Principal Software Development Engineer

Fortinet, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k)

Paid holidays

Vacation time

Sick time

Equity program

Bonus eligibility

Job summary

Fortinet, Inc. is seeking a senior systems engineer to troubleshoot complex, multi-layer issues from kernel to application and drive OS-level optimizations for a forward-looking platform in Sunnyvale.

You will collaborate with hardware teams and maintain existing OS components, ensuring performance and reliability for Fortinet’s diverse product family. Strong Linux internals knowledge and programming skills are essential.

Qualifications

• B.S./M.S. with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on Linux kernel experience, debugging, and performance tuning.
• Detailed knowledge of Linux kernel internals (scheduling, VFS, memory, I/O).
• Detailed knowledge of Linux network internals (TCP/IP, netfilter, drivers).
• Knowledge of processor architectures (x86, ARM).
• Programming skills in C, Bash, Python, and Go.
• Experience with virtualization/container/cloud technologies (preferred).
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Enthusiasm for system-level techniques.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot complex system-level issues across kernel to application layers.
• Provide system-level OS optimizations to meet evolving business requirements.
• Collaborate with hardware team to support delivery of the new platform.
• Maintain existing OS-related software components.

Skills

Linux kernel

Debugging

Performance tuning

Networking internals

C programming

Bash scripting

Python scripting

Go programming

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Tools

Linux

Virtualization/Cloud tech

Job description

Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoot complex, system-level, multi-component issues that across multiple layers from kernel to application.
• Provide system-level optimizations and improvements in the OS to meet the evolving business requirements.
• Collaborate with our hardware team to support the delivery of our new platform.
• Maintain the existing software components, OS related.

Requirements:

• B.S./M.S. with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with the Linux kernel, debugging, development, performance tuning, etc.
• Detailed knowledge of Linux kernel, scheduling, VFS, memory management, I/O, etc.
• Detailed knowledge of Linux network internals, TCP/IP, netfilter, network driver, etc.
• Good knowledge of processor architecture, x86, arm, etc.
• Programming skills in C/bash/python/go.
• Experience with virtualization/container/cloud technologies is preferred.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with cross-function teams.
• Enthusiasm for system-level techniques.

• US citizenship is required

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $175,000-$245,000. 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.

Why Join Us:

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