Role Overview
You will design, implement, and maintain firmware for next-generation Intelligent PDUs (Power Distribution Units) used in Audio/Video racks, enterprise IT racks, and edge environments. This role requires expertise in embedded systems along with strong understanding of AC power systems, energy metering, outlet control, and remote management protocols.
Responsibilities
Firmware Development
Develop embedded C/C++ firmware for PDU controllers (ARM Cortex-M/A, ESP32, NXP, Microchip, etc.)
Implement outlet switching logic (relay/SSR control, sequencing, inrush handling)
Integrate energy metering ICs (ADE series, ATM90E series, MCP39F5, etc.)
Implement active/apparent/reactive power measurement & calibration algorithms
Design persistent configuration storage (network settings, outlet names, thresholds)
Networking & Protocols
Implement SNMP (v1/v2c/v3), Modbus TCP, BACnet/IP, MQTT, HTTPS/REST APIs
Support security features (TLS, certificate loading, authentication, RBAC)
Ensure high reliability for long-running network services
System Safety & Power Event Handling
Implement overcurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage
Support surge protection health monitoring and event logging
Coordinate with hardware for UL/IEC safety behavior under test conditions
Sensor Integration
Support temperature/humidity, door/contact, leak, airflow sensors through RS232
Implement bus interfaces (I²C, 1-Wire, RS-485, RJ45 sensor buses)
Auto-detect and enumerate sensors dynamically (plug-and-play)
Diagnostics & Management
Implement event logs, power history, outlet cycle counts
Support remote firmware upgrade with dual-image fallback
Watchdog design (task-level and hardware-level)
Collaboration
Work with hardware engineers on metrology circuits, relays, surge protection, thermal design
Support validation, compliance (UL1449, IEC61000), and DVT testing
Required Skills
Strong proficiency in embedded C/C++
8 - 10 years of relevant experience
Hands-on experience with AC mains concepts, energy metering, and RMS calculations
Experience with SNMP, Modbus TCP, or industrial protocols
Understanding of relay/SSR behavior, inrush current, and electrical safety
Experience with I²C, SPI, UART, RS-485, Ethernet stacks
Familiarity with FreeRTOS or similar RTOS
Knowledge of secure firmware design
Preferred Skills
Experience with DCIM/BMS integrations
Experience with BACnet/IP
Experience with EMI/ESD/Surge resilience design practices
Experience with cloud telemetry (MQTT, REST cloud APIs)
Company Statement/Values:
At NETGEAR, we are on a mission to unleash the full potential of connectivity with intelligent solutions that delight and protect. We turn ideas into innovative networking products that connect people, power businesses, and advance the way we live.
We're a performance-driven, talented and connected team that's committed to delivering world-class products for our customers. As a company, we value our employees as the most essential building blocks of our success. And as teammates, we commit to taking our work to the Next Gear by living our values: we Dare to Transform the future, Connect and Delight our customers, Communicate Courageously with each other and collaborate to Win It Together. You’ll find our values woven through our processes, present in our decisions, and celebrated throughout our culture.
We strive to attract top talent and create a great workplace where people feel engaged, inspired, challenged, proud and respected. If you are creative, forward-thinking, passionate about technology and are looking for a rewarding career to make an impact, then you've got what it takes to succeed at NETGEAR. Join our network and help us shape the future of connectivity.
NETGEAR hires based on merit. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
