CAE Principal Software Architect (Design)

Divergent is building the new industrial age. Every day, our teams design, manufacture, and assemble advanced systems for some of the world’s most demanding industries. Our integrated engineering and manufacturing platform transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions, helping customers move faster, build smarter, and deliver critical systems when they matter most. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies. Join us and help push the boundaries of what can be built. Purpose Divergent's Design and Engineering Systems (DES) organization is seeking a Principal Software Architect to lead the architecture and development of high-performance, interactive 3D desktop and web-based computer-aided engineering (CAE) applications. This role serves as a recognized technical expert in desktop application architecture, driving innovation across engineering software programs and disciplines. The Principal Software Architect establishes application frameworks, develops technical methodologies, and delivers cross-functional solutions that improve development efficiency, application performance, and software quality across the DES suite. Through technical leadership and collaboration, this individual addresses complex architectural challenges, establishes reusable engineering practices, and guides development teams in delivering scalable applications that support Divergent's computational design capabilities. The Role

Lead the architecture and design of high-performance, interactive 3D desktop and web-based CAE applications across multiple engineering programs or technical disciplines. Establish application frameworks, software design patterns, and architectural methodologies that improve development efficiency, scalability, maintainability, and reuse. Architect and implement critical components of GPU-enabled job execution and scheduling systems supporting computationally intensive engineering workflows. Drive innovative solutions to complex application architecture, graphics rendering, UI design, performance, and software integration challenges. Define technical approaches for interactive 3D visualization, application responsiveness, resource utilization, and reliable execution of engineering workflows. Establish architectural frameworks and development practices that reduce technical risk and prevent fragmented application ownership. Lead cross-functional technical initiatives, integrating application architecture with computational design, CAE solvers, and platform capabilities. Provide technical direction to engineering teams, delegate implementation, and ensure architectural decisions are consistently applied. Mentor engineers across teams on desktop software architecture, 3D application development, software quality, and engineering best practices. Collaborate with DES and Platform IPT leadership to align technical solutions with program objectives and evolving computational design requirements. Anticipate emerging technical challenges and evaluate technologies that improve application scalability, usability, and long-term maintainability. Define and track technical outcomes related to application performance, development efficiency, software reliability, and architectural reuse.

Basic Qualifications

Ability to lawfully access information and technology subject to U.S. export controls. Extensive experience in software architecture and desktop application development. Demonstrated expertise designing and developing high-performance, interactive 3D applications, preferably within CAE, CAD, PLM, or engineering software environments. Proven ability to solve complex, ambiguous technical problems and develop innovative software architecture solutions. Strong understanding of graphics and rendering pipelines, UI architecture, desktop software frameworks, and application performance optimization. Experience developing reusable software frameworks, architectural methodologies, and technical standards. Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives across multiple projects, programs, or disciplines. Experience providing technical direction, mentoring engineers, and influencing implementation decisions across teams. Familiarity with engineering software ecosystems such as Siemens NX, Teamcenter, or comparable CAE and PLM platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

10+ years of experience in software engineering, industrial applications, CAE, CAD, PLM, scientific computing, or related technical domains. Experience architecting GPU compute systems, clustered GPU workloads, job scheduling, or distributed execution frameworks. Experience integrating topology optimization, computational geometry, simulation, or CAE solvers into interactive desktop applications. Experience with modern desktop application frameworks and interactive 3D visualization technologies. Track record of delivering software used by mechanical engineers, computational designers, or research teams. Demonstrated success establishing technical best practices and improving development efficiency across multiple engineering teams. Experience coordinating technical solutions across software, platform, and computational engineering disciplines.

Environment

Onsite/Hybrid/Remote

Compensation At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels E07 - E09 as evaluated through our interview process.

E07 / Principal Engineer: $171,450 - $235,740 E08 / Sr. Principal Engineer: $197,990 - $272,240 E09/ Technical Fellow: $228,650- $314,390 Pay Range $171,450 — $314,390 USD What We Offer:

Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions. Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vac