Electrical Manufacturing NPI Engineer

Arista Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Arista Networks is seeking an experienced Electrical Manufacturing NPI Engineer to lead the manufacturing readiness and transfer for high-speed data center networking equipment, including switches and optical modules. You will coordinate with HW/Mech/Thermal teams to ensure seamless readiness from design to mass production.

The role demands deep expertise in signal integrity, DFx, and complex testing, with a track record of successful high-volume launches and strong cross-functional leadership

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience in data center networking hardware.
• At least 3 years focused on NPI and high-volume product launches.
• Expert in high-layer count PCB assembly and BGA/FC-BGA soldering/rework.
• Proven ability to design and qualify production FT systems and test coverage.
• Fluent with PFMEA, SPC, and DOE quality tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing readiness for complex data center networking products from concept to mass production.
• Collaborate with Design, NPI, and production teams to develop manufacturing processes and DFx reviews.
• Define production layout, capacity, and equipment strategies to enable rapid ramp.
• Oversee ATE development and test strategies ensuring Six Sigma quality.

Skills

High-layer count PCBA

BGA/FC-BGA soldering/rework

Process control

FT system design/qualification

PFMEA, SPC, DOE

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Manufacturing Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

JMP

Python

Job description

Arista Networks is an industry leader in data-driven, client-to-cloud networking for large data center, campus and routing environments. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of innovation. We leverage the latest advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and software-defined networking to provide our clients with a competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected world. Our solutions are designed to not only meet the current demands of the digital landscape but to also anticipate and adapt to future challenges.

At Arista we value the diversity of thought and perspectives that each employee brings to the table. We believe that fostering an inclusive environment, where individuals from various backgrounds and experiences feel welcome, is essential for driving creativity and innovation.

Our commitment to excellence has earned us several prestigious awards, such as Best Engineering Team, Best Company for Diversity, Compensation, and Work-Life Balance. At Arista, we take pride in our track record of success and strive to maintain the highest standards of quality and performance in everything we do.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Electrical Manufacturing New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer to lead the manufacturing readiness and transfer for our most complex data center networking equipment, including high-speed switches, routers, and optical transport gear. This role requires deep technical expertise in high-speed signal integrity (SI), high-density electronics, exceptional cross-functional leadership, and a proven track record of successfully bringing multiple high-volume, high-quality products from design concept to mass production within aggressive data center deployment schedules.

Who You’ll Work With

As an Electrical NPI Engineer, you will partner with the HW/Mech/Thermal Engineering team on new product development, manufacturing readiness for the high performance network equipment.

What You’ll Do

You will serve as a critical link between Design, NPI, and full scale production, ensuring seamless transition through the product lifecycle. You will collaborate with cross functional teams to develop manufacturing processes, perform DFX review, manage product lifecycle activities, and provide sustaining support for the Arista products.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic NPI Leadership & Network Readiness:

• Lead and own the entire manufacturing readiness process for complex, next-generation data center networking products (e.g., core/spine switches, specialized line cards).
• Drive strategic planning for production line layout, capacity modeling, and capital equipment procurement, ensuring rapid ramp-up to support hyperscale demand.
• Define and maintain the manufacturing technology roadmap, identifying and implementing new processes and equipment required for advanced packaging of ASICs/FPGAs, high-current components, and extremely high-layer count PCBs critical for signal integrity.

Advanced Design for X (DFX) & Optical/Thermal Solutions:

• Function as the DFX expert, leading in-depth design reviews (DFM, DFA, DFT) and influencing product architecture to maximize yield, quality, and cost-efficiency at high volume.Drive specialized DFX considerations for high-speed interconnects (400G/800G+), optical modules (QSFP/OSFP), and sensitive RF paths.
• Expertise in managing the manufacturing and testing of complex thermal solutions is essential, particularly advanced water cooling/liquid cooling systems (e.g., cold plates, manifolds) necessary for high-TDP network processors.
• Drive component selection and supplier process audits with a focus on high-reliability components and precise clocking/timing circuits.

Process and Functional Test System Robustness (Specialized):

• Architect and implement robust manufacturing processes and System-Level Functional Test (FT) strategies (e.g., traffic generation and analysis, full line-rate testing, high-temperature burn-in) that achieve Six Sigma-level quality standards.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of Automated Test Equipment (ATE) development, ensuring precise measurement of BER (Bit Error Rate) and signal quality while aligning with fleet deployment requirements and system diagnostics.
• Provide expert-level Sustaining Engineering guidance to resolve persistent, complex issues related to signal integrity degradation, optical module failures, and system-level performance loss post-launch.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in a manufacturing engineering role, with a minimum of 3 years dedicated to NPI and successful high-volume product launches specifically within the data center networking equipment industry (e.g., switches, routers, accelerators)
• Technical Mastery:
  - Expert-level knowledge of high-layer count PCBA manufacturing, specialized soldering/rework for BGA/FC-BGA components, and process control for large-format electronic boards.
  - Proven track record in designing and qualifying production Functional Test (FT) systems and managing test coverage for complex network systems.
  - Demonstrated expertise in applying advanced statistical and quality tools (PFMEA, SPC, DOE).

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Direct experience managing manufacturing processes at global Contract Manufacturers (CMs) or ODMs specializing in complex networking/telecom equipment.
• Practical, hands-on experience in manufacturing and testing of systems incorporating water cooling, liquid cooling, or immersive cooling solutions for network processors.
• Experience with specialized test equipment and analysis techniques related to Signal Integrity (e.g., TDR, VNA), optical power, and high-speed data transmission.
• Fluency in advanced data analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Python for statistical analysis).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence technical and executive stakeholders in a fast-paced technology environment.
• Direct experience managing manufacturing processes at global Contract Manufacturers (CMs) or ODMs specializing in complex networking/telecom equipment.

Compensation information

The new hire base pay for this role has a salary range of $140,000 to $175,000 and in addition certain roles may also be eligible for discretionary Arista bonuses and equity. Arista offers different pay ranges based on work location, so that we can offer consistent and competitive pay appropriate to the market. The actual base pay offered will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, relevant experience, and work location. US-based employees are also entitled to benefits including medical, dental, vision, wellbeing, tax savings and income protection. The recruiting team can share more details during the hiring process specific to the role and location.

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Additional Information

Arista Networks is an equal opportunity employer. Arista makes all hiring and employment-related decisions in a non-discriminatory manner without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable federal, state, or law law. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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