Windows Architect

Virtru • Washington, DC

4h

About The Position

Virtru focuses on enabling intentional data sharing without compromising security, privacy, or control, leveraging a suite of powerful data protection applications and an open platform built on the Trusted Data Format (TDF) open standard. The company aims to establish a new paradigm where security facilitates sharing, positioning itself as the 'Android of data protection' with a robust platform and best-in-class applications. Supported by Iconiq Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, Foundry Capital, and Tiger Global, Virtru empowers Fortune 500 companies and government agencies to achieve true data security, fostering freedom to share, collaborate, and innovate without compromise. The Windows Architect role, reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, is crucial for driving architectural excellence and technical leadership within Virtru's digital privacy products. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong passion for digital privacy, software architecture, and delivering exceptional technical solutions. This position involves working with and mentoring a collaborative team of Engineers, operating as a player/coach with a primary focus on architecture, design, and technical health, while also contributing to critical technical implementations. The architect will closely collaborate with Engineering Managers to provide dedicated architecture and design support, ensuring the robustness, scalability, and maintainability of Windows-based solutions. This role does not include direct reports.

Requirements

• Deep expertise with developing kernel-mode and user-mode Windows drivers utilizing Windows File IO APIs, filter managers, and system-level APIs
• Extensive experience implementing enterprise authentication strategies, SSO integrations, and token-based security patterns with Microsoft Identity Platform
• 7-10+ years of professional software engineering experience with C and C++
• Strong demonstrable understanding of software design patterns and architectural principles
• Proven track record of designing and delivering complex, production-grade Windows system software
• Expertise with Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code development environments, and CMake
• Deep understanding of Windows internals, security models, and performance optimization
• Experience with Windows service development and system-level debugging
• Experience with Azure cloud architecture and microservices
• Demonstrated experience leading architectural design and technical direction for engineering teams
• Proven ability to influence without authority and drive technical decisions across teams
• Strong technical mentoring and coaching experience
• Experience creating architectural documentation, design documents, and technical specifications
• Track record of improving technical health metrics and reducing technical debt
• Experience with cross-team collaboration and dependency management
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience)
• At least 7 years of professional software engineering experience, with significant focus on Windows systems programming
• Proven experience in architectural or technical leadership roles
• Excellent ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Strong presentation skills and ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Experience with stakeholder management and aligning technical decisions with business context
• Motivated by delivering customer value, team impact, and technical excellence

Nice To Haves

• Experience architecting Microsoft 365 add-ins with focus on security, performance, and user experience
• Knowledge of data privacy, encryption, and zero-trust security models
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and modern DevOps practices
• Contributions to open-source projects or technical community involvement

Responsibilities

• Lead system design and architecture reviews for Windows kernel and user-mode components
• Create and maintain architectural documentation, including authoring and reviewing ADRs (Architecture Decision Records), to ensure alignment with overall software architecture
• Guide API design, data modeling, and integration patterns for Windows driver and service development
• Provide technical direction for complex features and initiatives involving Windows file systems, security, and system-level integration
• Drive architectural decisions for Windows platform components across teams
• Monitor and improve technical debt across Windows-focused engineering teams
• Partner with Engineering Managers to define key technical health metrics and streamline technical onboarding processes
• Drive reliability, performance, and security best practices for kernel-mode and user-mode Windows development
• Break down complex technical tasks into clear, manageable deliverables for the team
• Ensure sustainable engineering practices and code quality standards
• Serve as a technical guide for team members, helping them master Windows internals, architecture, and development practices
• Ensure teams are delivering solutions to satisfy requirements while aligning to current and future architectural designs
• Coach and mentor engineers on Windows internals/driver development, system architecture, and best practices
• Lead by example through high-quality code contributions to critical or complex components
• Share knowledge of Windows internals, security models, and emerging technologies with the team
• Conduct code reviews with focus on architectural alignment and quality
• Support hiring processes and technical assessments for Windows engineering candidates
• Partner with Engineering Managers through regular 1:1s and team planning sessions
• Collaborate with product management, UX, and other architects to design and deliver new software solutions
• Work with other Technical Architects to identify and resolve cross-team dependencies and technical challenges
• Ensure technical roadmap alignment with product and business priorities
• Participate in and contribute to platform-wide architectural initiatives
• Take ownership of the entire lifecycle and toolchain of Windows components from design through deployment
• Contribute to critical technical implementations, balancing hands-on coding with architectural responsibilities
• Work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment touching a variety of projects and products
• Build software that will meaningfully impact how people approach data privacy

Benefits

• A Flexible PTO policy — we strongly encourage you to take time off (in addition to 14 holidays) to ensure that you are getting the proper time needed to unplug and recharge.
• A $1,500 annual Learning & Development Stipend focused on providing you the resources to continually learn and professionally grow.
• Frequent company-sponsored team celebrations that provide ample opportunities to connect with teammates and be social!
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program
• Access to Headspace, a mental health app tailored to your specific needs.
• A flat 3% contribution to your retirement account
• A high degree of flexibility — Have an appointment, errand, or family emergency to take care of? Hop to it! We give you the time and space to take care of you and your own first.
• Competitive compensation
• Generous parental, medical, and bereavement policies
• 401K contribution and stock options
• Full medical, dental, and vision benefits
• New Hire Swag and IT Welcome boxes
• Structured semi-annual 360° performance reviews

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal