Software Dev QA Engineer (Early Career/NPI)

Location: Sunnyvale, CA, United States Department: Software-Dev QA

The FortiGate New Product Introduction (NPI) QA team operates at the forefront of hardware and platform innovation. As the specialized verification team for new product launches, we are the first to get hands-on access to next-generation FortiGate hardware models, platform architectural updates, and hardware/software integration modules before they enter the market.

We collaborate closely with hardware design and software development teams from early prototype bring-up to production release. We are looking for an ambitious, curious, and motivated Early Career Software Dev QA Engineer (0–2 years of experience) to join our team, validate next-gen security appliances, and ensure our platforms meet enterprise-grade performance, stability, and security standards.

What Makes This Role Exciting?

First-to-Touch Next-Gen Tech: Power on, validate, and test brand-new network security appliances and platform features long before general market release.

Full-Stack Network & Systems Scope: Gain hands-on exposure across the stack—from board bring-up, firmware/BIOS validation, and low-level subsystem verification to advanced firewall and routing features.

Direct Impact on Quality: Work alongside senior platform developers and hardware architects to diagnose edge cases and help ensure product reliability across Fortinet’s flagship product line.

Rapid Learning & Growth: Deepen your knowledge in networking protocols, firewall architectures, test automation, and Linux environments under the mentorship of seasoned QA engineers.

Qualifications & Requirements

Experience Level: 0–2 years of experience (recent graduates with relevant coursework/internships, or early-career engineers with a background in network support or system admin).

Core Networking Knowledge: Solid foundational understanding of TCP/IP networking concepts, standard network protocols, and packet flows.

Firewall (FW) Fundamentals: Foundational understanding of firewall concepts, packet inspection, NAT, access control policies, and VPN basics.

Programming & Scripting Skills: Programming knowledge (e.g., Python, C/C++, or Bash) with the ability to write scripts for automated testing, test setup, or data/log parsing.

Hands-on Network Equipment Experience: Practical experience configuring or working with physical or virtual network devices (routers, switches, firewalls, or home/lab networking equipment).

Linux Fundamentals: Experience with Linux administration, system-level troubleshooting, CLI navigation, network interface configuration, and basic system diagnostics.

Problem-Solving Mindset: Eagerness to reproduce issues, isolate system-level defects, and capture network traffic for analysis using diagnostic tools (e.g., Wireshark).

Preferred Qualifications / Great Add-Ons

Relevant industry certifications demonstrating continuous learning and hands-on skill (e.g., Fortinet FCF/FCA/FCP,Cisco CCNA/CCNP, CompTIA Network+/Security+, or Linux/Red Hat certifications).

Exposure to virtualization platforms (VMware ESXi, KVM) or cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).

Educational Requirement

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Network Engineering, or an equivalent technical field.

Fortinet offers employees a variety of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), 11 paid holidays, vacation time, and sick time as well as a comprehensive leave program.

Wage ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, and job level. Earnings for this position are expected to be $75,000 - $120,000. Exact salary offers will be determined by factors such as the candidate's subject knowledge, skill level, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

All roles are eligible to participate in the Fortinet equity program, Bonus eligibility is reviewed at time of hire and annually at the Company’s discretion