Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Home Networking)
At a glance
Senior Embedded & Firmware role at TP-Link Systems Inc. Irvine · full-time · $150,000–$240,000 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Build embedded software for routers, access points and switches, including chipset setup, SDK integration and applications across hardware platforms
- Shape system architecture and requirements, then work with hardware teams to connect software to device-specific functions
- Improve Wi-Fi and networking features while diagnosing connectivity faults and resolving difficult integration problems
- Guide design and code reviews, coordinate QA through delivery, and manage firmware releases and update records
- Prepare products for manufacturing with tools and certifications, address customer-reported faults, and coach junior engineers
What you bring
- At least five years developing embedded systems, plus a degree in a listed engineering or computer science field or equivalent experience
- You can program in C, C++ and assembly, and have worked with embedded Linux and device drivers
- You have built routers, access points or switches and understand TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and core network protocols
- You have used Git and continuous integration tools to manage and build software
Who this fits
This senior role suits an embedded networking engineer who can lead feature design, troubleshoot complex issues and mentor junior developers. The job is onsite in Irvine, and visa sponsorship is unavailable.
From the employer
About Us:
Headquartered in the United States, TP-Link Systems Inc. is a leading global provider of networking devices and smart home products. Consistently ranked as the world's top provider of Wi-Fi devices, TP-Link is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that improve people’s lives by offering faster, more reliable connectivity. Serving customers in over 170 countries, we are committed to expanding our global footprint.
At TP-Link Systems Inc., we believe that technology has the power to transform the world for the better. Our mission is to design reliable, high-performance products that connect users worldwide to the limitless possibilities of technology.
We are driven by our core values of professionalism, innovation, excellence, and simplicity. Our goal is to help clients achieve outstanding global performance and to provide consumers with a seamless, effortless technology experience.
Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Embedded Software Engineer to design, develop, and optimize consumer networking products such as routers, access points, and switches on our home networking product line. In this role, you will work closely with cross-functional teams to bring projects from concept to completion, participating in the research and development of various products, design and implement cutting-edge Wi-Fi and networking features. As a senior member of the team, you will lead feature architecture, troubleshoot complex issues, and provide mentorship to junior engineers, ensuring the delivery of high-performance, reliable products.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with product management to conduct technical research and feasibility assessments that guide product design decisions.
- Design and develop embedded networking products, leading chipset bring-up, SDK integration, and application development across multiple hardware platforms.
- Conduct software architecture design and define system requirements to ensure efficient, scalable, and maintainable solutions.
- Partner with hardware teams to implement hardware-dependent functions and resolve integration challenges.
- Develop and optimize software features while analyzing and troubleshooting networking issues to ensure robust, high-performance connectivity.
- Create clear and comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, software architecture, and other necessary documents to support future development, maintainability, and effective collaboration.
- Lead design and code reviews to ensure high-quality standards, resolve issues, and incorporate team feedback.
- Manage the software development lifecycle, ensuring timely delivery and effective coordination with QA teams on testing and issue resolution.
- Oversee firmware releases and maintain detailed documentation, user manuals, and change logs for each update.
- Ensure product readiness for production by developing manufacturing tools, facilitating certifications, and providing on-site support as required.
- Investigate and address customer-reported issues, implementing firmware updates to enhance performance and resolve issues.
- Mentor junior engineers to enhance their coding, debugging, and software design skills, fostering team growth and capability.
- Conduct industry analysis to stay informed of trends and maintain a competitive edge in product offerings.
Requirements
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of experience in embedded systems design and development.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, and assembly.
- Experience with embedded operating systems (e.g., Linux) and device drivers.
- Solid knowledge of communication protocols, such as TCP/IP, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi.
- Hands-on experience developing networking products, including access points, routers, and switches.
- Thorough knowledge of network protocols and standards, including HTTPS, DHCP, IPv4, and IPv6, with familiarity in Linux bridge and network stack internals.
- Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and continuous integration tools.
- Strong problem-solving and debugging skills.
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong understanding of professional software engineering practices and the full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations.
- Experience as a mentor, tech lead, or in leading an engineering team.
- Experience developing products using Wi-Fi 6/7 chipsets.
- Experience working on requirements for Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
- Proficiency in the entire embedded networking stack, with strong technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
Benefits
Salary range: $150,000 - $240,000
- Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (partial coverage for dependents)
- Contributions to 401k funds
- Bi-annual reviews, and annual pay increases
- Health and wellness benefits, including free gym membership
- Quarterly team-building events
At TP-Link Systems Inc., we are continually searching for ambitious individuals who are passionate about their work. We believe that diversity fuels innovation, collaboration, and drives our entrepreneurial spirit. As a global company, we highly value diverse perspectives and are committed to cultivating an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Beyond compliance, we strive to create a supportive and growth-oriented workplace for everyone. If you share our passion and connection to this mission, we welcome you to apply and join us in building a vibrant and inclusive team at TP-Link Systems Inc.
Please, no third-party agency inquiries, and we are unable to offer visa sponsorships at this time.