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Senior Principal Software Architect – AI

Job ID 2026-19013 Date posted Sep. 27, 2026 Location Cambridge, United Kingdom Category Software Engineering Apply

Job Overview

At Arm, we are looking for an experienced Senior Principal Software Architect to shape how applications and developer frameworks connect to Arm's AI acceleration hardware.

Do you enjoy solving complex problems across the boundaries of AI, software and computer architecture? This role offers the opportunity to do exactly that!

Our AI technologies span smartphones, laptops, automotive, IoT, robotics, drones and other edge markets. We work across the complete software and hardware stack. This includes emerging AI models and application use cases, frameworks, runtimes, compilers, compute platforms and accelerators.

The role will help shape the architecture and technical direction of Arm’s AI software portfolio. It will identify future requirements and help developers take full advantage of current and future Arm platforms.

Responsibilities

A key part of the role is technical leadership and collaboration. This includes working with senior engineers and architects to develop, review and approve designs. Constructive challenge, thoughtful feedback and building alignment around important decisions are all essential. The successful candidate will act as a trusted technical authority, helping guide decisions across teams and organisational boundaries.

The role also works across hardware and software teams. We aim to achieve effective hardware/software co-design and appropriate reuse across different stacks and markets.

The role will also involve working with senior technologists and technical experts at Arm's customers and ecosystem partners. These relationships help us understand emerging requirements, exchange technical ideas and build alignment on future technologies.

Other responsibilities include:

  • Understanding emerging AI models, workloads and application use cases, and translating these into future software and hardware requirements.
  • Working across ecosystems including PyTorch, ExecuTorch, LiteRT and ONNX, plus associated compilers, runtimes and kernel libraries.
  • Evaluating emerging technologies and industry trends to understand their implications for Arm.

Required Skills and Experience

We are looking for extensive experience in software architecture, systems software or hardware/software co-design.

Deep knowledge of computer and system architecture is essential. This should include processors, memory systems, heterogeneous computing and hardware acceleration.

Strong knowledge of modern AI models and workloads is also required. Candidates should understand the computational characteristics that determine performance on hardware. Familiarity with PyTorch, ExecuTorch, LiteRT, ONNX or ONNX Runtime is important.

We also value:

  • Understanding of how AI workloads move through graphs, compilers, runtimes and kernels to hardware.
  • Strong C/C++ skills and the ability to engage directly with software implementations.
  • Excellent technical judgement when navigating complex and ambiguous problems. This means identifying what matters and bringing structure to uncertainty.
  • A strong professional network across the AI, semiconductor or software ecosystem. Experience building trusted relationships with customers, partners and industry peers is important.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Listening, constructive challenge, consensus building and influencing across organisational boundaries are central to this role.

“Nice To Have” Skills and Experience

We would particularly value experience with NPUs, GPUs, DSPs or other hardware accelerators. Knowledge of ML compiler technologies such as MLIR and LLVM would also be valuable.

Other useful experience includes low-precision inference, LLMs and multimodal models, Android or Linux AI ecosystems, and embedded or edge computing. Experience working with open-source communities is also welcome.

In Return

We offer the opportunity to influence AI technology across a huge range of Arm-powered devices and markets. Our teams bring together leading expertise in AI, compilers, systems and hardware.

This is a chance to help shape how future AI workloads are deployed and accelerated across the Arm ecosystem!

Accommodations at Arm

At Arm, we want to build extraordinary teams. If you need an adjustment or an accommodation during the recruitment process, please email accommodations@arm.com. To note, by sending us the requested information, you consent to its use by Arm to arrange for appropriate accommodations. All accommodation or adjustment requests will be treated with confidentiality, and information concerning these requests will only be disclosed as necessary to provide the accommodation. Although this is not an exhaustive list, examples of support include breaks between interviews, having documents read aloud, or office accessibility. Please email us about anything we can do to accommodate you during the recruitment process.

Equal Opportunities at Arm

Arm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and colleagues. We are a diverse organization of dedicated and innovative individuals, and don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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Our 10x Mindset

At Arm, we believe progress happens when people are empowered to think bigger and push beyond what seems possible. Our 10x mindset is about curiosity, ambition and creating impact that will be used by millions. We learn fast, prioritise collaboration and turn bold ideas into real technology. We look for people who are inspired by this way of working and want to grow in an environment where bold ideas are welcomed. Discover how the 10x mindset shapes life at Arm: https://careers.arm.com/10x-mindset

Use of AI in Your Application

At Arm, we embrace the benefits AI can bring, including in recruitment. You may use AI to support your preparation, such as improving the clarity of written responses, practicing interview questions, or learning more about our industry. However, your application and interview responses must reflect your own thinking, experience, and abilities. We want to understand your authentic perspective, creativity, and approach to problem solving. As such, you may not use AI to complete assigned tasks as part of any assessments. If you plan to use AI-supported or assistive technologies as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact accommodations@arm.com so we can support you.

Recruitment Adjustments and Accommodations

At Arm, we want to build extraordinary teams. If you need an adjustment or an accommodation during the recruitment process, please email accommodations@arm.com. To note, by sending us the requested information, you consent to its use by Arm to arrange for appropriate accommodations. All accommodation or adjustment requests will be treated with confidentiality, and information concerning these requests will only be disclosed as necessary to provide the accommodation. Although this is not an exhaustive list, examples of support include breaks between interviews, having documents read aloud, or office accessibility. Please email us about anything we can do to accommodate you during the recruitment process.

Hybrid Working

Arm’s approach to hybrid working is designed to create a working environment that supports both high performance and personal wellbeing. We believe in bringing people together face to face to enable us to work at pace, whilst recognizing the value of flexibility. Within that framework, we empower groups/teams to determine their own hybrid working patterns, depending on the work and the team’s needs. Details of what this means for each role will be shared upon application. In some cases, the flexibility we can offer is limited by local legal, regulatory, tax, or other considerations, and where this is the case, we will collaborate with you to find the best solution. Please talk to us to find out more about what this could look like for you.

Equal Opportunities

Arm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and colleagues. We are a diverse organization of dedicated and innovative individuals, and don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Salary Range:

£168300 - £227700 per year

Power the Future on Arm

Working in software engineering at Arm is about shaping a future of technology for which we don't yet have words. Our engineers lead innovation in physical IP, AI and machine learning, cloud architecture, automotive tech, and every aspect of computing that matters.

Spanning software's full spectrum, from compilers to AI-powered IoT and beyond, your code can enable virtually anything to be produced on silicon. Whether you're developing award-winning VR gaming or life-enhancing medical equipment, you can improve the lives of millions by being your brilliant self at Arm.

Drive change on Arm

At Arm, you'll influence 100% of the world's connected devices and all their applications. From healthcare and infrastructure to virtual reality, you'll affect nearly all industries worldwide, racing toward new milestones and achievements together.

Revolutionary Benefits

Health and Wellness

We create a safe space for you to nurture both your physical and mental wellbeing.

Work and Life Success

We empower people to experience life beyond the boundaries of standard work patterns.

Financial Rewards

We provide benefits beyond a competitive salary to reward our people for their dedication and contributions.

Development and Support

We foster professional and personal development, building a supportive community where everyone can thrive.

Life at Arm

Life in the office doesn’t get any better, especially when those offices are as sleek as ours and the people in them are innovative and supportive. Combine that with our focus on delivering as One Arm, and you’ll experience the kind of collaboration and togetherness that’s rare to find elsewhere. We share so much in common, not least a passion for progress, but we also celebrate each other's diversity.

Discover Life at Arm

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