Embedded Software Engineer

Fortinet, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 96,800 - 118,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k)

11 paid holidays

Job summary

A global cybersecurity leader is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to enhance and develop embedded solutions for networking and security appliances. The successful candidate will work on software for firewall products, improving performance and reliability while collaborating across teams. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering and strong C/C++ skills. The position is based in Sunnyvale, California, with a competitive salary ranging from $96,800 to $118,300 and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in low-level software development.
• Solid understanding of operating system concepts.
• Familiarity with debugging and validation tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain existing and next-generation firewall product suites.
• Collaborate with hardware teams on platform integration.
• Optimize software for performance and reliability.

Skills

Proficiency in C and/or C++ programming

Experience with embedded Linux systems

Strong problem-solving and debugging skills

Understanding of L2-L4 network protocols

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

Tools

GDB

JTAG

Oscilloscopes

Job description

Description

As an Embedded Software Engineer on our team, you will be responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of embedded software and core platform modules that power Fortinet’s networking and security appliances.

This is a high-visibility role within the engineering organization and will be instrumental in collaborating with hardware, platform, QA, and cross-functional teams across Fortinet to understand requirements and deliver scalable, reliable, and high-quality embedded solutions that can grow with the business. The successful candidate must be a strong hands-on engineer with expertise in embedded systems, embedded networking, and low-level software development, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Principal Responsibilities

• Participate in the development and maintenance of existing and next-generation firewall product suites.
• Design, implement, and maintain core platform modules for embedded networking and security appliances.
• Develop and enhance low-level software components, including device drivers, kernel modules, and board support packages (BSPs).
• Take ownership of significant areas of the codebase for both new feature development and maintenance or redesign of existing product areas.
• Support all phases of the software development life cycle, including requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, validation, and deployment.
• Collaborate closely with hardware teams on board bring-up, platform integration, debugging, and validation of new systems.
• Optimize software for performance, scalability, memory efficiency, reliability, and maintainability.
• Debug and resolve complex issues across hardware and software layers using a structured and systematic approach.
• Contribute to embedded platform architecture, software design decisions, and long-term technical improvements.
• Participate in code reviews, CI/testing, and development best practices to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Follow secure coding practices and support the development of security-focused product features.
• Continuously contribute to product improvements in performance, scalability, reliability, and maintainability.

Qualifications / Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency in C and/or C++ programming.
• Experience with embedded Linux systems and low-level software development.
• Solid understanding of operating system concepts, including memory management, processes, concurrency, and multi-threaded systems.
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills, with the ability to analyze complex multivariate problems and drive efficient resolution.
• Understanding of L2-L4 network protocols and networking fundamentals such as TCP/IP, routing, and switching.
• Experience with hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, PCIe, or similar system interfaces.
• Familiarity with debugging and validation tools such as GDB, JTAG, oscilloscopes, or logic analyzers.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work effectively across teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing software for cybersecurity, firewall, networking, or appliance-based products.
• Good understanding of Linux kernel internals and kernel development.
• Familiarity with ARM64 and/or x86 architectures.
• Experience with bootloaders and platform bring-up workflows.
• Experience with secure firmware development, encryption, authentication, or system hardening.
• Exposure to DSL, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or 3G/4G/5G networking technologies is a plus.
• Understanding of real-time, distributed, and performance-sensitive embedded systems is a plus.

Why Join Us

At Fortinet, you will be part of a global leader in cybersecurity innovation and work on technologies that protect organizations around the world. You will have the opportunity to solve challenging system-level problems, contribute to high-performance embedded platforms, and grow your career alongside a highly skilled engineering team in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and identities to apply. We offer a supportive work environment and a competitive Total Rewards package to support you with your overall health and financial well-being.

Embark on a challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding career journey with Fortinet. Join us in bringing solutions that make a meaningful and lasting impact to our 660,000+ customers around the globe.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $96,800-$118,300. Fortinet offers employees a variety of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), 11 paid holidays, vacation time, and sick time, as well as a comprehensive leave program.

Wage ranges are based on various factors, including the labour market, job type, and job level. Exact salary offers will be determined by factors such as the candidate's subject knowledge, skill level, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

All roles are eligible to participate in the Fortinet equity program. Bonus eligibility is reviewed at the time of hire and annually at the Company’s discretion.