Principal Software Engineer

Job Title: Principal Software Engineer - Embedded Linux & Optical Networking Systems

Job Description

This role focuses on developing chassis-level firmware and system control software for large-scale optical networking platforms. You will work on embedded Linux-based user-space applications that sit above low-level real-time firmware, concentrating on system integration, northbound interfaces, networking protocols, redundancy, and overall system reliability. The platform includes a controller and management card acting as the master, multiple line cards handling optical and transport functions, and a user-facing control plane that abstracts and manages the underlying hardware. You will build and enhance software that manages provisioning, upgrades, fault handling, security, and communication between hardware subsystems and customer-facing interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded Linux firmware and system-level software for chassis controllers and management cards.

• Implement and maintain northbound interfaces, including NETCONF, RESTCONF, gRPC, and other APIs used by customer-facing systems.

• Design, implement, and support system provisioning, configuration management, and fault detection capabilities.

• Architect, design, and support in-service software upgrades (ISSU) to enable seamless, zero-downtime software updates where possible.

• Implement redundancy and high-availability logic, such as active/standby controller architectures and failover mechanisms for telecom-grade systems.

• Collaborate closely with line card teams to integrate hardware and optical subsystems into a cohesive chassis-level solution.

• Support lab testing, system bring-up, and integration activities for new hardware and software releases.

• Assist with customer interactions when needed, including troubleshooting, deployment support, and field issue resolution.

• Contribute to security mechanisms, including authentication, access control, and mitigation of misuse or denial-of-service type behavior.

• Ensure robust communication and coordination between hardware subsystems and customer-facing interfaces within the control plane.

• Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and system-level debugging to maintain high quality and reliability.

• Document designs, interfaces, and operational procedures to support ongoing maintenance and future enhancements.

Essential Skills

• Strong experience with Embedded Linux, with emphasis on user-space application development rather than only bare-metal or RTOS environments.

• Systems-level mindset with the ability to design, debug, and optimize complex, networked hardware platforms such as controllers, chassis, or appliances.

• Hands-on experience developing software for network-oriented embedded systems.

• Solid understanding of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking concepts, including routing fundamentals, switching concepts, and control-plane versus data-plane separation.

• Experience working on networked hardware platforms that include controllers, chassis, or telecom appliances.

• Exposure to optical networking, telecom, or transport systems such as DWDM/OTN systems, optical transport platforms, or carrier-grade networking equipment.

• Familiarity with Layer 0 and Layer 1 concepts, at least at a modeling or management level, in the context of optical or transport systems.

• Proficiency in C and C++ for embedded and systems-level software development.

• Proficiency in Python for tooling, automation, and system-level scripting.

• Experience with embedded software and firmware development in Linux-based environments.

• Ability to design and implement high-availability and redundant systems in telecom or carrier-grade environments.

• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills for complex, distributed, and hardware-integrated systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with NETCONF, RESTCONF, or gRPC for implementing northbound management and control interfaces.

• Exposure to optical components such as amplifiers, wavelength selective switches (WSS), optical supervisory channels (OSC), and lasers.

• Experience implementing or supporting in-service software upgrades (ISSU) in networked or telecom systems.

• Experience in security hardening for embedded and networked systems, including authentication, secure configuration, and resilience against misuse or denial-of-service behavior.

• Prior work supporting customer deployments or field issues, including troubleshooting and resolving complex system problems.

• Experience with telecom-grade redundancy architectures, including active/standby controllers and high-availability mechanisms.

• Familiarity with network protocols and technologies such as LLDP, OSPF, and BGP.

• Exposure to Go as an additional programming language is a plus.

• Experience working with APIs and control-plane integration in large-scale networking or optical platforms.

• Understanding of optical networking and transport technologies across Layer 0, Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3.

Work Environment

You will work in an environment centered on large-scale optical networking platforms that combine embedded Linux controllers, multiple line cards, and a user-facing control plane. The role focuses on software that runs on chassis controllers and management cards, interfacing with optical and transport subsystems and customer-facing management systems. Day-to-day work involves developing and debugging embedded Linux user-space applications, working closely with hardware and optical engineering teams, and participating in lab-based integration and system bring-up activities. You will use tools and technologies such as C, C++, Python, Embedded Linux, NETCONF, RESTCONF, gRPC, and networking protocols including LLDP, OSPF, and BGP. The environment emphasizes high reliability, telecom-grade redundancy, and in-service upgrades, requiring careful design and thorough testing. Work typically includes a mix of focused development time, collaborative design and code reviews, and hands-on lab work with chassis, line cards, optical components, and networking equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Horsham, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $180000.00/yr.

401k match, stock options, year end bonus's

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Horsham,PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.