Junior Firmware Engineer – Wireless Platforms (Qualcomm QSDK)

San Jose, California

Linksys (Fortinet)

About the Role

You will work on firmware integration for Qualcomm-based wireless platforms, focusing on enabling and validating Wi-Fi features using Qualcomm's SDKs. This role sits at the intersection of firmware, wireless performance, and hardware-software integration.

As a junior engineer, your work will focus on learning the platform, enabling existing features, testing behavior on real hardware, and assisting with performance tuning. Senior engineers own hardware architecture and bring-up; you will learn through guided, hands-on experience.

Location Context

This role is based in San Jose, California, our primary firmware engineering hub, where platform, wireless, and security engineers collaborate closely.

Key ResponsibilitiesCustomize and configure firmware based on Qualcomm SDKsAssist with enabling wireless features such as Wi-Fi 6/7 capabilitiesTest and validate firmware on development hardwareHelp diagnose and debug firmware issues with senior engineer supportWrite clear specifications and test plans for small enhancementsUse profiling and test tools to evaluate wireless performance

Collaborate with hardware, QA, and platform teams

Required QualificationsB.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (0–2 years experience)Strong C programming fundamentalsFamiliarity with Linux or embedded systemsBasic understanding of wireless networking conceptsWillingness to work with hardware in a lab environment

Strong problem-solving and communication skills

Nice-to-Have SkillsExposure to OpenWrt, QSDK, Buildroot, or YoctoBasic ability to read schematics or use serial consolesPython scripting for automation or log analysis

Interest in wireless performance and optimization

Prior QSDK or hardware bring-up experience is not required. These skills are learned during onboarding with mentorship.

Engineering Culture

Our team follows three core development practices that you'll learn during onboarding:

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

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

AI-Augmented Workflow: Use AI tools responsibly. You'll have access to AI coding assistants to help with research, code generation, and problem-solving—always with human validation.

AI Usage Expectations

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

You're encouraged to use AI for navigating QSDK documentation, generating code templates, and analyzing logsYou're responsible for validating all AI output against documentation and hardware testing—especially for low-level code where errors can brick devicesNever include proprietary register definitions or confidential schematics in external AI prompts

You must understand the code you commit—AI accelerates work but doesn't replace learning

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

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $90,000-$160,000. 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.