Windows Architect

Virtru

. Lead system design and architecture reviews for Windows kernel and user-mode components .

Posted 4/21/2026full-timeRemote • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $180,000 - $210,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AzureCloudMicroservices

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead system design and architecture reviews for Windows kernel and user-mode components
Create and maintain architectural documentation, including authoring and reviewing ADRs (Architecture Decision Records), to ensure alignment with overall software architecture
Guide API design, data modeling, and integration patterns for Windows driver and service development
Provide technical direction for complex features and initiatives involving Windows file systems, security, and system-level integration
Drive architectural decisions for Windows platform components across teams
Monitor and improve technical debt across Windows-focused engineering teams
Partner with Engineering Managers to define key technical health metrics and streamline technical onboarding processes
Drive reliability, performance, and security best practices for kernel-mode and user-mode Windows development
Break down complex technical tasks into clear, manageable deliverables for the team
Ensure sustainable engineering practices and code quality standards
Serve as a technical guide for team members, helping them master Windows internals, architecture, and development practices
Ensure teams are delivering solutions to satisfy requirements while aligning to current and future architectural designs
Coach and mentor engineers on Windows internals/driver development, system architecture, and best practices
Lead by example through high-quality code contributions to critical or complex components
Share knowledge of Windows internals, security models, and emerging technologies with the team
Conduct code reviews with focus on architectural alignment and quality
Support hiring processes and technical assessments for Windows engineering candidates
Partner with Engineering Managers through regular 1:1s and team planning sessions
Collaborate with product management, UX, and other architects to design and deliver new software solutions
Work with other Technical Architects to identify and resolve cross-team dependencies and technical challenges
Ensure technical roadmap alignment with product and business priorities
Participate in and contribute to platform-wide architectural initiatives
Take ownership of the entire lifecycle and toolchain of Windows components from design through deployment
Contribute to critical technical implementations, balancing hands-on coding with architectural responsibilities
Work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment touching a variety of projects and products
Build software that will meaningfully impact how people approach data privacy

Requirements

What you’ll need

7-10+ years of professional software engineering experience with C and C++
Deep expertise with developing kernel-mode and user-mode Windows drivers utilizing Windows File IO APIs, filter managers, and system-level APIs
Extensive experience implementing enterprise authentication strategies, SSO integrations, and token-based security patterns with Microsoft Identity Platform
Strong demonstrable understanding of software design patterns and architectural principles
Proven track record of designing and delivering complex, production-grade Windows system software
Expertise with Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code development environments, and CMake
Deep understanding of Windows internals, security models, and performance optimization
Experience with Windows service development and system-level debugging
Experience with Azure cloud architecture and microservices
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience)

Benefits

Comp & perks

A Flexible PTO policy — we strongly encourage you to take time off (in addition to 14 holidays) to ensure that you are getting the proper time needed to unplug and recharge.
A $1,500 annual Learning & Development Stipend focused on providing you the resources to continually learn and professionally grow.
Frequent company-sponsored team celebrations that provide ample opportunities to connect with teammates and be social!
Access to an Employee Assistance Program
Access to Headspace, a mental health app tailored to your specific needs.
A flat 3% contribution to your retirement account
A high degree of flexibility — Have an appointment, errand, or family emergency to take care of? Hop to it! We give you the time and space to take care of you and your own first.
Competitive compensation
Generous parental, medical, and bereavement policies
401K contribution and stock options
Full medical, dental, and vision benefits
New Hire Swag and IT Welcome boxes
Structured semi-annual 360° performance reviews

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

CC++Windows driversWindows File IO APIsfilter managerssystem-level APIsenterprise authentication strategiesSSO integrationstoken-based security patternssoftware design patterns

Soft Skills

technical directionmentoringcollaborationcoachingcommunicationleadershipproblem-solvingtechnical assessmentsdocumentationteam planning