Principal Software Developer Engineer

Fortinet; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k)

Vacation time and sick time

11 paid holidays

Job summary

Fortinet is seeking a Principal Software Developer Engineer for the FortiSwitch team in Sunnyvale, California. This role involves developing and maintaining software components, owning networking features for the FortiSwitch product line, and requiring a minimum of 12 years of experience in networking-related software development. The ideal candidate should have strong C/C++ skills, expertise in Linux kernel programming, and experience with Marvell SDKs. The position offers a salary range of $170,000 - $210,000 along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of experience in networking-related software development.
• Strong understanding of Linux kernel programming, including system calls and device drivers.
• Expertise in implementing L2/L3 features like STP, RSTP, RIP, OSPF, etc.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software components for current and future products.
• Own networking-related features for the FortiSwitch product line.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Skills

C/C++

Unix/Linux

Linux kernel programming

TCP/IP networking

Multi-process/thread programming

Scripting languages (Shell, Python)

Education

B.S. in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

M.S. preferred

Tools

Marvell switching ASICs

KVM

VMware

Job description

Job Description

Principal Software Developer Engineer for the FortiSwitch team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain software components for current and future products.
• Own networking‑related features for the FortiSwitch Virtual Machine (FSW-VM) product line and the Marvell CPSS SDK for both virtual machine and hardware deployments.
• Fix bugs in existing products.
• Implement high‑quality software features on schedule.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Collaborate with hardware teams for features that translate to hardware platforms.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of experience in networking‑related software development.
• B.S. in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering; M.S. preferred.
• Strong C/C++ experience in a Unix/Linux environment.
• Expertise in Linux kernel programming, including system calls and custom device drivers.
• Experience with Marvell switching ASICs and SDKs in Ethernet switches/routers.
• Experience developing applications that run in a virtualization environment (KVM & VMware).
• Experience with multi‑process/thread programming environments.
• Experience implementing L2/L3 features such as STP, RSTP, RIP, OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, LACP, LLDP, QoS, Private VLAN, and LAG.
• Knowledge of TCP/IP networking, firewalls, switching, and routing.
• Familiarity with system installations, configurations, and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of general QA procedures, methodologies, and software development fundamentals.
• Knowledge of scripting languages (Shell, Python) is a plus.
• Experience with firewalls and embedded systems is a plus.
• Knowledge of Linux kernel and driver development is a plus.
• US citizenship is required.

Compensation & Benefits

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $170,000 - $210,000. Fortinet offers medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), 11 paid holidays, vacation time, sick time, and a comprehensive leave program. All roles are eligible to participate in the Fortinet equity program. Bonus eligibility is reviewed at time of hire and annually at the company’s discretion.