Staff Software Development Manager

Job Description

Objective:
Lead the transformation of Linksys firmware development by driving the transition from legacy platforms (OlympusOS, LSWF, Tanaza) to the modern OpenWRT-based LinksysWRT platform. This role combines strategic sunset management of inherited legacy systems with forward-looking AI-powered development practices, team upskilling, and hardware-agnostic platform architecture.

• Responsibilities:
  Platform Migration & Legacy Sunset
  Own the aggressive migration from OlympusOS to LinksysWRT, ensuring continuity of service for existing customers throughout the transition
  Manage the Tanaza cloud platform sunset (inherited from bankrupt partner), coordinating migration of major ISP customers over a 2-year timeline
  Drive the retirement of Linksys Smart WiFi (LSWF) platform while maintaining automated systems during end-of-life transitions
• Team Leadership
  Provide daily management and technical oversight of the LA/Irvine firmware development team
  Upskill legacy firmware engineers in AI-augmented development workflows and modern tooling
• Technical Excellence
  Drive team adoption of AI tools and methodologies across the firmware development lifecycle
  Ensure hardware-agnostic platform development through standardized APIs, enabling LinksysWRT to serve multiple hardware manufacturers
• Required Skills:
  15+ years of experience in firmware/embedded systems development, product management, or technical program management
  Strong automation background including Robot Framework, API testing, and system integration
  Demonstrated success leading complex technical transitions and greenfield platform development
  High-agency, execution-oriented leadership style with direct, transparent communication
  Comfort with rapid technology adoption and leading teams through significant workflow transformations
• Recommended/Preferred Qualifications:
  WiFi/networking protocol expertise (802.11 standards, mesh networking, ISP integration)
  Experience managing geographically distributed engineering teams
  Familiarity with OpenWRT or similar open-source embedded Linux platforms
  California-based (Irvine/LA area) for team coordination
• Education:
  BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience)

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $140,000-$175,000. 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

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.