Embedded Software Engineer

Fortinet•Sunnyvale, CA

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.