CAE/PLM Principal Software Architect (Design)

Divergent • Torrance, CA

4d • $171,450 - $314,390

About The Position

Divergent’s Design and Engineering Systems (DES) organization is seeking a Principal Software Architect to lead the architecture and development of high-performance, interactive 3D desktop and web-based computer-aided engineering (CAE) applications. The role serves as a recognized technical expert in desktop application architecture, driving innovation across engineering software programs and disciplines. The Principal Software Architect establishes application frameworks, develops technical methodologies, and delivers cross-functional solutions that improve development efficiency, application performance, and software quality across the DES suite.

Through technical leadership and collaboration, this individual addresses complex architectural challenges, establishes reusable engineering practices, and guides development teams in delivering scalable applications that support Divergent’s computational design capabilities. The role includes leading architecture across engineering programs, developing GPU-enabled job execution and scheduling components, integrating applications with computational design and CAE platforms, and providing technical direction and mentorship to engineering teams.

The position’s environment is listed as “Onsite/Hybrid/Remote.” Compensation is based on job level, with the company considering candidates at levels E07–E09. The stated pay range is $171,450–$314,390 USD. The company describes a compensation package that includes salary, an equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, as well as paid vacation, sick time, company holidays, a year-end shutdown, paid parental leave, health and wellness benefits, company-sponsored life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, and reimbursement opportunities for learning and development.

Requirements

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls.
• Extensive experience in software architecture and desktop application development.
• Demonstrated expertise designing and developing high-performance, interactive 3D applications, preferably in CAE, CAD, PLM, or engineering software environments.
• Ability to solve complex, ambiguous technical problems and develop innovative software architecture solutions.
• Strong understanding of graphics and rendering pipelines, UI architecture, desktop software frameworks, and application performance optimization.
• Experience developing reusable software frameworks, architectural methodologies, and technical standards.
• Ability to lead technical initiatives across multiple projects, programs, or disciplines.
• Experience providing technical direction, mentoring engineers, and influencing implementation decisions across teams.
• Familiarity with engineering software ecosystems such as Siemens NX, Teamcenter, or comparable CAE and PLM platforms.

Nice To Haves

• 10+ years of experience in software engineering, industrial applications, CAE, CAD, PLM, scientific computing, or related technical domains.
• Experience architecting GPU compute systems, clustered GPU workloads, job scheduling, or distributed execution frameworks.
• Experience integrating topology optimization, computational geometry, simulation, or CAE solvers into interactive desktop applications.
• Experience with modern desktop application frameworks and interactive 3D visualization technologies.
• Track record of delivering software used by mechanical engineers, computational designers, or research teams.
• Demonstrated success establishing technical best practices and improving development efficiency across multiple engineering teams.
• Experience coordinating technical solutions across software, platform, and computational engineering disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and design of high-performance, interactive 3D desktop and web-based CAE applications across multiple engineering programs or technical disciplines.
• Establish application frameworks, software design patterns, and architectural methodologies that improve development efficiency, scalability, maintainability, and reuse.
• Architect and implement critical components of GPU-enabled job execution and scheduling systems for computationally intensive engineering workflows.
• Develop solutions to complex application architecture, graphics rendering, UI design, performance, and software integration challenges.
• Define technical approaches for interactive 3D visualization, application responsiveness, resource utilization, and reliable engineering workflow execution.
• Establish architectural frameworks and development practices that reduce technical risk and prevent fragmented application ownership.
• Lead cross-functional technical initiatives integrating application architecture with computational design, CAE solvers, and platform capabilities.
• Provide technical direction to engineering teams, delegate implementation, and ensure architectural decisions are consistently applied.
• Mentor engineers across teams on desktop software architecture, 3D application development, software quality, and engineering best practices.
• Collaborate with DES and Platform IPT leadership to align technical solutions with program objectives and evolving computational design requirements.
• Anticipate technical challenges and evaluate technologies that improve application scalability, usability, and long-term maintainability.
• Define and track technical outcomes related to application performance, development efficiency, software reliability, and architectural reuse.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown.
• Paid parental leave.
• Health and wellness benefits, including HMO and Premium PPO options.
• Company-sponsored life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: No Education Listed