Fortinet

Principal Embedded Software Development Engineer

Posted Yesterday

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Sunnyvale, CA, USA

In-Office

160K-220K Annually

Expert/Leader

Security • Software • Cybersecurity

The Role

Design, develop, and maintain embedded software features for FortiGate/FortiSwitch switch-controller products. Fix bugs, optimize performance, implement high-quality features, perform code reviews, collaborate across teams, and document and communicate technical work.

Summary Generated by Built In

Job Responsibilities:

Design, Develop and maintain software features on current and future products.
Responsible for the development of the switch-controller related features of the FortiGate/ FortiSwitch product line.
Hands on in bug fixing current products.
Implement software features of high quality and on schedule.
Optimize code for performance and resource efficiency
Review other team members’ code changes to ensure good quality
Collaborate within and outside team to understand and analyze the approaches
Communicate effectively, both verbal and written.

Job Requirements:

Minimum of 13 years’ experience in software engineering.
Strong C/Linux experience is essential.
Strong knowledge of TCP/IP networking, switching and routing
Familiarity with L2 features such as STP, RSTP, LACP, LLDP, VLAN
Familiarity with L3 features such as BGP, OSPF
Experience with socket programming.
Experience with Linux kernel and driver development.
Experience with ARM and x86 architectures in a multi process/thread programming environment
Familiar with system installations, configurations, and troubleshooting.
Knowledge of scripting languages: Shell and Python
Knowledge of general QA procedures and methodologies as well as software development fundamentals.
Experience with firewalls is a plus
Experience in using libcurl for formulating REST API calls is a plus
Experience with JSON data objects and their creation and parsing semantics is a plus
Familiarity with embedded switch or router real time operating system architecture
Familiarity with, CAPWAP, HTTPS tunnel is plus

Educational Requirements:

B.S. in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering; M.S. preferred.

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

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $160,000-$220,000. 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.

About Us

Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) secures the largest enterprise, service provider, and government organizations around the world. Fortinet empowers its customers with intelligent, seamless protection across the expanding attack surface and the power to take on ever-increasing performance requirements of the borderless network - today and into the future. Only the Fortinet Security Fabric architecture can deliver security without compromise to address the most critical security challenges, whether in networked, application, cloud or mobile environments. Fortinet ranks number one in the most security appliances shipped worldwide and more than 500,000 customers trust Fortinet to protect their businesses.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected].

Fortinet is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in our company, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, military/veteran status or any other applicable legally protected characteristics in the location in which the candidate is applying.

Skills Required

Minimum of 13 years' experience in software engineering
Strong C experience
Strong Linux experience
Strong knowledge of TCP/IP networking, switching and routing
Familiarity with L2 features: STP, RSTP, LACP, LLDP, VLAN
Familiarity with L3 features: BGP, OSPF
Experience with socket programming
Experience with Linux kernel and driver development
Experience with ARM and x86 architectures in multi-process/thread environments
Familiar with system installations, configurations, and troubleshooting
Knowledge of scripting languages: Shell and Python
Knowledge of general QA procedures and software development fundamentals
Familiarity with embedded switch or router real-time operating system architecture
Experience with firewalls
Experience using libcurl for REST API calls
Experience with JSON creation and parsing
Familiarity with CAPWAP and HTTPS tunnel
B.S. in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering
M.S. degree
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

Fortinet Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Fortinet and has not been reviewed or approved by Fortinet.

Affordable Benefits — Medical coverage includes a no-premium HDHP option with HSA funding alongside PPO/HMO choices, reducing employee costs at enrollment. Eligibility starts on the date of hire and includes company-paid life and disability coverage.
Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Mental-health access through Modern Health and an EAP offers therapy, coaching, and counseling resources. Lifestyle extras such as legal assistance, commuter benefits, pet-insurance discounts, and subsidized meals and snacks enhance everyday support.
Strong & Reliable Incentives — Compensation packages include annual bonuses, sales commissions, and stock awards. Earnings potential can be strong in sales when quotas are realistic and attainment is high.