Principal System Software Architect

About Us
SharkNinja is a global product design and technology company, with a diversified portfolio of 5-star rated lifestyle solutions that positively impact people's lives in homes around the world. Powered by two trusted, global brands, Shark and Ninja, the company has a proven track record of bringing disruptive innovation to market, and developing one consumer product after another has allowed SharkNinja to enter multiple product categories, driving significant growth and market share gains. Headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts with more than 3,600+ associates, the company's products are sold at key retailers, online and offline, and through distributors around the world.
Principal System Software Architect
Reports to: VP, Software Applications (with close alignment to SVP, Software & AI)
Location: SharkNinja Global Headquarters (Needham, MA)
Position Overview
SharkNinja is seeking a Principal System Software Architect to define the architecture and evolution of the software systems that power our next generation of connected products. This is a senior, hands-on technical leadership role responsible for shaping the embedded software platforms, middleware, and system-level integration that connect devices to the cloud and deliver extraordinary consumer experiences.
As the Principal Architect, you will work across embedded, application, and cloud domains, ensuring SharkNinja's software stack is robust, scalable, secure, and optimized for performance. You will partner with engineering leaders across geographies to create the foundation that enables AI-driven, connected living experiences at global scale.
Key Responsibilities

• System-Level Architecture
  Define the end-to-end architecture for SharkNinja's embedded and system software platforms, ensuring modularity, scalability, and seamless integration with cloud and mobile applications.
• Platform Leadership
  Drive the design of real-time operating systems, firmware frameworks, and middleware that form the backbone of SharkNinja's connected devices.
• Integration & Connectivity
  Architect robust solutions for connectivity (Wi-Fi, BLE, Matter, and emerging protocols), ensuring reliable, secure, and low-latency interactions between devices and cloud services.
• Performance & Reliability
  Establish standards for system software performance, power efficiency, and reliability. Champion system-wide optimizations that enhance device responsiveness and longevity.
• Security & Compliance
  Lead the integration of cybersecurity principles and compliance frameworks into system software design to protect consumer data and maintain global trust.
• AI/ML Enablement
  Partner with the SVP of Software & AI to embed intelligence at the system level - from edge inference to seamless cloud handoff - enabling smarter, adaptive product experiences.
• Cross-Functional Partnership
  Collaborate closely with hardware engineering, application software, and product teams to align system architecture with product strategy and user experience goals.
• Global Technical Influence
  Serve as a senior technical mentor and influencer across global teams (U.S., China, EMEA), ensuring consistent architectural standards and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications

• Extensive Experience: 12+ years in embedded/system software engineering with at least 5 years in system architecture roles.
• System Software Expertise: Deep knowledge of embedded operating systems (RTOS, Linux, Android), device drivers, and low-level programming (C/C++, Rust).
• Connectivity Mastery: Hands-on experience with IoT connectivity standards (Wi-Fi, BLE, Matter, Zigbee, Thread) and cloud integration.
• Performance Engineering: Proven track record of designing systems for power efficiency, reliability, and scalability across millions of devices.
• Security Leadership: Strong understanding of secure boot, encryption, OTA updates, and regulatory compliance (GDPR, CCPA, global standards).
• AI/Edge Integration: Familiarity with embedding AI/ML at the device level to enable predictive, adaptive functionality.
• Global Perspective: Experience architecting systems for products deployed globally, balancing regional standards and scalability.
• Educational Foundation: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.

Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be a world-class system thinker and technical authority - able to bridge embedded, application, and cloud software into a unified architecture. They thrive at the intersection of hardware and software, anticipate emerging technology shifts, and design with a consumer-first mindset. They are a hands-on mentor, a rigorous architect, and a trusted partner to engineering and product leaders.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the system-level intelligence and reliability that will define SharkNinja's connected product ecosystem for years to come.
Our Culture
At SharkNinja, we don't just raise the bar-we push past it every single day. Our Outrageously Extraordinary mindset drives us to tackle the impossible, push boundaries, and deliver results that others only dream of. If you thrive on breaking out of your swim lane, you'll be right at home.
What We Offer
We offer competitive health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, employee stock purchase options, wellness programs, SharkNinja product discounts, and more. We empower your personal and professional growth with high impact Learning Programs featuring bold voices redefining what's possible. When you join, you're not just part of a company-you're part of an outrageously extraordinary community. Together, we won't just launch products-we'll disrupt entire markets.
At SharkNinja, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are vital to our global success. Valuing each unique voice and blending all of our diverse skills strengthens SharkNinja's innovation every day. We support ALL associates in bringing their authentic selves to work, making an impact, and having the opportunity for career acceleration. With help from our leadership, associates, and our community, we aim to have equity be a key component of the SharkNinja DNA.
Learn more about us:
Life At SharkNinja
Outrageously Extraordinary
SharkNinja's Candidate Privacy Notice can be found here: https://www.sharkninja.com/candidate-privacy-notice/
For candidates based in China, please visit: https://sharkninja.com/candidate-privacy-notice/china/
For candidates based in Vietnam, please visit: https://www.sharkninja.com/candidate-privacy-notice/vietnam/
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other class protected by legislation, and local law. SharkNinja will consider reasonable accommodations consistent with legislation, and local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact SharkNinja People & Culture at [email protected]