Software Development Engineer

Fortinet•Sunnyvale, CA

20h•$123,000 - $151,000

About The Position

Designs, develops, and maintains networking software for current and future network and security products. The role implements and enhances network protocols and features, investigates connectivity, interoperability, performance, and stability issues, and analyzes packet flows to optimize network processing. It works with hardware, firmware, and QA teams to integrate and validate features across network environments, participates in design, code reviews, testing, and documentation, and supports resolution of customer-reported network issues. The position requires delivering high-quality software on schedule and communicating effectively. The role requires at least three years of networking-related software development experience, strong C/C++ skills in Unix/Linux, and a solid understanding of TCP/IP, Ethernet, IPv4/IPv6, switching, and routing. A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering—or equivalent practical experience—is required; a master's degree is preferred. The stated U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $123,000–$151,000. Fortinet lists medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, a 401(k), 11 paid holidays, vacation and sick time, and a comprehensive leave program. Roles are eligible for the Fortinet equity program; bonus eligibility is reviewed at hire and annually at the company's discretion.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in networking-related software development.
Strong C/C++ programming experience in a Unix/Linux environment.
Solid understanding of TCP/IP networking, Ethernet, IPv4/IPv6, switching, and routing.
Hands-on experience implementing or maintaining network protocols and features such as VLAN, DHCP, DNS, NAT, multicast, routing protocols, or VPN.
Strong understanding of packet forwarding, routing tables, network interfaces, and protocol state machines.
Experience with Linux network programming, including sockets, inter-process communication, and event-driven or multithreaded applications.
Strong troubleshooting skills using packet captures, protocol analysis, system logs, and debugging tools such as Wireshark, tcpdump, and GDB.
Familiarity with network configuration and testing involving routers, switches, firewalls, and end devices.
Knowledge of secure coding practices, software testing, and network protocol interoperability testing.
Experience with Git, code reviews, and maintaining production software.
B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
Effective verbal and written communication.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of network security technologies, including IPsec, TLS, authentication, and access control.
Experience with Linux kernel networking, network drivers, hardware acceleration, or embedded networking platforms.
Knowledge of Shell or Python scripting for network testing and automation.
M.S. preferred.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain networking software for current and future network and security products.
Implement and enhance network protocols and features, including routing, switching, network services, and secure connectivity.
Investigate and resolve network connectivity, interoperability, performance, and stability issues.
Analyze packet flows and optimize network processing for reliability and efficiency.
Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and QA teams to integrate features and validate functionality across different network environments.
Participate in software design, code reviews, testing, and technical documentation.
Support troubleshooting and resolution of customer-reported network issues.
Deliver high-quality software on schedule and communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.