> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3872648-principal-edge-architect-hardware-and-interface](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3872648-principal-edge-architect-hardware-and-interface). 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).

---

# Principal Edge Architect - Hardware and Interface

- **Company:** Caterpillar
- **Location:** Irving, TX, United States
- **Salary:** $147,760.0 - $240,110.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computing Platforms, Business Software, Data Architecture, Ethernet, Network Interface, PCI Express, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, USB, Data Logging, NVIDIA Jetson
- **Published:** October 22, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.disabledperson.com/jobs/76141478-principal-edge-architect-hardware-and-interface

## About the Role

Analytical Thinking: Expert Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
*
Platform Architecture: Expert knowledge of technologies and methods to design processing mechanisms and roadmaps to execute business application systems; ability to design these roadmaps and deploy supportive interfaces for end-users to access related systems, in accordance with standards and processes.
*
Data Architecture: Expert knowledge of processes, techniques and factors that affect data architecture; ability to design blueprints on how to integrate data resources for business processes and functional support. Ability to utilize design methodologies, tools and techniques to convert business requirements and logical models into a technical design.
*
Effective Communications: Expert understanding effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
*
Organizational Leadership: Expert knowledge of leadership concepts and ability to use strategies and skills to enlist others in setting, embracing and achieving objectives.

Considerations for Top Candidates:

 * Strong experience with edge hardware platforms, embedded systems, or vehicle compute platforms. Experience with NVIDIA Jetson/Thor hardware and ecosystem is a strong plus.
 * Deep understanding of CPU, GPU, memory, storage, input/output interfaces, network bandwidth, sensor bandwidth, power, thermal, packaging, and hardware expansion tradeoffs.
 * Experience with sensor and machine interfaces such as Ethernet, GMSL, CAN, USB, PCIe, UART, I2C, synchronization, power, and storage connectivity.
 * Strong ability to work with internal engineering teams and suppliers to assess hardware capability gaps, interface limitations, and recommend practical expansion or upgrade strategies.

## Description

Own the edge system hardware and interface architecture for the NVIDIA Thor-based machine autonomy platform. This role focuses on understanding and defining the capabilities, limitations, and integration requirements of the Thor compute platform, host or breakout input/output boards, hardware resources, sensor interfaces, network interfaces, storage, memory, CPU, GPU, machine-facing connectivity, and platform expansion capabilities.

This architect ensures the edge system has the right hardware configuration, interface capacity, bandwidth, connectivity, and expansion path to support perception, robotics, machine interface, data logging and transmission, diagnostics, and safety-related autonomy services.

What You Will Do:

 * Define the edge system hardware architecture for the NVIDIA Thor-based platform, including compute module, host or breakout input/output boards, hardware resources, interface capacity, and machine integration requirements.
 * Own the architecture definition for edge platform interfaces, including Ethernet, GMSL, CAN, USB, UART, PCIe, I2C, storage, power, synchronization, and other machine or sensor connectivity needs.
 * Assess system capabilities and constraints across CPU, GPU, memory, storage, network bandwidth, sensor bandwidth, input/output capacity, power, thermal limits, physical packaging, and expansion options.
 * Collaborate with internal functional teams and supplier teams to identify hardware gaps, input/output limitations, bandwidth constraints, integration risks, and recommend expansion, upgrade, or platform improvement strategies.