Software Architect

At Renesas, we are more than just a semiconductor company; we are the engine behind a "safer, smarter, and more sustainable" future. Headquartered locally in the heart of San Jose, our Silicon Valley team is at the forefront of innovation in Automotive, Industrial, Infrastructure, and IoT technologies. By blending cutting-edge embedded processing with world-class analog and power expertise, we develop "Winning Combinations" that power billions of intelligent devices globally. Joining our San Jose office means joining a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where your work directly impacts the next generation of AI-driven infrastructure and green energy solutions.Job DescriptionRenesas Electronics is seeking an experienced Software Architect to join our Embedded Processing team in Austin, Texas. This strategic role focuses on software emulation tools for shift-left development, enabling our engineering teams and customers to develop, test, and validate software months before physical silicon is available.As a technical leader, you will bridge the gap between hardware and software development cycles, working with industry-leading emulation platforms to accelerate time-to-market for our semiconductor solutions across industrial, consumer, and IoT markets.This position offers the unique opportunity to shape early development strategies, define emulation roadmaps, and enable customer success in the critical pre-silicon phase of our product lifecycle.Core ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership & StrategyDefine technical requirements and architectural standards for software emulation workflowsLead cross-functional teams in developing early-stage embedded software solutionsEstablish best practices for shift-left development methodologiesEvaluate and recommend new emulation tools and platforms to keep our technology stack competitiveServe as a technical authority on virtual platform developmentDevelopment & ImplementationDesign and implement virtual platform configurations using Synopsys Virtual Platform, QEMU, or SIMICSDevelop hardware/software co-emulation frameworks using ZEBU, HAPS, and related hardware acceleratorsBuild automation pipelines for continuous integration and testing on emulation infrastructureDebug complex system-level issues across hardware emulation and software simulation environmentsCustomer EnablementEnable early access programs for key customers, providing them with working emulation environmentsGather customer feedback to inform product roadmap and feature prioritizationWork directly with customer engineering teams to integrate our emulation solutions into their development flowsSupport proof-of-concept demonstrations for prospective clients evaluating our semiconductor solutionsTeam ManagementMentor junior developers and engineers on emulation technologies and best practicesConduct code reviews and ensure high-quality software deliveryCoordinate project timelines and resource allocation across multiple initiativesFoster a collaborative team culture aligned with Renesas' TAGIE valuesQualificationsEducation & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (Master's degree preferred)8+ years of professional software development experience3+ years in a technical leadership or team lead capacityProven track record in embedded systems or semiconductor industryEssential Technical SkillsRequired CompetenciesVirtual PlatformsDeep hands-on experience with Synopsys Virtual Platform, QEMU, SIMICSHardware EmulationWorking knowledge of Synopsys ZEBU / HAPS, or equivalent platformsProgramming LanguagesC/C++, Python, Shell scripting; Verilog/VHDL exposure preferredEmbedded SystemsARM architecture, RISC-V, or similar microcontroller/microprocessor familiesOperating SystemsLinux kernel, RTOS environments, bootloaders, device driversDevelopment MethodologiesShift-left development, CI/CD pipelines, agile/Scrum frameworksSoft Skills & LeadershipStrong technical communication skills for explaining complex concepts to diverse audiencesAbility to build consensus across hardware, software, and business stakeholdersProblem-solving mindset with demonstrated success resolving challenging technical issuesCapacity to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced development environmentDay-to-Day Activities40% Strategic planning, requirement definition, and documentation30% Hands-on development and technical implementation20% Team leadership, mentoring, and coordination10% Customer engagements, demonstrations, and supportLocation & Work ArrangementPrimary Office: Austin, TexasWork Model: Hybrid (3-4 days on-site)Travel: Occasional travel (approximately 10-15%) for customer meetings, industry conferences, and global team collaborationAdditional InformationRenesas is an embedded semiconductor solution provider driven by its Purpose, To Make Our Lives Easier. With a global team of over 21,000 engineers and problem solvers in more than 30 countries, we offer the opportunity to work on world‑leading technology for Automotive, Industrial, Infrastructure, and IoT, shaping a safer, healthier, greener, and smarter future.At Renesas, TAGIE is our culture, grounded in being Transparent, Agile, Global, Innovative, and Entrepreneurial. It shapes how we work, grow and deliver on our purpose together. This collaborative spirit and mindset drive our semiconductor technology to transform industries and impact millions of lives.We believe in rewarding our employees with a competitive benefits package alongside their salary. More information will be provided during the hiring process.Are you ready to join our team and shape the future with us?Renesas Electronics is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to supporting diversity and fostering a work environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For more information, please read our Diversity & Inclusion Statement.Renesas Electronics deals with dual-use technology that is subject to U.S. export controls regulations. Under these regulations it may be necessary for Renesas to obtain U.S. government export license prior to release of technology to certain persons. The decision whether or not to file or pursue an export license application is at the sole discretion of Renesas.