Senior System Architect
REF: SSA
Montbonnot-Saint-Martin or Sophia Antipolis / Permanent
To support our growth, we are hiring a Senior System Architect
REF: SSA
ABOUT KALRAY
Kalray is a European leader in hardware acceleration, with full-stack acceleration
expertise: from silicon to complete system.
Our MPPA® (Massively Parallel Processor Array) architecture is the foundation of Kalray’s processor (30+ patent families, 15+ years of development) and acceleration cards that combine processing power, flexibility, and energy efficiency.
Our mission is to deliver open data-efficient hardware accelerators to power next generation of data-intensive, AI-driven systems and infrastructures. We offer off-the-shelf processors, acceleration cards, and specialized processor development.
With over 130 employees and presence in France and Romania, Kalray is backed by top-tier investors and publicly listed on Euronext Growth. You’ll be part of a pioneering team that is shaping the future of computing with cutting-edge processor architecture, software-defined solutions, and next-generation acceleration platforms.
We offer a fast-paced, inclusive, and collaborative environment where ambitious experienced professionals and young talents can thrive—while enjoying the positive and inspiring lanscape of the Alps or the Côte d’Azur.
You can learn more about us on our website, follow us on LinkedIn.
WHAT YOU 'LL BE DOING:
As a Senior System Architect, you will be part of the System architecture team. You will perform and supervise architectural studies, to define architecture concepts, unfold system requirements, perform architecture option exploration to specify systems and hardware/software interfaces and track system validation plans (including ensuring that solutions meet requirements).
Responsibilities:
- Analyze product requirements to define system-level architectural needs
- Audit and evaluate the existing Kalray architecture, as well as competing solutions
- Explore and assess various architecture options to meet functional requirements, balancing hardware and software constraints
- Design, model, specify, and validate the target system architecture
- Define detailed requirements for each architectural component
- Identify potential risks and implement appropriate mitigation and prevention plans
- Ensure alignment between component specifications and the overall system architecture
- Continuously monitor technological trends to support ongoing architectural improvements
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
Skills:
- Strong system-level understanding of data-intensive processing solutions, such as Networking Data/Control Plane, Machine Learning, Image Processing, or Autonomous Driving algorithms
- Solid background in hardware and/or low-level software development for data processing or embedded systems
- Proficiency in virtualization technologies, including hardware-assisted virtualization
- In-depth knowledge of Linux kernel internals and mechanisms
- Experience with high-performance packet processing middleware (e.g., DPDK)
- Familiarity with data-intensive processing architectures based on CPUs, DSPs, or GPUs
- Understanding of advanced virtualization techniques, including SR-IOV and hardware acceleration support
- Exposure to architecture simulation and design space exploration tools (a plus)
- Experience in requirements and specification management (a plus)
- Strong leadership in organizing and managing cross-functional technical teams
- Excellent communication and reporting skills
Profile:
- Engineering degree or PhD in Embedded Software, Systems Engineering, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in software or hardware development for complex systems (e.g., heterogeneous multi-core SoCs, high-performance data processing systems)
- 5+ years of experience in software/hardware architecture definition for embedded systems or data-intensive, HW-accelerated server platforms
- Experience in low-level software optimization (performance or power), or working with DPDK/SPDK-based solutions (a plus)
- Knowledge of SoC architecture performance and power efficiency analysis
- Familiarity with virtual platform modeling using SystemC (a plus)
- Experience in datacenter-related markets (e.g., storage controllers, initiators, smartNICs) (a plus)
- Experience in embedded markets such as ADAS/AD, machine vision, or DSP applications (a plus)
- Knowledge in cybersecurity analysis for SoC architectures (a plus)
- Curious, autonomous, and detail-oriented
- Fluent in French and proficient in technical English
- Strong team spirit and collaborative mindset
CONTRACT INFORMATION:
- Type of contract: Permanent contract
- Starting date: As soon as possible
- Location: Montbonnot St Martin or Sophia Anrtipolis
- Competitive salary based on your skills and experience
- Entitlement to free shares plans (RSU)
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:
- Competitive salary & performance-based RSU (free shares)
- Hybrid work model
- Additional paid leave (RTT)
- Meal vouchers (Edenred)
- Premium health coverage (Malakoff Humanis)
- Sustainable mobility incentives
- Generous paternity leave
- Monthly team activities (laser game, hiking, sailing, karaoke …) and large-scale company events
RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
- First interview with the manager
- Second interview with the team
- Final interview with HRD or CEO
Equal Opportunity Statement
KALRAY is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, skin color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Should you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the interview process and beyond, please do not hesitate to let us know. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates have an equal opportunity to showcase their abilities and succeed in our organization.
