Software Architect - WiFi Protocol Stacks/Embedded Software

Job Title

Software Architect - WiFi Protocol Stacks/Embedded Software

Role Summary

Hands-on architect responsible for the architecture of embedded software, Wi‑Fi protocol stacks, low‑level firmware, and Linux drivers for next‑generation Wi‑Fi ICs. Work across execution, planning, and long‑term strategy with a group of architects and engineering teams.

Balance immediate delivery with a forward‑looking system architecture that informs software and hardware partitioning and product direction.

Experience Level

Senior — 12+ years of professional software development experience, including significant prior experience in an Architect role focused on embedded systems, communication stacks, or Linux kernel drivers.

Responsibilities

Accountable for architecture, design guidance, and system reliability across embedded software and Wi‑Fi protocol stacks.

• Own software architecture and design; guide implementations to match architectural direction.
• Debug complex system‑level issues and propose architecture‑level solutions.
• Perform architecture‑focused code reviews to ensure scalability, performance, and maintainability.
• Collaborate with engineering managers on backlog splitting, estimation, schedules, dependencies, and integration risks.
• Define long‑term architecture for embedded software, protocol stacks, and Linux drivers; track Wi‑Fi standards and industry trends.
• Drive strategic architectural initiatives and advocate for upstream open‑source/Linux engagement where valuable.
• Enforce engineering rigor: unit testing, functional testing, CI/CD, integration testing, and verification practices.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience.

• Significant prior experience in an Architect role for embedded systems, communication stacks, or Linux kernel drivers.
• Proven ability to define and evolve architectures for complex embedded systems, balancing performance, power, scalability, reliability, and maintainability.
• Deep expertise in Wi‑Fi protocols or other communication stacks.
• Solid understanding of Linux kernel architecture and device drivers, including upstreaming practices.
• Hands‑on proficiency in C and low‑level debugging at system and driver layers.
• Strong system‑level thinking and HW/SW partitioning experience for complex SoCs and hardware accelerators.
• Experience documenting and communicating architectures and leading technical discussions to build consensus.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, integration testing, and performance benchmarking frameworks.

Nice-to-have:

• Contributions to open‑source projects (Linux kernel, networking stacks).
• Familiarity with real‑time operating systems (RTOS) in addition to Linux.
• Knowledge of embedded security (secure boot, cryptography, trusted execution).
• Experience with Agile/Scrum development practices.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field. Preferred candidates from IIT/NIT/BITS/IISc are noted in the posting.

About the Company

Company: Silicon Labs

Headquarters: Austin, Texas, USA

Silicon Labs is a leading innovator in low-power wireless connectivity, creating embedded technology that connects devices to improve lives. With a focus on advanced edge connectivity applications, the company provides device makers with cutting-edge solutions and support. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Silicon Labs operates in over 16 countries, serving markets such as smart home, industrial IoT, and smart cities.