Verizon Communications

Principal Firmware Engineer

Verizon Communications • $130K — $155K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
  • 6+ years of relevant experience in embedded systems or networking
  • Willingness to travel up to 25%
  • Hands-on firmware or software development experience
  • Expertise in C and C++ (C++11/14)
  • Proficient in Linux/Unix terminal environments
  • Deep understanding of IEEE 802.11 standards and RF performance issues

Responsibilities

  • Architect and develop high-performance firmware applications using C and C++
  • Lead deep packet inspection and network traffic analysis
  • Drive diagnosis of critical system issues via shell terminals
  • Oversee Wi-Fi performance validation across multiple bands
  • Produce detailed documentation for defect resolution
  • Design and maintain test automation and tooling frameworks

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision
  • Matched 401(k) savings plan
  • Paid holidays and personal days
  • Paid parental leave and adoption assistance
  • Tuition assistance for further education
  • Up to 15 days of vacation per year, increasing with service
  • Additional incentives such as premium pay opportunities
Full Job Description
What you'll be doing...

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Embedded Firmware Engineer to architect, drive, and optimize the firmware lifecycle for our next-generation networking devices. In this senior role, you will tackle our most complex technical challenges across Wi-Fi routers, gateways, and access points. From writing robust C/C++ code to leading deep packet analysis and system triage, you will set the technical standard for the team. If you are a seasoned expert in embedded Linux environments and wireless networking protocols, we want you to help shape our core technology.


Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:


  • Firmware Architecture & Development: Architect, develop, and optimize high-performance firmware applications using C and modern C++ (C++11/14) in embedded Linux environments.
  • Advanced Network & Packet Analysis: Lead deep packet inspection and network traffic analysis using Wireshark, tcpdump, and wireless sniffers to resolve the most difficult connectivity dropouts, protocol anomalies, and latency issues.
  • System Triage & Complex Debugging: Drive the diagnosis of critical system issues via shell terminals (SSH, serial). Extract and analyze log bundles, investigate complex kernel/application-layer crashes, and isolate root causes that evade standard debugging.
  • Wireless & Gateway Validation: Oversee the rigorous validation of end-to-end Wi-Fi performance across all bands (2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz). Ensure bulletproof stability for band/AP steering, mesh networking, and core router features (DHCP, NAT, Firewall, QoS, and Parental Controls).
  • Defect Resolution & Reporting: Set the standard for engineering documentation. Produce highly detailed bug reports with reproducible steps, system state observations, log files, and packet captures (.pcap) to accelerate cross-functional resolution.
  • Test Automation & Tooling: Design and maintain robust Python and shell scripting frameworks to automate complex test cases, streamline log collection, and execute large-scale soak testing routines.

What we're looking for...

You'll need to have:

  • Bachelor’s degree or four or more years of work experience.
  • Six or more years of relevant experience required, demonstrated through one or a combination of work and/or military experience, or specialized training.
  • Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.

Even better if you have one or more of the following:

  • Experience: Hands-on firmware or software development experience in networking and embedded systems, with deep, specialized expertise in Wi-Fi routers, gateways, or access points.
  • Programming: Master-level expertise writing production-quality code in C and C++ (C++11/14).
  • Linux Proficiency: Deep command of Linux/Unix terminal environments, including advanced core commands, standard debugging tools, shell scripting, and system/memory process monitoring.
  • Network Traffic Analysis: Extensive, authoritative experience capturing and analyzing core network protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, DHCP, ARP, ICMP) using industry-standard tools.
  • Wi-Fi Domain Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of IEEE 802.11 standards (a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be), wireless security protocols (WPA2/WPA3), WPS, and the physical/MAC layer mechanisms behind common RF performance bottlenecks.
  • Experience architecting, configuring, and deploying applications using Docker and containerized embedded development environments.
  • Strong working knowledge of open-source router operating systems (OpenWrt, prplOS, RDK-B) or proprietary vendor-specific router SDKs (e.g., Qualcomm, Broadcom, MediaTek).
  • Hands-on experience designing hardware test environments, including RF sniffers, chambers, and network traffic generators (e.g., Spirent, Ixia, or iPerf).

Where you’ll be working
In this hybrid role, you'll have a defined work location that includes working from home and a minimum of three days per week in the office, which will be set by your manager. Employees are responsible for maintaining compliance with hybrid work policies.

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Benefits and Compensation

Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of Verizon. From health and wellness benefit options including: medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance, identity theft protection, pet insurance and group home & auto insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan, up to 8 company paid holidays per year and up to 6 personal days per year, paid parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition assistance, plus other incentives, we’ve got you covered with our award-winning total rewards package. Depending on the role, employees have the opportunity to receive compensation in the form of premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, allowances, etc. Newly hired employees receive up to 15 days of vacation per year, which grows with additional service. For part-timers, your coverage will vary as you may be eligible for some of these benefits depending on your individual circumstances.

The salary will vary depending on your location and confirmed job-related skills and experience. This is an incentive based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours.

About Verizon Communications

MCIS delivers wireless links, turn-key systems, broadband leases, and system maintenance.

Verizon Communications Careers

Join the vibrant team at Verizon Communications, a global leader in technology and communications, where innovation meets purpose. Our diverse and inclusive culture champions forward-thinking and offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to enhancing your professional growth and career trajectory. Work You’ll Do At Verizon Communications, you will be part of a dynamic team that is at the forefront of driving digital transformation in the telecommunications industry. Our commitment to diversity and innovation is not just about staying competitive but fostering an environment where all employees can thrive. Lead with Innovation Embrace the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects that redefine how people connect. Verizon is not just a company; it's a community of leaders and innovators. With over tens of thousands of employees worldwide, our leadership is committed to providing a platform where skills and ideas converge to create impactful solutions. Join Our Inclusive Team Verizon’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is integral to our company’s ethos. We believe in empowering our team members by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. This includes comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and opportunities for professional development. Explore Career Opportunities Whether you’re looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, Verizon offers a range of employment options to match your career ambitions. Our team is hiring creative and solution-driven professionals who are eager to learn and grow. Networking and Professional Growth Advance your career with Verizon’s unmatched opportunities for professional growth. Engage in networking events, leadership programs, and training sessions designed to hone your skills and expand your industry knowledge. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Verizon internship. Gain hands-on experience, work with seasoned professionals, and understand the inner workings of one of the world’s leading tech companies. Our internships offer a unique insight into our company culture and operations, setting a solid foundation for your career. Benefits and Culture At Verizon, we prioritize the well-being of our team members. Enjoy a comprehensive package of benefits that supports both your professional and personal life. Our culture promotes work-life balance, employee wellness, and continuous learning. Stay Connected Join Our Team Explore the various job opportunities at Verizon Communications and find the position that best suits your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and innovative team players. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Verizon Communications. Join Verizon Communications today and be part of a team that values leadership, innovation, and diversity. Shape your future in an environment where your work makes a real impact.
Learn more about Verizon Communications
Size
118,400 employees
Market Cap
$164.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$17.8 billion
Founded
1983
5 Year Trend
+1.2%
Revenue
$128.2 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Verizon Communications

More Telecommunications & Hardware Jobs

Find similar Principal Firmware Engineer jobs: