Staff C Programmer (Linux Platform)

Location: Burnaby, BC, Canada

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement robust, high-performance applications in C on Linux
• Perform low-level troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and production issue resolution
• Optimize CPU, memory, I/O, and network performance
• Develop data-intensive components with attention to scalability and throughput
• Analyze and improve system bottlenecks using profiling tools
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on system integration and architecture
• Write and maintain automation scripts in Bash and Python
• Review code for correctness, efficiency, and maintainability
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers

Required Qualifications

Core Technical Skills

• 7+ years of professional C programming experience on Linux
• Strong understanding of:
  • Linux system calls
  • Multi-threading and concurrency (pthreads, synchronization primitives)
  • Memory management and debugging (valgrind, gdb)
  • IPC mechanisms (shared memory, sockets, pipes)
• Advanced debugging and diagnosis skills in complex distributed systems
• Proven performance tuning experience (CPU, memory, I/O, network)
• Experience with high-performance programming techniques:
  • Lock optimization
  • Zero-copy strategies
  • Event-driven design
  • Efficient data structures
• Data-intensive system development experience (large datasets, streaming, batching)

Networking & Database

• Strong understanding of TCP/IP stack and socket programming
• Experience with network protocol implementation or integration
• Database experience (e.g., MySQL/PostgreSQL or NoSQL systems)
• Familiarity with query optimization and storage performance tuning

Scripting & Tooling

• Proficiency in Bash scripting
• Working experience with Python for automation, tooling, or testing
• Familiar with build systems (Make/CMake) and CI/CD pipelines

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to operate independently in ambiguous situations
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical design discussions

 

 

About Our Team:

Join our team, known for its collaborative ethos, working seamlessly with global customers, internal engineering teams and product development groups. Our team culture emphasizes continuous learning, innovation, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. We embrace Fortinet’s core values of openness, teamwork and innovation, fostering an environment where team members support each other, share knowledge, and leverage AI to solve complex technical challenges. Our inclusive and dynamic team thrives on collaboration and is driven by the shared goal of maintaining Fortinet’s high standards of excellence in cybersecurity solutions.

 

Why Join Us:

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and identities to apply. We offer a supportive work environment and a competitive Total Rewards package to support you with your overall health and financial well-being. Embark on a challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding career journey with Fortinet. Join us in bringing solutions that make a meaningful and lasting impact to our 660,000+ customers around the globe.

 

The Canada base salary range for this full-time position is expected to be between $140,400 - $171,600 annually.  Wage ranges are based on various factors including the labour market, job type, and job level.  Exact salary offers will be determined by factors such as the candidate’s subject knowledge, skill level, qualifications, and experience. 

Fortinet strives to provide you and your family with a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits eligibility starts on your first day of hire and comprises of 100% company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage, including a Health Spending Account and a Personal Spending Account that gives you flexibility to spend where you need it the most. Our Employee & Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) offers you and your family access to various services like counseling, legal advice, mental health resources etc. We also provide critical illness, disability, and life insurance, as well as a Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) with a company match to help you save faster for retirement. We offer competitive Paid Time Off and flexible leave policies, including paid health days, to help you take care of yourself and your family members.

All roles are eligible to participate in the Fortinet equity program.  Bonus eligibility is reviewed at time of hire and annually at the Company’s discretion. 

Join Fortinet, a cybersecurity pioneer with over two decades of excellence, as we continue to shape the future of cybersecurity and redefine the intersection of networking and security. At Fortinet, our mission is to safeguard people, devices, and data everywhere. We are seeking a Staff C Programmer with deep Linux expertise to design, develop, and optimize high-performance, data-intensive systems. The role requires strong debugging and performance tuning capabilities, as well as practical experience working close to the OS, network stack, and database layers. This position is suited for an experienced engineer who can independently drive complex technical initiatives and mentor other developers.