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.
- 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.
Company Statement/Values: