Senior Software Engineering Manager, System Software

HP•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

HP IQ is HP’s AI innovation lab, combining startup agility with HP’s global scale to build intelligent technologies across HP’s portfolio. Its System Software team enables on-device experiences to take full advantage of hardware capabilities, working with internal and external partners on solutions involving hardware, sensors, algorithms, and interaction models. The Senior Software Engineering Manager will lead and grow an embedded software team while providing technical direction for system software across multiple products. The role spans system architecture, low-level driver and framework development in C and C++, hardware/software integration, and performance, power, and thermal optimization. It combines hands-on technical leadership—including design reviews and escalation support—with team development, delivery accountability, and collaboration with cross-functional, executive, and external stakeholders.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in system software engineering and/or embedded platform software development.
5+ years leading engineering teams, including mentoring, hiring, team growth, and navigating ambiguity in fast-paced environments.
Deep expertise in system design and architecture.
Proficiency in embedded C and modern C++.
Experience developing on Windows, Android, or Linux.
Experience developing stable APIs that ensure backward compatibility, scalability, and maintainability across system software platforms.
Proven experience leading teams in fast-paced environments.
Experience driving cross-functional programs from concept to delivery.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with optimization tools such as Perfmon and Perfetto.
Working knowledge of Java and/or Kotlin.
Experience porting reference algorithms to hardware accelerators such as GPUs or DSPs.
Experience with board bring-up, driver development, and communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, and UART.
Familiarity with ARM System-on-Chip (SoC) architecture.
Experience developing bare-metal firmware for microcontrollers.
Ability to use common lab equipment, such as logic analyzers, to debug low-level software issues.

Responsibilities

Lead, grow, and mentor a high-performing embedded software team in a startup environment.
Serve as a technical leader and escalation point for complex hardware/software integration issues.
Communicate technical vision, risks, and progress to cross-functional and executive stakeholders.
Own system-level strategy, architecture, and technical direction across multiple products.
Drive low-level driver and framework software development in C and C++ across multiple devices and operating systems.
Oversee hardware/software integration and alignment across cross-functional teams.
Guide performance, power, and thermal optimization efforts.
Balance hands-on technical involvement with team leadership, including design reviews, mentorship, and delivery accountability.
Partner with internal and external stakeholders to define roadmaps, priorities, and deliverables.
Lead cross-functional programs from concept to delivery.