Windows Architect

About Virtru:

While the rest of the security industry obsesses over locking data down to prevent it from being lost or stolen, we're doing something fundamentally different at Virtru. We're setting data free so that you can intentionally share it with others, but without sacrificing security, privacy, or control.

We've created both a suite of powerful data protection applications and an open platform that's sparking an ecosystem of innovation. Through the Trusted Data Format (TDF) open standard, we're not just protecting data; we're creating a new paradigm where security enables sharing rather than preventing it.

Think of us as the Android of data protection: a robust platform with an open core that developers and partners can build upon, coupled with our own best-in-class applications that showcase what's possible when you reimagine security from the ground up.

Backed by Iconiq Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, Foundry Capital, and Tiger Global, we're helping Fortune 500 companies and government agencies discover that true data security means having the freedom to share, collaborate, and innovate — without compromise. Compensation: $180,000-$210,000

Team and Position Details:

As a Windows Architect reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, you will be dedicated to architectural excellence and technical leadership for Virtru's digital privacy products. The ideal candidate will have a natural passion for digital privacy, software architecture, and delivering exceptional technical solutions. You'll have the opportunity to work with and mentor a stellar team of passionate Engineers who are collaborative, cohesive, and dedicated to producing high-quality results. We encourage curiosity and have a culture that encourages growth. As a Technical Architect on this team, you will be on the cutting edge of Zero-Trust - the future of data and service protection!

This is a player/coach role with primary focus on architecture, design, and technical health, while also contributing to critical technical implementations. You will partner closely with Engineering Managers to provide dedicated architecture and design support, ensuring our Windows-based solutions are robust, scalable, and maintainable. This role will not have direct reports.

As a Windows Architect, your responsibilities will include:

Software Architecture & Design:

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

Technical Health & Quality:

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

Technical Leadership & Mentorship:

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

Collaboration & Strategic Partnership:

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

Execution:

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

Skills that will help you thrive in this role:

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

7-10+ years of professional software engineering experience with C and C++

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

Architectural & Leadership Skills:

Demonstrated experience leading architectural design and technical direction for engineering teams

Proven ability to influence without authority and drive technical decisions across teams

Strong technical mentoring and coaching experience

Experience creating architectural documentation, design documents, and technical specifications

Track record of improving technical health metrics and reducing technical debt

Experience with cross-team collaboration and dependency management

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience)

At least 7 years of professional software engineering experience, with significant focus on Windows systems programming

Proven experience in architectural or technical leadership roles

Communication & Collaboration:

Excellent ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing

Strong presentation skills and ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences

Experience with stakeholder management and aligning technical decisions with business context

Motivated by delivering customer value, team impact, and technical excellence

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience architecting Microsoft 365 add-ins with focus on security, performance, and user experience

Knowledge of data privacy, encryption, and zero-trust security models

Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and modern DevOps practices

Contributions to open-source projects or technical community involvement

Virtruvian qualities that will set you up for success:

Thinking outside of the box to respectfully challenge your teammates and managers in the pursuit of excellence

Strong sense of urgency with an action-oriented mindset

Able to collaborate and adapt to shifting priorities as business needs evolve

Comfortable with asynchronous communication including slack, email, zoom, etc.

Perks & Benefits:

At Virtru, we believe people do their best work when their wellbeing is put first. This is why we make your wellbeing our priority with a thoughtful and holistic program that encompasses Occupational, Mental, Social, Physical, and Environmental Wellness by offering benefits such as…

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.

In addition to wellbeing, Virtru places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Our DE&I Council is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace and making the psychological safety of each and every one of our teammates a top priority.

Additional perks include:

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

Virtru is committed to building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and everyone is encouraged to apply. Virtru is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, national origin, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.