WiFi SW Director
NETGEAR · Chennai
Role Overview
NETGEAR is hiring a Director, WiFi Engineering to lead delivery of production WiFi capabilities across firmware, drivers, validation, and system integration. You will run predictable release cycles, drive performance and stability improvements, and partner cross-functionally to ensure certification and launch readiness across our WiFi product lines.
This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who combines deep WiFi technical depth with proven people leadership, and who is ready to scale engineering execution using modern AI-driven tools and practices.
What You'll Do
Lead WiFi engineering execution for one or more platforms and products, from feature delivery through stabilization and release.
Lead AI-centric network self-healing and autonomous networking initiatives.
Drive system-level requirements across AI, security, usability, stability, and performance.
Own release readiness including quality gates, regression strategy, defect triage, and go/no-go reviews.
Partner cross-functionally with Silicon/ASIC, RF, Systems, QA, Security, Product, Manufacturing, and Customer Engineering teams.
Lead root-cause analyses for complex field issues and drive durable corrective actions.
Own WiFi Alliance certification and interoperability campaigns.
Drive lab automation, CI/regression modernization, and KPI dashboard development.
Lead coexistence programs across WiFi/Bluetooth, RF constraints, power optimization, and field reliability.
Build and develop high-performing teams, managers, tech leads, and senior ICs — across the US, Canada, Taiwan, and India.
Required Qualifications
12+ years in wireless or connectivity engineering with strong WiFi depth.
5+ years of people leadership experience, including leading teams and managing managers.
Strong knowledge of WiFi 6/6E/7 and next-generation WiFi standards.
Proven track record delivering WiFi in production environments, client devices, gateways, APs, embedded/IoT, PC, or automotive.
Working knowledge of WiFi software stacks including firmware (C/C++ embedded) and/or Linux, Android, or Windows drivers, plus system integration and debug.
Knowledge of major WiFi chipset vendor software.
Familiarity with OpenWrt, QSDK, Broadcom SDK, MediaTek SDK, and prplOS including EasyMesh and 802.11s.
Strong scaling skills leveraging AI tools and practices across engineering workflows.
What Success Looks Like
On-time releases with improved stability and performance KPIs.
Faster triage and closure of critical issues with fewer defect escapes.
Strong team engagement and scalable execution discipline across a distributed global team.
Working Model
This role requires multi-site collaboration across US–India and India–Taiwan time zones, with travel of 10–20% as needed.
Company Statement
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.