Senior Principal Engineer – Wireless AP Software Development

For more than 30 years, SonicWall  has delivered a partner-first unified cybersecurity portfolio that helps SMBs, MSPs, and IT teams consolidate network security, endpoint security, security service edge (SSE), and threat response across hybrid environments. By bringing connected technology, real-time threat intelligence, automation, and expert services together, SonicWall helps organizations simplify security operations, achieve better security outcomes, and lower total cost of ownership. Backed by a global ecosystem of more than 17,000 partners, SonicWall delivers enterprise-grade protection built for SMB and mid-market realities. 

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Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and visionary Senior Principal Engineer  to lead the architecture, design, and development of our next-generation Enterprise Wireless Access Point (AP) solutions. In this role, you will define the software architecture for state-of-the-art Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 access points.

You will bridge the gap between low-level silicon firmware and high-level cloud management platforms, ensuring our APs deliver enterprise-grade performance, seamless roaming, high security, and cloud-driven scalability. If you have deep expertise in embedded Linux, 802.11 protocols, and cloud-managed networking, we want you on our team.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Architecture

• End-to-End Architecture: Own the software architecture, design, and delivery of advanced Wi-Fi features from silicon SDK integration up to cloud-managed provisioning systems.
• Enterprise Wi-Fi Evolution: Design and develop advanced features utilizing Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7  standards to deliver enterprise-grade performance.
• Advanced Wireless Feature Design: Architect and implement high-value wireless application features including Wi-Fi Mesh, Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN), Fine Timing Measurement/Locationing (IEEE 802.11mc/az), and advanced enterprise roaming (802.11k/v/r).
• Ecosystem Collaboration: Partner closely with leading Wi-Fi chipset vendors for SDK integration, firmware customization, performance tuning, and hardware platform enablement.

Edge-to-Cloud Integration

• Cloud-Managed Infrastructure: Design, optimize, and deliver cloud-managed and firewall-managed capabilities including Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP), remote configuration, real-time monitoring, and centralized control.
• Network & Security Orchestration: Ensure seamless data path orchestration between the AP firmware, local security firewalls, and cloud management dashboards.

Qualifications & Skills

Must-Have Technical Expertise

• Wireless Domain Mastery: Strong Wi-Fi Access Point product development experience with a deep understanding of IEEE 802.11 standards (a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be) and wireless security protocols (WPA2/WPA3 Enterprise).
• Advanced Protocol Experience: Hands-on experience developing core firmware/wireless applications for Wi-Fi Mesh, NAN, 802.11mc, 802.11az, and seamless roaming (802.11k, 802.11v, 802.11r).
• Embedded Software Engineering: Expert knowledge of Embedded Linux, Linux kernel internals, device drivers, hostapd, wpa_supplicant, and system-level debugging.
• Language Proficiency: Strong proficiency in C/C++  development for resource-constrained embedded networking platforms.
• Networking Core: Strong networking background including TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs, QoS, and enterprise network protocols.
• Network Security: Practical knowledge of network security integrations such as firewall systems, IDS/IPS, threat detection, and policy enforcement at the AP level.

Good-to-Have (Preferred) Qualifications

• Advanced Security & Data Path: Knowledge of Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), malware detection, sandboxing, and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) in large-scale wireless deployments.
• Cloud & DevOps: Direct experience with cloud-managed networking platforms, telemetry/analytics collection, and DevOps/automation frameworks.
• RF Engineering & Optimization: Solid understanding of RF concepts including DFS, dynamic channel planning, interference mitigation, and automated performance optimization.
• Next-Gen Tech: Exposure to AI/ML applications  in wireless networking for predictive performance optimization, Wi-Fi analytics, or anomaly detection.
• Experience: Prior technical leadership or architecture ownership experience shipping commercial carrier-grade or enterprise-grade networking products.

SonicWall is an equal opportunity employer.  

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

At SonicWall, we pride ourselves on recruiting a diverse mix of talented people and providing active security solutions in 100+ countries.

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