Senior Embedded Software Engineer
The Senior Embedded Firmware Developer at Confidential Client will design, develop, and maintain firmware for large-scale WiFi 6/6E/7 residential gateway and router platforms. This onsite role in Denver requires deep expertise in embedded Linux, networking protocols, and WiFi technologies, along with leadership and collaboration across multiple teams to deliver robust broadband networking solutions.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Technology, Information Services & Software Development.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Position Details
- Role: Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Contractor, onsite)
- Location: Englewood, CO (onsite requirement)
- Target pay rate: $55/hr (approx. $100,000–$120,000 annual)
- Experience: 10+ years embedded firmware / embedded Linux experience
- Interview format: Webex/video screening followed by onsite interview
- Employment type: CONTRACTOR
Job Summary
The Confidential Client is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain firmware for large-scale residential gateway/router platforms (WiFi 6/6E/7). This is an onsite, hands-on technical leadership role requiring deep expertise in Embedded Linux, OpenWrt, networking stacks, and WiFi technologies. You will collaborate closely with firmware, cloud, test, and vendor teams to deliver robust, scalable firmware and fleet deployment strategies.
Responsibilities
- Lead architecture and implementation of embedded Linux firmware for gateway/router products
- Develop and maintain OpenWrt packages, feeds, Kconfig, and patch management
- Optimize and troubleshoot Linux kernel networking components and drivers
- Implement and validate TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, NAT, MAP-T, and routing protocol support
- Integrate and tune WiFi 6/6E/7 features on Qualcomm IPQ and/or Broadcom platforms
- Perform board bring-up, device tree configuration, and kernel module development
- Investigate and resolve kernel panics, watchdog resets, memory leaks, and performance issues
- Mentor junior engineers and drive best practices for CI/CD, code review, and release processes
- Coordinate with cloud and test teams for fleet-scale firmware deployment and rollback plans
Mandatory Qualifications
We expect candidates to have most of the following:
- 10+ years of Embedded Linux development using C/C++
- Hands-on OpenWrt development (packages, feeds, Kconfig, patch management)
- Strong knowledge of the Linux kernel networking stack
- Solid understanding of TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, NAT, MAP-T, routing protocols (e.g., RIPv2, OSPF)
- Experience with WiFi 6/6E/7 (802.11ax/be) development or integration
- Experience on Qualcomm IPQ and/or Broadcom SoC platforms
- Device tree, kernel modules, and board bring-up experience
- Advanced troubleshooting skills (kernel analysis, memory, performance)
- Scripting skills (Python, Shell) and strong Git/GitLab workflow experience
- Technical leadership and mentoring experience
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with these skills will receive priority consideration:
- Experience with OpenSync, OVSDB, or Plume Cloud integrations
- Open vSwitch (OVS) experience
- QCA NSS/PPE hardware acceleration familiarity
- Experience with FRR/Quagga routing stacks
- IPSec, GRE tunneling experience
- DOCSIS/CPE or broadband ISP platform exposure
- GitLab CI/CD and automated build/release pipelines
- Fleet-scale firmware deployment, rollback strategies, and monitoring
- Regulatory certification exposure (FCC, WiFi Alliance)
- Experience coordinating offshore or distributed engineering teams
Tools & Environment
- Languages: C, C++, Shell, Python
- Platforms: Qualcomm IPQ, Broadcom SoCs
- OS/Build: OpenWrt, Linux kernel, Buildroot, Yocto, Make, CMake
- Networking & debug tools: Wireshark, tcpdump, GDB, Valgrind, perf, ftrace
- Versioning/CI: Git, GitLab, GitLab CI/CD
- Other: OpenSync, OVSDB, Open vSwitch
Work Authorization & Accommodations
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact Careertakes so we can assist.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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