Embedded Software Engineer (System)

Overview

The System Team is the foundation of TP-Link’s networking platforms, responsible for developing and maintaining the most critical components of our embedded software ecosystem.

We are seeking a talented Embedded Software Engineer (System) to design, develop, and maintain core system software, including Linux kernel modules, high-sensitivity drivers, and user-space components. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure platform stability, scalability, and compliance with the highest standards of security, quality, and performance.

This position offers an opportunity to work on the backbone of TP-Link’s networking stack, building reusable, cross-platform, and cross-chip solutions that power millions of devices worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Core Development

• Design, develop, and maintain Linux kernel components, ensuring stability, performance, and forward compatibility.
• Develop and maintain high-sensitivity user-space and kernel-space components, enabling key platform functionalities.
• Collaborate with hardware and system teams to ensure seamless integration between kernel drivers, middleware, and networking stacks.

Compliance & Security

• Work with the Security team to enhance R&D processes, ensuring compliance with industry cybersecurity standards.
• Manage security certifications and address Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) through proactive patching and design reviews.
• Ensure networking compliance for all sensitive components, maintaining certification readiness and best security practices.

Quality & Architecture

• Design for cross-platform and cross-chip vendor compatibility, ensuring high reusability across product lines.
• Establish and maintain common libraries and design patterns that promote maintainable, modular software.
• Develop white-box testing frameworks, including unit and integration test cases, to guarantee code reliability and quality.
• Continuously enhance CI/CD systems with automated static code scanning, daily build, and regression testing.
• Collaborate with QA and DevOps to drive continuous improvement in build, test, and release pipelines.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct detailed code reviews to ensure maintainability, performance, and security compliance.
• Participate in root cause analysis of system issues, contributing fixes and process improvements.
• Stay current with industry trends in kernel development, security, and network systems to maintain a competitive edge.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in embedded software or systems development, with a strong focus on Linux kernel and driver-level programming.
• Proficiency in C/C++, with deep understanding of kernel/user-space interactions, concurrency, and performance optimization.
• Experience with Linux kernel internals, driver frameworks, and debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, ftrace, perf).
• Strong understanding of networking protocols (TCP/IP, DHCP, IPv4/IPv6) and system-level networking stacks.
• Familiarity with security best practices in embedded systems, including CVE management and secure coding.
• Practical experience with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and automated test frameworks.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing cross-platform software frameworks across multiple SoC vendors.
• Hands-on experience with software packaging, API design, and makefiles in complex build environments.
• Familiarity with OpenWrt or similar embedded Linux distributions.
• Background in network certification processes and compliance (e.g., Wi-Fi Alliance, security certifications).
• Experience with unit testing frameworks and automated integration testing for embedded environments.
• Knowledge of static code analysis