Director of Software Engineering; Systems Software

OVERVIEW Arm is looking for a Director of Software Engineering to help lead a broad organisation spanning Systems Software (Kernel, Firmware, Power), Userspace (Performance and Enablement) and System Modelling tools.

This is a high-impact leadership role at the intersection of low-level systems software and large-scale engineering delivery. You’ll guide a distributed team of 60+ engineers (within a wider organisation of 300+), shaping software that directly influences the performance, efficiency, and scalability of Arm-based platforms!

You’ll bring together expertise across kernel, drivers, and userspace to deliver meaningful improvements in real-world systems, while collaborating across Arm and the wider open-source ecosystem.

WHAT YOU’LL DOYou’ll set direction, enable teams, and drive execution across multiple domains. In practice, this includes:

Leading and developing a globally distributed organisation of 60+ engineers Aligning priorities across kernel, drivers, and userspace teams Collaborating with architecture, hardware, and product groups to deliver co-optimised solutions Setting clear roadmaps that balance near-term delivery with long-term strategy Building strong leadership capability and supporting the growth of senior engineers Influencing across a complex organisation to bring teams together around shared goals WHAT YOU BRINGWe're looking for Directors who can lead at scale while staying close to the technology, with the depth to guide direction and challenge thinking.

Experience leading large, distributed software engineering teams (60+ engineers) Strong systems software background, with hands-on experience in one or more of the following:

Linux kernel development Device driver development (e.g. media, graphics, or similar subsystems)
Power and performance engineering, including system-level optimisation

Ability to connect low-level implementation (kernel, drivers, firmware) to system-level performance, efficiency, and scalability outcomes Track record of delivering measurable improvements in performance, power, or system behaviour in production environments

Experience developing high-performing teams and growing senior technical leaders Credibility to engage deeply with engineers across the stack and influence technical direction NICE TO HAVEMedia, graphics, or multimedia subsystem experience

Android or userspace performance exposure

Familiarity with Arm architecture or hardware/software co-design

Experience working with open-source communities WHY JOIN ARM?

This role offers the opportunity to lead across a broad and strategically critical part of Arm’s software ecosystem, influencing everything from low-level kernel behaviour to end-user performance in real-world workloads.

You’ll work in an environment that values deep technical expertise, collaborative problem-solving, and bold thinking, with the scope to make a measurable impact across billions of devices.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Hybrid working: 2 days per week in our Cambridge office Clear progression path toward Senior Director level#LI-CM1

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:
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…