Director of Software Engineering (Systems Software)

Job Title

Director of Software Engineering (Systems Software)

Role Summary

Lead a globally distributed organisation responsible for systems software (kernel, firmware, power), userspace performance/enablement, and system modelling tools. The role combines technical leadership, cross-functional coordination with architecture/hardware/product teams, and delivery management to improve platform performance, efficiency, and scalability.

Experience Level

Senior-level (Director). The role expects substantial leadership experience managing large engineering organisations; no specific years-of-experience were stated.

Responsibilities

Set direction, enable teams, and drive delivery across kernel, drivers, userspace and modelling domains.

• Lead and develop a globally distributed organisation of 60+ engineers.
• Align priorities across kernel, driver, and userspace teams.
• Collaborate with architecture, hardware, and product groups to deliver co-optimised solutions.
• Define and maintain roadmaps balancing near-term delivery with long-term strategy.
• Build leadership capability and grow senior technical leaders.
• Influence across a complex organisation to align teams on shared technical and product goals.
• Drive measurable improvements in system performance, power, and scalability in production environments.

Requirements

Core qualifications and experiences required to perform the role.

• Proven experience leading large, distributed software engineering teams (60+ engineers).
• Strong systems software background with hands-on experience in one or more areas: Linux kernel development, device driver development, or power/performance engineering.
• Ability to connect low-level implementation (kernel, drivers, firmware) to system-level performance, efficiency, and scalability outcomes.
• Track record of delivering measurable improvements in performance, power, or system behaviour in production.
• Experience developing high-performing teams and growing senior technical leaders.
• Credibility to engage with engineers across the stack and to influence technical direction.

• Experience in media, graphics, or multimedia subsystems.
• Android or userspace performance experience.
• Familiarity with Arm architecture or hardware/software co-design.
• Experience working with open-source communities.

Education Requirements

Not specified.

About the Company

Company: Arm

Headquarters: Cambridge, United Kingdom

ARM is a global leader in semiconductor and software design, driving innovation in computing technology. The company specializes in designing processors and systems that provide the essential building blocks for electronic devices. ARM's architecture is widely used in smartphones, servers, and IoT devices, and its collaborative culture fosters bold thinking, diversity, and high-impact benefits for its talented workforce.