Senior Manager / Lead Application & System Architect – Industrial Systems (f/m/d)

Senior Manager / Lead Application & System Architect – Industrial Systems (f/m/d)

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Application & System Architect to lead the definition and delivery of innovative semiconductor-based solutions for industrial markets—including robotics, smart energy, appliances, and industrial automation. In this strategic leadership role, you will head a team of system architects and drive the alignment between market needs, product group strategies, and system-level solutions. You will lead the system architecture function across multiple programs, shape long-term roadmaps, and guide the development of differentiated solutions that power next-generation industrial equipment. This role requires both technical depth and leadership maturity, with the ability to influence across business units and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of system and application architects, fostering a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and customer orientation.
• Define system-level solutions for industrial applications using semiconductor technologies (e.g., MCUs, SoCs, power ICs, sensors, connectivity).
• Translate customer problems, market trends, and technology developments into system requirements, product definitions, and long-term solution roadmaps.
• Align closely with Product Groups (PGs), solution marketing, and engineering teams to ensure architecture strategies are synchronized with business goals.
• Drive HW/SW partitioning, interface definitions, and system-level integration, considering cost, performance, scalability, and manufacturability.
• Oversee development of system specifications (SRDs), reference designs, and simulation models addressing real-world industrial use cases.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., EMC, safety, diagnostics, reliability) and enable design-to-certification for target applications.
• Lead SWOT analyses, competitive benchmarking, and gap identification to inform PG and system-level roadmaps.
• Provide strategic feedback to PGs based on customer insights, market research, and technical assessments.
• Support key customer engagements and strategic co-development initiatives at the system level.
• Organize and drive internal trainings, knowledge-sharing forums, and best practice adoption within the system architecture community.
• Foster collaborations with startups, partners, and academic institutions to explore new technologies, build prototypes, and shape emerging system requirements.
• Evaluate and integrate third-party solutions through coordination with centralized partner teams.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in system or application architecture, with at least 3 years in a technical leadership or team management role.
• Strong background in semiconductor-based embedded systems targeting industrial applications.
• Proven experience in system-level architecture involving mixed-signal, embedded software, and power electronics.
• Proficient in system simulation and modeling (e.g., SPICE, Simulink, PLECS, thermal and magnetic tools).
• Deep knowledge of industrial protocols (e.g., CAN, EtherCAT, Modbus), motor control, power conversion, and system safety standards.
• Track record of driving cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder alignment across product, engineering, and business units.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
• Fluent in English; German or other European languages are a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Lead system innovation across diverse and growing industrial markets.
• Shape the architecture function and mentor high-performing talent.
• Work in a dynamic, cross-functional environment with global impact.
• Competitive compensation, flexible working options, and international career growth opportunities.

Renesas is an embedded semiconductor solutions provider driven by its purpose: “To Make Our Lives Easier.” As the industry’s leading expert in embedded processing with unmatched quality and system-level know-how, we provide scalable semiconductor solutions for automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT sectors across a broad product portfolio, including High Performance Computing, Embedded Processing, Analog & Connectivity, and Power.

With a diverse team of over 21,000 professionals in more than 30 countries, we continue to expand our boundaries to offer enhanced user experiences through digitalization and innovation. We design and develop sustainable, power-efficient solutions today that help people and communities thrive tomorrow, “To Make Our Lives Easier.”

Equal Opportunity Statement

Renesas Electronics is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to supporting diversity and fostering a work environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For more information, please read our Diversity & Inclusion Statement.

Working Model

We have adopted a hybrid model that provides flexibility to work remotely two days a week, with in-office days designated to Tuesday through Thursday for collaboration and continuous learning.

Job Details

Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Employment type: Full-time • Seniority level: Mid-Senior level • Job function: Manufacturing • Industry: Semiconductors

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