WiFi SW Engineer (Staff)

Role Overview

NETGEAR is looking for a Staff Software Engineer to join our Embedded Software team building next-generation home gateway platforms. This role centers on Qualcomm networking SoCs and the prplOS/prplMesh open-source stack, contributing across system services, network stacks, WiFi mesh features, and the App and Web GUI configuration interfaces that power our connected home products.

You will work at the intersection of low-level embedded systems and modern mesh networking, partnering closely with hardware teams to validate radio performance and deliver reliable, high-performance WiFi experiences to millions of NETGEAR customers worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate prplMesh components across Qualcomm, Broadcom, and MediaTek-based SoCs.
• Apply AI-centric design practices to WiFi software development (Prompt → Context → Harness engineering).
• Partner with the hardware team to validate radio performance and mesh stability.
• Interface with mesh APIs, WiFi drivers, and the 1905.1 protocol stack.
• Implement configuration and telemetry reporting through the App and Web GUI.
• Provide technical leadership across the networking stack, mesh stack, and control panel development.
• Conduct functional and performance testing, drive bug fixes, and support customer escalations.
• Contribute to 802.11, Bluetooth, Thread, or Matter platform development as applicable.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in embedded Linux development (C/C++, Shell, Python, Lua).
• Familiarity with Qualcomm, Broadcom, and MediaTek QSDK, OpenWrt, or Yocto-based systems.
• Solid understanding of wireless networking, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be, mesh networking, and QoS; familiarity with 4G/5G LTE modem integration and cellular WAN connectivity in gateway platforms.
• Strong understanding of Linux kernel and user-space interactions.
• Working knowledge of bridging, Ethernet, VLAN, TCP/UDP, IPv4/IPv6, DHCP, NAT, DNS, and routing protocols.
• Familiarity with firewalling, iptables/nftables, and traffic shaping.
• Working knowledge of network functions for router or gateway products.
• Experience with 802.11 platforms and prplOS/prplMesh architecture and development.
• Experience profiling WiFi performance including RSSI/SNR metrics, DFS, AWGN, and channel steering.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with EasyMesh or vendor-specific mesh platforms.
• Working knowledge of Web and App interface integration and development.
• Exposure to 4G/5G LTE modem integration, cellular WAN failover, or fixed wireless access (FWA) in home gateway or CPE platforms.

Company Statement

At NETGEAR, we are on a mission to unleash the full potential of connectivity with intelligent solutions that delight and protect. We turn ideas into innovative networking products that connect people, power businesses, and advance the way we live.

We're a performance-driven, talented and connected team that's committed to delivering world-class products for our customers. As a company, we value our employees as the most essential building blocks of our success. And as teammates, we commit to taking our work to the Next Gear by living our values: we Dare to Transform the future, Connect and Delight our customers, Communicate Courageously with each other and collaborate to Win It Together. You’ll find our values woven through our processes, present in our decisions, and celebrated throughout our culture.

We strive to attract top talent and create a great workplace where people feel engaged, inspired, challenged, proud and respected. If you are creative, forward-thinking, passionate about technology and are looking for a rewarding career to make an impact, then you've got what it takes to succeed at NETGEAR. Join our network and help us shape the future of connectivity.

NETGEAR hires based on merit. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.