delivery and improve productivity.

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of commercial embedded software or firmware experience, ideally with experience operating at a Principal, Architect, or Technical Lead level.
• Deep expertise in Embedded C/C++, embedded Linux, and low-level systems development.
• Strong understanding of ARM architectures, hardware interfaces, and firmware design.
• Experience with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other embedded communication technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work directly with customers, gather requirements, and provide technical leadership throughout project delivery.
• Comfortable making architectural decisions while remaining hands-on with implementation.
• Proven ability to learn new technologies quickly and deliver value in unfamiliar domains.
• Strong communication skills with the confidence to explain technical concepts to peers, clients, and stakeholders.
• A collaborative mindset. You challenge ideas without ego and help elevate the people around you.

Why Join?

• Work on a constant stream of technically diverse projects rather than a single product roadmap.
• Influence architecture and technical direction from day one.
• Be trusted to interact directly with clients as a technical consultant and problem solver.
• Join an engineering-led organisation that values curiosity, coachability, and practical innovation.
• Enjoy meaningful autonomy while collaborating with highly capable engineers.
• Help build products that span IoT, wireless communications, industrial systems, automotive technologies, and emerging connected devices.

Interested?

For a confidential discussion, contact:

Simon
📞 0485 991 211
✉️ simon@runtimerec.com

If you're looking for a role where your technical judgement carries as much weight as your coding ability, we'd love to hear from you.