At Bose Corporation, we believe sound is the most powerful force on earth — and for over 60 years, we have been a company built on innovation, excellence, and independence. Privately owned, fiercely customer-focused, and driven by our values, we continue to lead industries and transform lives through sound.

Today, Bose Corporation is entering an exciting new era. Across multiple global Business Units and Global Functions, we are shaping the future of audio technology, automotive, luxury, and premium experiences. We invite you to join us in this transformation.

Job Description

Bose Labs is building the technologies and platforms that will shape the future of Bose experiences. Within Bose Labs, SEA&P translates emerging technology into reusable architectures, platforms, and reference designs that can scale across Consumer and Automotive applications.

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer – Systems Architect, E2E to define complete end-to-end systems spanning hardware, software, audio signal processing, acoustics, connectivity, sensing, compute, and user experience.

This is a senior technical leadership role for someone who thinks system-first. You will shape the overall architecture, go deep enough into individual domains to understand constraints and tradeoffs, and guide decisions across multiple engineering disciplines. Success requires broad technical depth, strong systems judgment, and the ability to earn credibility with specialists across hardware and software teams.

Who You Are

You are a systems thinker first. You start with the complete problem and intended experience, then determine how the hardware, software, and functional domains must work together to solve it.

You can operate at the highest level of architecture while going deep enough into individual domains to understand what is possible, where the risks are, and which tradeoffs matter most.

Most importantly, you want to help architect the future of Bose—turning advanced technology into coherent, scalable, differentiated systems that power exceptional Consumer and Automotive audio experiences.

What You’ll Do

Lead end-to-end system architecture for complex Consumer and Automotive audio systems.
Translate customer, product, and technology needs into coherent system architectures.
Define system decomposition, interfaces, data flows, functional boundaries, and resource allocation.
Drive tradeoffs across hardware, software, DSP, acoustics, connectivity, sensing, power, compute, performance, and cost.
Identify cross-domain risks and dependencies early and drive system-level solutions.
Use modeling, simulation, prototyping, and test data to evaluate architecture options.
Develop reusable architectures and reference solutions that scale across applications.
Provide Principal-level technical leadership across Bose Labs, engineering teams, suppliers, and technology partners.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
Significant experience developing and architecting complex multidisciplinary systems.
Demonstrated experience leading end-to-end architecture across hardware and software.
Strong understanding of embedded systems, including interactions among hardware, software, firmware, signal processing, and physical constraints.
Experience defining system architectures, interfaces, functional decomposition, requirements, and technical tradeoffs.
Demonstrated ability to work across engineering disciplines and optimize the overall system.
Strong technical leadership and communication skills, including the ability to influence without direct authority.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in Systems Engineering or a related technical discipline.
Experience architecting consumer audio, automotive audio, or other complex embedded systems.
Strong knowledge of digital audio signal processing, acoustics, and audio system architectures.
Experience with embedded processors, SoCs, DSPs, real-time operating systems, and Linux-based systems.
Background with distributed systems, connectivity, sensing, or hardware/software co-design.
Demonstrated experience developing reusable platforms, reference architectures, SDKs, frameworks, or technology building blocks.
Experience working with semiconductor vendors, suppliers, automotive partners, or third-party integrators.

At Bose, you're inspired to be and do your best and are rewarded for your unique talents! Our compensation is thoughtfully tailored to your skills, experience, education, and location, and goes beyond base salary. The hiring range for this position in the primary work location of Framingham, Massachusetts is: $168,300-$231,450.The hiring range for other Bose work locations may vary. In addition to competitive base pay we offer rewards including bonus programs, comprehensive health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) plan, plus exclusive perks designed to support your wellbeing, and a generous employee discount where you can immerse yourself in our products and experiences. We are a proudly independent company—driven by purpose, guided by our values, and united by a belief in the power of sound. As the world leader in audio experiences, we’re creating what’s next—pushing boundaries and delivering transformative sound experiences for people everywhere. Join us and make your next career move a mic-drop. Let’s Make Waves.

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About the company

Bose creates premium audio products and technologies for consumers, cars, and professional venues. Its systems rely on psychoacoustics and in-house research to deliver features like noise cancellation and immersive spatial sound, used in headphones, soundbars, and integrated car audio. The company stands out through a strong, research-focused approach, diversified through direct-to-consumer sales, licensing, automotive partnerships, and professional installations, aided by an ownership structure that supports long‑term R&D. Its goal is to ensure sound is heard as it was meant to be, while growing leadership across consumer, automotive, and professional audio markets.

Company Size

5,001-10,000

Company Stage

Seed

Total Funding

$430K

Headquarters

Framingham, Massachusetts

Founded

1964

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

September 2026 launched Ultra Open Gen 2, Sport Open, and $99 wired ANC earbuds.
September 29, 2026 Auracast support broadens Bose's ecosystem compatibility and upgrade path.
Thom Browne collaboration and luxury brands McIntosh, Sonus faber expand premium pricing power.

What critics are saying

Bose faces recurring patent suits; September 2026 dockets show Shenzhen Hongyinyue and Orange Connex.
September 2026 firmware backlash showed feature removals can damage trust fast.
Sony, Apple, and Nothing compress Bose's premium headphone margins; hardware commoditizes by 2027.

What makes Bose unique

Bose still owns QuietComfort ANC and psychoacoustic tuning leadership.
MIT-backed governance sustains research spending, not quarterly margin squeezing.
Firelight FMOD acquisition, October 1, 2026, adds interactive audio software.

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Benefits

Hybrid Work Options
Mental Health Support

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth

Wired

Oct 21st, 2026

Bose buys Skullcandy to reach younger board sports fans, keeping the brand in Utah

Bose is acquiring Skullcandy, the lifestyle brand known for bass-heavy headphones, the company announced on Wednesday. Skullcandy will stay a separate company within Bose's Premium Consumer Audio business and remain based in Park City, Utah. The deal follows a year of collaboration under the Sound by Bose licensing programme. Skullcandy designs the products and Bose handles the audio, as with the Method 360 ANC earbuds in 2025 and the Crusher 1080 ANC headphones in July. Bose chief executive officer Lila Snyder said Skullcandy gives it access to customers it largely misses with the Bose brand. Its lower prices also let Bose compete at both ends of the market. Bose bought McIntosh Group in 2024.

Built In

Oct 16th, 2026

Audio innovator Bose recognized by TIME, Fast Company on national lists.

Audio innovator Bose recognized by TIME, Fast Company on national lists. The company was highlighted among TIME's America's Most Iconic Companies and as a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators. Published on Oct. 16, 2026 Bose, a company that manufactures devices for delivering high-quality sound experiences, was recently recognized by TIME on its list of America's Most Iconic Companies. Bose, a Massachusetts-based company founded in 1964, offers audio solutions such as home stereos, earbuds and automotive speakers. TIME's list aims to highlight companies that have furthered the country's reputation as an incubator for globally recognized brands. TIME partnered with Statista to survey U.S. residents on American companies that have achieved commercial success and helped shape culture and society. Bose was also featured on Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators 2026 list. On the eighth annual list, the audio hardware company was among 22 winners for the North America category.

Inc42

Oct 12th, 2026

How XSCACE is taking on Bose and B&O with 12mm-thin speakers.

How XSCACE is taking on Bose and B&O with 12mm-thin speakers. Founded in 2022, XSCACE began by reengineering high-performance speakers for modern interiors and has since expanded into configuration software and DSP tools for architects, designers and audio integrators The bootstrapped startup made its first commercial sale in January 2024 and recorded ₹20.38 Cr in FY26 revenue, with products such as the 12mm-thin Bonsai and 23mm-thin Cane built around six proprietary technologies XSCACE now plans to expand across India, the US, Europe and the Middle East while building a broader architectural audio ecosystem spanning software, DSP, amplification and complementary hardware For decades, names like Bose, Marshall, Bang & Olufsen and KEF have shaped how the world listens to music. Their dominance was built on one simple premise: better sound came from bigger hardware, larger cabinets, larger drivers and speakers designed to be seen and admired. But that premise is increasingly getting at odds with how modern spaces are being designed today. Architects and homeowners are favouring clean walls, minimal interiors and technology that fits seamlessly into the room instead of dominating it.

FREEYORK

Oct 2nd, 2026

Elevate your listening: cutting-edge over-ear headphones from Nothing, Bose, and more.

Elevate your listening: cutting-edge over-ear headphones from Nothing, Bose, and more. 2026-10-02 Exploring the forefront of audio technology, this selection of new over-ear headphones, including the groundbreaking model from Nothing, presents exciting innovations from renowned brands. Whether it's enhanced noise cancellation or luxurious design, these models redefine premium sound experiences. Nothing headphone: an acoustic marvel. The Headphone (1) Pro from Nothing pushes boundaries with a sleek rectangular design and upgraded internals. Available in striking black and crisp white, these headsets aim at audiophiles with three drivers delivering hi-res audio both wired and wirelessly. The noise cancellation system uses ten microphones and silicone baffles for unparalleled sound isolation. Dynamic Spatial Audio and a 'Flat EQ' mode cater to audio professionals seeking precision. Constructed from machined aluminum, they come encased in a durable hardshell case, making this equipment appealing to audiophiles. For those interested in innovative designs, Vladimir Dubrovin's retro music player revives the tactile experience in a modern format. Thom Browne x Bose: A luxurious collaboration. Designer Thom Browne joins forces with Bose to craft a unique edition of the QuietComfort Ultra headphones. Drawing inspiration from Browne's iconic fashion aesthetic, these headphones are wrapped in cashmere with distinctive four-bar branding. The earcups and carry case feature an elegant striped motif inside. This model offers Bose's signature noise cancelling capabilities, along with both wired and wireless connectivity. Sony WH-1000XM4C: lightweight versatility. Sony enhances its headphone lineup with the WH-1000XM4C, a versatile pair of wireless ANC headphones. Available in Platinum Silver, Lavender, and Black, these headphones weigh a mere 253 grams and offer 27 hours of listening time. Additional features include customizable equalization via the Sony Connect app. Technics EAH-A1000: powerful elegance. The Technics EAH-A1000 stands as a new flagship model, equipped with a 40mm driver featuring a carbon fibre diaphragm for powerful sound without distortion. The look combines metal elements with the brand's signature machining. Highlights include 45 hours of playback and multipoint connectivity. FiiO FT15: masterful craftsmanship with planar technology. FiiO introduces the FT15, wired headphones leveraging advanced planar technology via a flexible film diaphragm. The headphones showcase refined craftsmanship with black walnut earcups and a carbon fibre headband for lightness and comfort, perfect for long listening sessions. Audiophile headphones like these set a new standard for design and functionality. Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC: open-back wireless innovation. The ATH-AL5NC from Audio-Technica marks the brand's debut in wireless open-back headphones. This design promotes an expansive sound field, ideal for home audio enjoyment. Offering a 75-hour battery life, these devices support both wired and wireless listening. Philips Fidelio L5: simplicity meets high performance. Philips presents the Fidelio L5, an affordable yet sophisticated over-ear headphone option. With 60 hours of battery life and Bluetooth 6.0, the Fidelio L5 combines convenient functionality with an ANC system that adjusts for optimal sound leakage management. Utilizing recycled materials, these headphones marry sustainability with style, showing another facet of the Nothing product. If you're keen on design and functionality, explore how Sebastian Herkner revolutionizes heating design with a terracotta radiator. Frequently asked questions. What design features do Nothing headphones offer? What collaboration brought luxury to Bose headphones? What is the battery life of the Philips Fidelio L5 headphones?

PR Newswire

Oct 1st, 2026

Bose acquires Firelight Technologies, maker of FMOD interactive audio software for gaming

Bose Corporation has acquired Firelight Technologies, the Melbourne-based maker of FMOD interactive audio software. The acquisition expands Bose's Audio Technology capabilities into gaming and immersive experiences. FMOD is widely used by game developers globally, enabling them to create audio that responds to real-time gameplay. The platform will remain open and broadly supported, with Bose committing to continued investment in FMOD and its community. "Gaming represents a significant opportunity for our continued growth," said Nick Smith, president of Bose Audio Technology. Bose plans to explore opportunities in VR/AR, automotive, and other applications requiring interactive audio. Firelight founder Brett Paterson said joining Bose provides opportunities to advance FMOD's roadmap whilst supporting its existing community. Financial terms remain confidential.

Bose

Principal Systems Architect - End to End

About the job