Senior Principal/Architect Engineer Software

About the role

We are seeking a Module FW Integration Engineer – For Module Integration and Cellular Certification to drive software validation, automation, and the cellular certification lifecycle for our wireless products. This role bridges embedded application development, network emulation, and supports global carrier certification.

Responsibilities

• Embedded Development & Validation: Develop, modify, and validate embedded Linux-based applications, ensuring seamless communication between network layers, peripheral hardware, and cellular modems.
• Test Automation: Design and maintain robust Python/Bash scripting frameworks to automate image loading, device provisioning, network simulator configurations, and data collection loops.
• Network Emulation & Testing: Configure and manage high-end network emulators/call boxes (Keysight UXM, Rohde & Schwarz CMX/CMW, Amarisoft) to recreate complex 4G LTE and 5G NR live environments. Build cabled multi-UE distribution setups.
• Image Management: Configure, track, and load software/firmware builds onto engineering prototypes and production routing units for formal testing.
• Advanced Troubleshooting: Isolate and debug network, software, and protocol layer issues via log diagnostics. Perform hardware characterization using RF lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, network analyzers).
• Global Collaboration: Act as the primary technical point of contact for external third-party test labs, Carrier Certification Teams and Industry Certification bodies. and chipset vendors globally.
• Regulatory Filings: Prepare technical documentation and test data for FCC/ISED (North America) and regional Asian bodies such as JPN (Japan), KC (South Korea), TW (Taiwan), and ANZ (Australia/NewZealand).
• Industry Compliance: Coordinate and oversee PTCRB and GCF (Global Certification Forum) testing cycles from initial submission to final listing.
• Documentation: Compile and maintain Technical Construction Files (TCF), user manual compliance statements, and Declaration of Conformity (DoC) records.
• Carrier Acceptance & Testing Support: Support the Carrier Acceptance Testing (CAT) process for major North American carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) and key Asian operators. Work directly with test houses to reproduce, log, and debug issues found during conformance testing. Analyze protocol and RF logs (using tools like QXDM, Wireshark, or equivalent) to help isolate software or hardware issues.
• Test Lab & Vendor Coordination: Quote, submit purchase orders in support of FCC, CE, TW, KC, JPN, AU and NZ country regulatory testing testing. (archive reports/certifications) Quote, submit purchase orders in support for industry and carrier certifications testing and certifications. (archive reports/certifications)
• Act as the daily interface with third-party test labs and Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs). Ship samples and accessories, track test progress, resolve blocking issues in the lab, and ensure test reports are delivered accurately and on time. Manage device inventory, SW and cellular module firmware, and device configuration for certification.

Qualifications

• Technical Expertise: Embedded Linux Systems: Proven experience developing and debugging application software within embedded architectures and Linux environments. Python & Scripting: Strong proficiency in Python and Bash for hardware/simulator API interaction and test automation. Wireless Protocols: Solid understanding of 4G LTE and 5G NR (Standalone/Non-Standalone) software stacks and 3GPP protocol layers (NAS, RRC, PDCP, RLC). Networking Foundations: Robust knowledge of core routing protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VPNs, VLANs) and memory management. Diagnostic & RF Equipment: Mastery of protocol analysis tools (Wireshark, QXDM, QPST) alongside hands-on experience programming RF equipment (spectrum/network analyzers, power meters) and running automated test scripts.
• Familiarity with industry standards (3GPP) and carrier test plans.
• Education & Experience: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field. Masters Degree Prefered. Experience: 10+ years of direct, hands-on experience in wireless device certification, RF/cellular testing, or telecom test automation. Compliance Frameworks: Familiarity with industry standards, regulatory filings (FCC/ISED, CE, JPN, KC, TW, ANZ), and industry/carrier acceptance testing (PTCRB, GCF, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile).

Skills

• Project & Time Management: Exceptional organizational skills.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong communication skills to act as a technical liaison internal hardware/software engineering teams, external certification labs and customers.

Qualifications

• Professional working proficiency in Mandarin, Japanese, or Korean is highly advantageous.

Pay

$170,000.00 - $277,000.00/yr

Schedule

Full-Time

Benefits

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is unwavering. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our employees, and we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at accommodations@paloaltonetworks.com. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship?: Yes