Senior Principal Engineer
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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We are seeking an experienced Hardware Design Engineer to lead the end-to-end development of next-generation network security appliances. This individual will be responsible for all phases of hardware product development, including requirements definition, architecture, detailed design, prototyping, validation, manufacturing support, and production release. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience designing high-performance networking platforms, embedded systems, and security-focused hardware products.
Key Responsibilities
Hardware Architecture & Product Development
Own the complete hardware design lifecycle from concept through production and sustaining engineering.
Translate product requirements into hardware architectures and detailed design specifications.
Conduct technology evaluations, design trade-off analyses, and recommend optimal solutions.
Select and qualify key components, technologies, and vendors.
Drive product lifecycle management (PLM) activities, including product introduction, production release, field support, and post-launch analysis.
Design & Development
Design complex multi-layer PCBs for networking and security appliances.
Perform circuit design, schematic capture, signal integrity analysis, and power budget calculations.
Develop PCB stack-ups and controlled impedance requirements for high-speed interfaces.
Create and maintain Bills of Material (BOMs), design documentation, ECOs, and change notices.
Validate designs through prototyping, characterization, functional testing, and root cause analysis.
Documentation & Manufacturing Support
Develop technical documentation including product specifications, test plans, manufacturing instructions, and validation procedures.
Ensure compliance with engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.
Provide technical guidance and support to contract manufacturers throughout prototype and production builds.
Collaborate closely with suppliers and vendors for component selection, qualification, and issue resolution.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with CAD engineers on PCB layout and routing optimization.
Work closely with firmware and software teams during board bring-up, debugging, and system integration.
Participate in design reviews and provide technical leadership across engineering organizations.
Required Qualifications
Technical Expertise
Strong understanding of digital, power, and networking electronics.
Experience with networking hardware design, product integration, and manufacturing processes.
Expertise in:
CPU/SoC-based designs (Intel, AMD, ARM, MIPS)
DDR memory interfaces
Ethernet PHYs and magnetics
PCIe, SATA, USB, SPI, and other high-speed interfaces
Power distribution and power integrity
EMI/EMC, ESD, surge protection, and signal integrity
Hardware Design Experience
Proven experience designing networking or security appliances from concept through production.
Strong knowledge of:
High-speed signaling technologies (10G/25G/100G Ethernet)
IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards
Wireless technologies and IEEE 802.11 standards
Security hardware implementation including TPMs, TRNGs, and secure boot architectures
Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design Validation Testing (DVT)
Tools & Analysis
Proficiency with Cadence CIS and Allegro design tools.
Extensive hands-on experience using laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and spectrum analyzers.
Strong data analysis skills, including DVT interpretation, yield analysis, and debugging complex hardware issues.
Ability to generate and maintain key engineering deliverables, including schematics, BOMs, qualification reports, test documentation, ECOs, and manufacturing packages.
Soft Skills
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to present technical concepts effectively to engineering teams, suppliers, and leadership.
Experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional development environment.
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field preferred.
8+ years of hardware design experience focused on networking, embedded, or security appliances.
Equivalent qualifications include:
8+ years of experience with a Bachelor's degree
6+ years with a Master's degree
3+ years with a PhD
Comparable industry experience in network hardware design
Preferred Background
Experience developing enterprise networking, cybersecurity, firewall, SD-WAN, or security appliance products.
Familiarity with product development in high-volume manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated success delivering complex networking platforms from concept through production release.
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.
