Junior Firmware Engineer – OpenWrt Platform

San Jose, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 90000 - 160000

Posted on: 17 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

Junior Firmware Engineer OpenWrt Platform

San Jose California

Linksys (Fortinet)

About the Role

You will develop and optimize firmware based on OpenWrt for networking devices such as routers and gateways. This role focuses on core networking functionality including routing firewalling VPNs mesh networking and QoS.

As a junior engineer you will work closely with senior firmware engineers in a spec-first test-driven environment. Your early work will focus on understanding the codebase improving existing features fixing bugs and building confidence through well-scoped ownership.

This role is well-suited for recent graduates or early-career engineers who want to build strong foundations in embedded Linux and networking firmware.

Location Context

This role is based in San Jose California our primary firmware engineering hub. The San Jose office brings together platform wireless and security engineers enabling close collaboration while still supporting deep specialization.

Key Responsibilities

Implement and improve OpenWrt firmware features under senior guidance
Work on routing firewall VPN mesh networking and QoS functionality
Write clear technical specifications before implementation
Develop and maintain automated tests using test-driven development practices
Profile and improve performance (CPU memory) on embedded Linux systems
Debug firmware issues using logs command-line tools and network analyzers
Participate in code reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams
Learn and apply safe responsible AI-assisted development practices

Required Qualifications

B.S. in Computer Science Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering or related field (02 years experience)
Proficiency in C programming
Familiarity with Linux or embedded Linux environments
Understanding of basic networking concepts (TCP/IP DNS HTTP)
Ability to debug issues methodically and learn from existing code
Comfort using Git and collaborating in a team environment

Nice-to-Have Skills

Experience with OpenWrt Buildroot or Yocto
Basic knowledge of Wi-Fi standards or mesh networking
Scripting experience (Python or shell)
Exposure to open-source projects

Engineering Culture

Our team follows three core development practices that youll learn during onboarding:

Spec-First Development:Write specifications before coding. Youll learn to document your design approach and expected behavior before implementation with senior engineer guidance.

Test-Driven Development:Write tests alongside code. Youll learn to create automated tests that validate your work and catch regressions early.

AI-Augmented Workflow:Use AI tools responsibly. Youll have access to AI coding assistants to help with research code generation and problem-solvingalways with human validation.

AI Usage Expectations

We provide AI coding tools (GitHub Copilot internal assistants) to boost productivity. As a junior engineer:

Youre encouraged to use AIfor generating boilerplate code researching solutions and learning new concepts
Youre responsible for validatingall AI-generated code through testing and code reviewtreat it like code from a peer
Never includeproprietary code or credentials in external AI prompts
You must understandthe code you commitAI accelerates work but doesnt replace learning

Well train you on safe AI usage practices (OWASP/NIST-aligned) during onboarding.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $90000-$160000. 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 candidates 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 Companys 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 660000 customers around the globe.

Required Experience:

Junior IC

DescriptionJunior Firmware Engineer OpenWrt PlatformSan Jose CaliforniaLinksys (Fortinet)About the RoleYou will develop and optimize firmware based on OpenWrt for networking devices such as routers and gateways. This role focuses on core networking functionality including routing firewalling VPNs m...