Demo

Principal Embedded Software Developer

Candidate Experience site
Sunnyvale, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/21/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/21/2026

Join Fortinet, a cybersecurity pioneer with over two decades of excellence, as we continue to shape the future of cybersecurity and redefine the intersection of networking and security. At Fortinet, our mission is to safeguard people, devices, and data everywhere. We are currently seeking a Principal Embedded Software Developer for our FortiSwitch Team

As a Principal Embedded Software Developer, you will:

  • Develop and maintain software components on current and future products. 
  • Be responsible for the development of the networking-related features of the FortiSwitch product line. 
  • Mentor 1-2 junior developers in feature development
  • Take a hands on in bug fixing current products. 
  • Implement software features of high quality and on schedule. 
  • Communicate effectively, both verbal and written.

 

We Are Looking For:

  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in Networking, particularly in switching, related embedded software development. 
  • B.S. in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering; M.S. preferred.
  • Experience in implementing L2/L3 features such as STP, DHCP, LACP, LLDP, MC-LAG, Private VLAN, L2/L3 Multicast, EVPN, RIP, OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, TRILL 803.1X, Port Extension, Switch Stacking, Open vSwitch. 
  • In-depth knowledge of TCP/IP networking, switching and routing.
  • Understanding of workings of Broadcom/Marvell/RealTek switching ASICs in an Ethernet switch/router.
  • Strong C/C experience in Unix/Linux environment is essential. 
  • Experience with ARM, PPC and x86 architectures in a multi process/thread programming environment
  • Familiarity with system installations, configurations, and troubleshooting. 
  • Knowledge of scripting languages: Shell, Ruby, Python a plus. 
  • Understanding of general QA procedures and methodologies as well as software development fundamentals. 
  • Experience with firewalls is a plus
  • Experience with Linux kernel and driver development is plus.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $170,000 - $210,000. 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 labor 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 time of hire and annually at the Company’s discretion.

 About Our Team: 

Join our team, known for its collaborative ethos, working seamlessly with global customers, internal engineering teams and product development groups. Our team culture emphasizes continuous learning, innovation, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. We embrace Fortinet’s core values of openness, teamwork and innovation, fostering an environment where team members support each other, share knowledge. Our inclusive and dynamic team thrives on collaboration and is driven by the shared goal of maintaining Fortinet’s high standards of excellence in cybersecurity solutions 

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

Salary : $170,000 - $210,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Principal Embedded Software Developer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Principal Embedded Software Developer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$162,729 - $194,659
Income Estimation: 
$173,217 - $199,061
Income Estimation: 
$80,479 - $90,779
Income Estimation: 
$90,609 - $105,383
Income Estimation: 
$90,609 - $105,383
Income Estimation: 
$117,524 - $131,245
Income Estimation: 
$117,524 - $131,245
Income Estimation: 
$145,630 - $167,634
Income Estimation: 
$145,630 - $167,634
Income Estimation: 
$162,729 - $194,659

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs with skills like those required for the Principal Embedded Software Developer.

Click the checkbox next to the jobs that you are interested in.

  • Bug/Defect Analysis Skill

    • Income Estimation: $90,707 - $120,959
    • Income Estimation: $101,441 - $130,752
  • Debugging Skill

    • Income Estimation: $94,625 - $127,578
    • Income Estimation: $90,707 - $120,959
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Candidate Experience site

  • Candidate Experience site Wilmington, DE
  • Boscov’s Sales Control/ Customer Service Desk Manager Experienced Sales Control/ Cash Office Managers—bring your experience to work for you where people lo... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Candidate Experience site Omaha, NE
  • The Named Regional Account Manager (RAM) is an exciting new role within the Fortinet sales organization that is focused on an important subset of the Mid-M... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Candidate Experience site Reading, PA
  • Retail Loss Prevention Detective Use your experience in retail loss prevention to launch an exciting career as a Loss Prevention Detective with one of the ... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Candidate Experience site Reading, PA
  • Retail Loss Prevention Detective Job Description Use your experience in retail loss prevention to launch an exciting career as a Loss Prevention Detective ... more
  • 13 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Principal Embedded Software Developer jobs in the Sunnyvale, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • Fortinet Sunnyvale, CA
  • Job Responsibilities: Develop and maintain software components on current and future networking related products. Hands on in bug fixing current products. ... more
  • 2 Months Ago

  • Abbott Milpitas, CA
  • Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectru... more
  • 17 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!