Senior Principle Software Architect

Our client operates within the high-tech manufacturing industry and focuses on developing innovative systems for demanding sectors such as the semiconductor, medical, and aerospace industries. We combine deep technological expertise with a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation to transform complex technical challenges into practical and sustainable solutions.

Within the R&D department, multidisciplinary teams work on the development of high-quality systems and modules, with functionality, reliability, and manufacturability at the core. This working environment is characterized by a professional, results-oriented culture with room for personal growth and continuous technological advancement.

The Role:

As a Senior Principal Software Architect, you are responsible for shaping the software architecture within complex and innovative high-tech systems. You serve as the technical linchpin in realizing future-proof software solutions and play a key role in defining and maintaining the architectural roadmap.

You operate at a strategic level, work closely with executive stakeholders, and translate customer needs and technological developments into concrete software architectures. You will work within multidisciplinary teams on high-end systems for industries including semiconductors, medical technology, and aerospace, where real-time machine control, reliability, and scalability are essential.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the vision and strategy in the software domain and ensure integration within the broader system architecture;
• Design and ensure robust software architectures that meet the highest technical standards;
• Guide the implementation of complex projects from concept to delivery;
• Coach and strengthen software teams and actively contribute to their growth and innovation capacity;
• Stimulate new business initiatives and translate innovative ideas into executable solutions.

You have extensive experience in leading software architecture (teams) within high-tech environments and know better than anyone how to combine deep technical insight with leadership, collaboration, and vision.

Personal Skills:

• You have a motivational leadership style that inspires, encourages team growth, and fosters a collaborative working environment.
• You are a constructive and positive coach - a builder and motivator - who knows how to coach effectively at all levels of the organization.
• You possess a strong sense of ownership and urgency.
• You can balance conflicting stakeholder interests while maintaining clear communication at all levels - from test engineers to executive level.
• You are innovative and continuously challenge the status quo.
• You recognize opportunities in difficult situations and know how to inspire your team through them.

What You Bring:

• MSc in Software Development or Computer Science with at least 15 years of experience as a lead software architect
• Comfortable implementing architectural principles within teams and ensuring adherence
• Proven track record in a leading architectural role for semicon/high-tech equipment
• Proven experience in creating, realizing, and maintaining an architectural roadmap in growing software organizations for complex high-tech machine control with real-time software and control systems
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; balances leadership and team self-direction even in highly dynamic situations
• Comfortable in a multidisciplinary environment, including complex stakeholder landscapes at the executive level
• Supports software processes from an architectural perspective (including Requirements Management, Continuous Integration/Delivery, Quality Assurance, Configuration Management)
• Fluent in English; Dutch is a plus

What We Offer:

• Excellent salary package: In line with industry standards and tailored to your expertise and experience
• Comprehensive secondary benefits package: Including a pension plan and a generous number of leave days (27 vacation days + 13 ADV days)
• SWITCH activities: Friday afternoon drinks, BBQs, and seasonal company events/activities with fellow SWITCHERS (weather permitting).