Fortinet

Software Development Engineer

Posted 2 Days Ago

Be an Early Applicant

Sunnyvale, CA, USA

Hybrid

123K-151K Annually

Mid level

Security • Software • Cybersecurity

The Role

Design, develop, and maintain networking software for network and security products. Implement routing, switching, network services, secure connectivity, and protocol features. Troubleshoot connectivity, interoperability, performance, and stability issues using packet analysis and debugging tools. Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and QA teams on integration and testing. Participate in design reviews, documentation, customer issue resolution, and production software maintenance.

Summary Generated by Built In

Job 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, both verbally and in writing.

Job Requirements:

Minimum of 3 years of experience in networking-related software development.
Strong C/C++ programming experience in a Unix/Linux environment is essential.
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 in environments 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.
Knowledge of network security technologies, including IPsec, TLS, authentication, and access control, is a plus.
Experience with Linux kernel networking, network drivers, hardware acceleration, or embedded networking platforms is a plus.
Knowledge of Shell or Python scripting for network testing and automation is a plus.

Educational Requirements:

B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience; M.S. preferred.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $123,000-$151,000. 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 890,000+ 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

At least 3 years of networking-related software development experience
Strong C/C++ programming experience in a Unix/Linux environment
Understanding of TCP/IP, Ethernet, IPv4/IPv6, switching, and routing
Experience implementing or maintaining network protocols and features such as VLAN, DHCP, DNS, NAT, multicast, routing protocols, or VPN
Understanding of packet forwarding, routing tables, network interfaces, and protocol state machines
Linux network programming experience, including sockets, inter-process communication, and event-driven or multithreaded applications
Troubleshooting experience with packet captures, protocol analysis, system logs, Wireshark, tcpdump, and GDB
Experience configuring and testing networks 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
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
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
Master's degree

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.

Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity awards for eligible roles vest quarterly over four years, with 70% vesting in the first two years and no one-year cliff. This front-loaded structure can provide meaningful near-term value and may be complemented by recognition or refresh stock awards.
Retirement Support — Global retirement and savings programs are offered, with plan details varying by region. This indicates structured support for long-term financial wellbeing across countries.
Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — The package includes health and welfare coverage, paid time off, and wellness programs as part of a broader Total Rewards approach. Coverage is positioned to support health, financial wellbeing, and major life events.