> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2006418-operating-system-architect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2006418-operating-system-architect). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Operating System Architect - **Company:** Hark's Co. - **Location:** San Jose, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $120,000.0 - $300,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Android Software Development, Application Frameworks, Application Layers, Systems Engineering, Architectural Patterns, Binary Space Partitioning, Memory Management, Linux on Embedded Systems, Middleware, Embedded Operating Systems, Embedded Software, Firmware, Open Source Technology, Performance Tuning, Software Architecture, Real-Time Operating Systems, Systems Integration, Yocto, Hardware Acceleration - **Published:** August 9, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.com/details/5833157762 ## About the Role * 10+ years of experience in embedded systems software with at least 5 years in a principal or staff-level architecture role, shipping consumer electronics products at scale * Deep expertise in embedded operating systems (e.g., embedded Linux, RTOS, or custom OS stacks) including kernel internals, memory management, scheduler tuning, driver frameworks, and boot architecture * Demonstrated track record of leading engineering teams through complete NPI-to-production cycles, with hands-on involvement across BSP, middleware, and application layers. * Strong command of system-level performance optimization, power management strategies, and architecture patterns that scale across a multi-product portfolio., * Experience shipping product solutions including on-board AI models leveraging hardware acceleration * Experience defining OS platform strategy across a family of products with varying compute, connectivity, and cost profiles * Familiarity with secure boot chains, OTA update frameworks, and production provisioning workflows for high-volume manufacturing * Background in contributing to or integrating open-source embedded projects (Yocto/OpenEmbedded, Zephyr, Android Open Source, etc.) * Experience with hardware/software co-design, including partnering with silicon teams on SoC selection and custom peripheral integration ## Description We're looking for a Principal Embedded OS Architect to own the operating system strategy and software architecture across our consumer electronics portfolio, from early architecture through mass production. You'll be the technical leader responsible for defining how our embedded software stacks are structured, how they scale across product lines, and how they perform. This role spans hands-on systems engineering up through strategic technical leadership and team build-out - you'll shape architecture decisions while staying close to the code and the hardware. Partner closely with hardware, firmware, applications, and program management teams to drive alignment from NPI through sustained production., * Define and evolve the embedded operating system architecture and platform strategy across the product portfolio * Navigate tradeoffs across performance, power, schedule, and scalability, while ensuring rock-solid product dependability * Lead cross-functional software teams through full product lifecycles - from NPI bring-up and proto builds, validation build milestones through production ramp and sustaining engineering * Drive technical decisions across every layer of the stack (BSP, kernel, middleware, services, application frameworks) with a focus on creating an AI-first platform foundation * Establish architectural standards, design review processes, and technical roadmaps that enable the team to ship on time without accumulating structural debt ## Related Videos - [For the Cars and the Curious: Android Drift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/499-for-the-cars-and-the-curious-android-drift) - [Developer’s Perspective: Overview of the Tezos Blockchain Ecosystem](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/237-developer-s-perspective-overview-of-the-tezos-blockchain-ecosystem) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [Unleashing the Full Potential of the Arm Architecture – Write Once, Deploy Anywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/940-unleashing-the-full-potential-of-the-arm-architecture-write-once-deploy-anywhere) - [Exploring BOS: The Blockchain Operating System by NEAR Protocol](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/781-exploring-bos-the-blockchain-operating-system-by-near-protocol) - [Agent Smith Gets Hardware: Autonomous IoT Hacking From Debug Port to Cloud API](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100258-agent-smith-gets-hardware-autonomous-iot-hacking-from-debug-port-to-cloud-api) ## Related Articles - [The Best X (Twitter) Accounts for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/294-the-best-x-twitter-accounts-for-developers) - [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers) - [The Best Software Developer Blogs to Read](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/156-the-best-software-developer-blogs-to-read) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [Dev Digest 129 - Now that's what I call private data!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/468-dev-digest-129-now-that-s-what-i-call-private-data) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology)