Systems Architect

Role: Systems Architect
Location: Sunnyvale, CA Onsite
Visa: USC/GC only W2
Duration: 12+ months

These screening questions must be listed on top of the resume:
1.Have you designed MQTT based architecture for IoT systems?
2.What MQTT brokers have you used? (Mosquitto / HiveMQ / EMQX)
3.How much C++ coding do you still do?
4.What AWS services have you used for IoT platforms?
5.Have you implemented device authentication using certificates or TLS?
It's a pure architect role, a senior, hands-on staff engineer doing both architecture and coding. (50%-50%)
They are looking for a candidate with over 10+ years in Engineering / Computer Science / Software Development. And minimum 5 years specifically in IoT system architecture and software development.

Deep C++ development experience is required. (production-level C++ experience | experience building system software or networking systems)
Real time production backend services Python
Candidates must have experience using MQTT in real systems.
Candidates should understand how devices communicate over networks. IoT platform experience
Experience building connected systems
AWS (Nice to have)
For such role target candidates coming from robotics companies, autonomous systems, consumer devices, networking companies, industrial IoT companies

Screening Questions:
1. Have you built or worked on an IoT platform using MQTT?
2. What was your role in designing the messaging architecture?
3. How often do you code today in C++ and Python?
4. What types of devices or systems were connected using MQTT?
5. Have you designed device-to-cloud communication systems?

Physical objects that collect data from the environment.
Examples:
·Temperature sensors
·Cameras
·Smart meters
·Wearable health devices
·Industrial machine sensors
Example:
A sensor in a warehouse measuring temperature or humidity.

It is not a pure architect role and not a pure developer role.
It is 50% system architecture + 50% coding (C++ and Python).

This role is for a Senior IoT Systems Architect who is also hands-on with coding.
The person will help connect medical devices (embedded systems) to the cloud using MQTT protocol and AWS services.
The candidate must carry understanding of security for connected devices (TLS certificates, authentication, etc.).
MUST HAVE SKILLS:
MQTT Expertise: MQTT broker configuration | QoS levels | Topic hierarchy | Retained messages | MQTT 5.0 features
Strong C++ Development
Python Development - for cloud side integration and services.
Must understand AWS services supporting IoT connectivity.
10–15 years software engineering with 5+ years IoT architecture,
· Strong embedded systems background
· Hands-on coding in C++ and Python

Years of Experience Required:
10+ years overall; 5+ years in IoT systems architecture mandatory
Education: Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field

Primary Function of Position
The contractor in this position will play a key role on the IoMT & Platform Integration team, expanding the MQTT-based IoT architecture across our embedded medical device platforms and AWS cloud infrastructure. This is a 50/50 architecture and hands-on development role — the contractor will leverage the MQTT architecture knowledge while actively contributing production-quality C++ and Python code alongside a team of 4 engineers. Close collaboration with internal engineering, cybersecurity, and product teams is expected throughout the engagement. Design proposals are subject to internal architecture and quality review gates.

Essential Job Duties

Support the expansion of the MQTT-based IoT architecture across our embedded medical device platforms and AWS cloud infrastructure;
Produce architecture decision records (ADRs), interface contracts, design specifications, system diagrams; Implement connectivity middleware and communication services in C++ & Python on device side and cloud side;
Architect and implement cloud-side integration using AWS microservices (EC2, S3, and related services) to support the migrated protocol layer
Design and implement security hardening: TLS/mTLS, certificate-based device authentication, topic-level authorization, and PKI lifecycle management Design for cloud connectivity reliability: offline buffering, reconnect strategies, message deduplication, and guaranteed delivery patterns appropriate for embedded systems
Lead and participate in design reviews with the FTE engineering team; incorporate feedback from internal review gates
Support debugging and root cause analysis of connectivity issues during migration and integration testing
Produce thorough documentation and conduct knowledge transfer sessions to ensure continuity at engagement close

Required Skills and Experience
Deep expertise in C++ & Python for system-level software developmentStrong MQTT expertise — broker configuration, QoS levels, topic design, retained messages, MQTT 5.0 featuresSolid understanding of pub/sub and RPC messaging patterns, including how to implement reliable RPC over pub/sub protocolsWorking knowledge of AWS microservices (EC2, S3, and adjacent services); ability to design cloud-side components supporting device connectivityStrong grasp of network security fundamentals: TLS/mTLS, PKI, certificate management, and authorization patterns for IoT devicesProven ability to produce high-quality architecture documentation — ADRs, design specs, interface definitionsExcellent communication skills; able to lead design discussions and drive alignment across technical and non-technical stakeholdersQuality-first engineering mindset: writes clean, well-documented, maintainable code that teammates can own after the engagement endsAble to work independently and manage technical ambiguity with minimal guidance