Principal Engineer, System Engineering

A Career at HARMAN Lifestyle
We're a global, multi-disciplinary team that's putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. As a member of HARMAN Lifestyle, you connect consumers with the power of superior sound.

• Contribute your talents to high-end, esteemed brands like JBL, Mark Levinson and Revel
• Unite your passion for audio innovation with high-tech product development
• Create pitch-perfect, cutting-edge technology that elevates the listening experience

About The Role
We are looking for a talented and experienced System Architect to lead the design and development of innovative audio solutions for home entertainment products. In this role, you will drive the end-to-end system architecture, from conceptual design through to product development, ensuring superior audio quality, user experience, and performance.

You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including hardware, software, mechanical, acoustic and product management—to understand business requirements, identify technological opportunities, and lead the creation of scalable and high-performance architectures for audio products.

What You Will Do

• Work with business leaders and stakeholders to understand objectives and requirements, translating them into robust system architecture designs for audio products.
• Lead and oversee the implementation of system architectures, selecting platforms, key components, technologies, and frameworks to meet product goals.
• Work closely with hardware, software, mechanical, and acoustic engineering teams to ensure seamless system integration and design execution.
• Drive and explore new use cases, applications, and opportunities for innovation across various domains, driving product differentiation and competitiveness.
• Develop and maintain the technical roadmap, ensuring alignment with product features and potential technical solutions.
• Lead feasibility studies for new concepts, define use cases, propose architectures, and develop realistic development plans.
• Collaborate with chipset and ecosystem partners (e.g., Google, Amazon, Apple, Tencent) to understand their roadmaps and integrate them into our product strategy.
• Develop a platform strategy that minimizes risk, maximizes efficiency, and accelerates time-to-market.
• Proactively address architectural challenges, leading problem-solving sessions with cross-functional teams.
• Escalate critical issues to senior management when they pose a significant risk to program schedule, cost, or quality.

What You Need To Be Successful

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronics, Software, Acoustics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in audio system architecture and product development, preferably within consumer electronics.
• Proficiency with audio platforms, SoCs, and wireless technologies for audio systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to interpret complex requirements and design innovative architectures, including AI-based solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• A strong team player with proven ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization and with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in both spoken and written English.
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Bonus Points if You Have

• Experience in integrating and troubleshooting DSP audio is a plus
• Open Minded and willing to work outside the box
• Honest and understands the value in reporting both good and bad news
• Schedule driven
• Innovative and willing to take calculated risks
• Able to work with aggressive goals on multiple programs
• Self-Motivated to be the best he/she can be

What Makes You Eligible

• Willingness to travel.
• Willingness to work in an office.
• Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen.

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work one day per week for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location.
• Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.)
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
• Competitive wellness benefits
• Access to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria
• "Be Brilliant" employee recognition and rewards program
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development