Embedded Software Engineer

Fortinet, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) plan

11 paid holidays and vacation time

Comprehensive leave program

Job summary

Fortinet, Inc. is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to design, implement, and maintain embedded software for security appliances.

You will work across Fortinet’s firewall product suites, collaborating with hardware, platform, QA, and cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, reliable solutions. The role emphasizes hands-on development, secure coding practices, and advancing core platform modules for high-performance networking devices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong proficiency in C and/or C++ programming.
• Experience with embedded Linux systems and low-level software development.
• Solid understanding of OS concepts including memory management, processes, concurrency, and multi-threaded systems.
• Understanding of L2-L4 network protocols and networking fundamentals such as TCP/IP, routing, and switching.

Responsibilities

• Participate in development and maintenance of 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 BSPs.
• Take ownership of significant areas of the codebase for new features and maintenance.
• Support all phases of the software development life cycle from requirements to deployment.
• Collaborate with hardware teams on bring-up, platform integration, and validation.
• Optimize software for performance, scalability, memory efficiency, and reliability.
• Debug and resolve complex issues across hardware and software layers.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded Linux

Networking basics

Debugging

Multithreaded systems

Hardware interfaces

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Tools

GDB/JTAG

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

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.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

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.