Principal Software Engineer

Calix provides the cloud, software platforms, systems, and services required for communications service providers to simplify their businesses, excite their subscribers, and grow their value.

We are looking for an experienced Principal Software Engineer to design, develop, and optimize embedded networking solutions with a strong focus on prplOS, RDK-B, and OpenWRT. The ideal candidate will have expertise in C, C++, Python, Yocto, Linux, WiFi, IoT protocols, and Embedded AI/ML, along with experience integrating prplOS-based networking solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership in the design and architecture of prplOS and RDK-B based solutions.

• Design, develop, and maintain prplOS and prplMesh integration for various CPE targets.

• Drive best practices in modular architecture, performance optimization, and security within the team and organization.

• Develop, debug, and optimize embedded Linux-based firmware.

• Develop and enhance features for broadband gateways, and WiFi management.

• Optimize and integrate prplOS (OpenWRT and/or RDK-B) and Yocto based build environments.

• Design and implement robust WiFi networking and communication protocols (NATS, MQTT, TR-069, TR-369, etc.).

• Develop embedded AI/ML solutions for network performance optimization, such as predictive congestion management and adaptive QoS.

• Collaborate with software partners, hardware vendors, and cross-functional teams to deliver cohesive hardware and software solutions.

• Communicate technical concepts and project progress to leadership and non-technical stakeholders.

• Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of prplOS-related projects, from initial concept to deployment and maintenance.

• Utilize project management tools and methodologies to track progress, manage risks, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality solutions.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor s or Master s degree in Embedded Systems, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

• 10 to 12+ years of experience in embedded software development.

• Proficiency in C, C++, and Python for embedded systems development.

• Strong experience with broadband gateways, Mesh WiFi, and networking hardware.

• Deep knowledge of prplOS, prplMesh, RDK-B, OpenWRT, and Yocto build systems.

• Experience with Qualcomm, Broadcom, or MediaTek WiFi chipset SDKs.

• Strong understanding of Linux kernel, drivers, and networking stacks.

• Expertise in WiFi networking, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and security protocols.

• Hands-on experience with communication protocols (NATS, TR-069, TR-369, MQTT, etc.).

• Familiarity with containerization technologies (Docker, LXC, crun).

• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills using tools like gdb, Wireshark, and Valgrind.

• Adequate knowledge of schematics and data sheets for components.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, USB, and UART.

• Experience with edge computing and AI-driven networking optimizations.

• Knowledge of IoT protocols (Matter, MQTT, CoAP, etc.).

• Understanding of ARM, MIPS architectures, and real-time processing constraints.

• Experience with security hardening, secure boot, and Trusted Platform Modules (TPM).

• Familiarity with Agile development and DevOps/CI-CD practices.

• Participation in industry forums such as prplFoundation, OpenWiFi, etc.