Software Architect - WiFi Protocol Stacks/Embedded Software

Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) is the leading innovator in low-power wireless connectivity, building embedded technology that connects devices and improves lives. Merging cutting-edge technology into the world’s most highly integrated SoCs, Silicon Labs provides device makers the solutions, support, and ecosystems needed to create advanced edge connectivity applications. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Silicon Labs has operations in over 16 countries and is the trusted partner for innovative solutions in the smart home, industrial IoT, and smart cities markets. Learn more at www.silabs.com.

The Role 

We are looking for a hands-on Software Architect to shape the architecture of embedded software, Wi-Fi protocol stacks, low-level firmware, and Linux drivers for our next-generation Wi-Fi ICs. 

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the architectural foundations of advanced wireless connectivity — balancing execution today with a forward-looking vision of where our overall system, spanning both software and hardware, should be tomorrow. 

As part of a collaborative group of architects, you will work across execution, planning, and long-term strategy: defining architectures, guiding designs, and shaping the direction of our technology to align with evolving Wi-Fi standards and product needs. 

Responsibilities

Execution 

• Own software architecture and design, and guide implementations to align with architectural direction. 

• Debug complex system-level issues and provide solutions with architectural insights. 

• Perform code reviews from an architectural and system perspective to ensure scalability, performance, and maintainability. 

Planning 

• Collaborate with engineering managers on JIRA top-level split, estimation, and backlog structuring to ensure feasibility and alignment with architectural goals. 

• Provide technical input on schedules, dependencies, and integration risks.

Broad and Long-Term Vision 

• Shape the long-term architectural vision for embedded software, Wi-Fi protocol stacks, and Linux drivers. 

• Contribute to Wi-Fi specifications and standards and track industry trends to influence product direction. 

• Drive strategic architectural initiatives that position Silicon Labs as a leader in wireless connectivity. 

• Advocate for open-source/Linux engagement, including upstream contributions where valuable. 

• Ensure rigor in software quality by driving unit testing, functional testing, continuous integration, and verification practices across the team. 

Skills you'll need: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferably IIT/NIT/BITS/IISc

• 12+ years of professional software development experience, including significant experience in an Architect role, with a strong focus on embedded systems, communication stacks, or Linux kernel drivers. 

• Proven ability to define and evolve software architectures for complex embedded systems, making thoughtful trade-offs across performance, power, scalability, reliability, and maintainability. 

• Strong knowledge of software architecture and design patterns, with the ability to apply them pragmatically to achieve the best architecture without unnecessary reinvention. 

• Demonstrated expertise in documenting and communicating architectures and designs in a clear and structured way for engineering teams and stakeholders. 

• Ability to provide logical reasoning and lead technical conversations, building consensus around the best architectural and design choices, and influencing across architects, engineering teams, and leadership. 

• Deep experience in system-level thinking and HW/SW partitioning, including designing software for complex SoCs and hardware accelerators. 

• 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 development and low-level debugging at system and driver layers. 

• Strong exposure to CI/CD pipelines, integration testing, and performance benchmarking frameworks. 

The following qualifications will be considered a plus:

• Contributions to open-source projects (Linux kernel, networking stacks, etc.). 

• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) alongside Linux. 

• Knowledge of security in embedded software, including secure boot, cryptography, and trusted execution environments. 

• Understanding of Agile/Scrum methodologies and experience collaborating in iterative development environments. 

Benefits & Perks 

Not only will you be joining a highly skilled and tight-knit team where every engineer makes a significant impact on the product; we also strive for good work/life balance and to make our environment welcoming and fun.  

• Equity Rewards (RSUs) 

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) 

• Insurance plans with Outpatient cover  

• National Pension Scheme (NPS)  

• Flexible work policy  

• Childcare support. 

Silicon Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values the diversity of our employees. Employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and job-related criteria without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.