Hardware NPI / Debug Engineer

Arista Networks, Inc.; Santa Clara, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus and equity

Benefits

Hybrid work

Job summary

Arista Networks, Inc. is seeking a Hardware NPI Engineer in a hybrid role that blends design engineering and manufacturing. You will lead early prototype builds for large data center customers, ensuring high quality while maturing designs and production processes.

The role requires deep understanding of hardware designs, manufacturing, and DFx practices. The position offers exposure to cutting-edge networking hardware, with travel to CM sites and collaboration across global teams.

Qualifications

• BSEE degree required; MSEE strongly desired.
• 0–5+ years in Hardware/NPI/Sustaining/Test in Networking/AI/Computing.
• Experience with lab equipment and system-level debugging.
• Knowledge of IPC/JEDEC and complex Fab structures (VIPPO/backdrill).

Responsibilities

• Own early prototype builds with Hardware, Manufacturing and Test Engineering.
• Drive DFx reviews (DFM, DFT, DFQ, DFR) to improve designs.
• Lead root-cause analysis and system repairs for production readiness.
• Mentor CM partners to maintain high production and quality standards.

Skills

Prototype leadership

System thinking

Root-cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

English fluency

Education

BSEE degree

MSEE preferred

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

IPC/JEDEC standards

VIPPO/backdrill

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

Who You’ll Work With

We are seeking high-caliber Hardware NPI Engineers for a transformational hybrid role that bridges the gap between design engineering and manufacturing. This position requires a deep understanding of our hardware designs, along with our manufacturing processes, to deliver early prototypes to large data center customers. You will be a key driver in ensuring our high standard of quality in production releases while leading the technical execution of early-program builds.

Our product portfolio spans the full spectrum, from compact 1RU switches to massive modular chassis. These systems integrate high-density PCBs with advanced interconnects, high-performance ASICs, and sophisticated thermal management solutions. Working with these platforms requires precision handling of intricate optical and flyover cable assemblies, demanding an exceptional technical acumen to manage the complexities inherent in next-generation networking hardware.

The total estimated annual compensation range for this position, inclusive of base salary, bonus, and equity, is $200,000 to $400,000. This range is a good faith estimate only. Bonus and equity are discretionary, subject to plan terms, and are not guaranteed components of total compensation. Actual total annual compensation may vary based on employee performance, company or equity performance, company policy, board approval, or similar factors. Please see additional base salary information below.

What You’ll Do

This role is a fast track to understanding core products in the AI data center switching fabric, while enabling a deep understanding of the processes necessary to fabricate, manufacture and test these systems. Hence, this role represents a tremendous hands-on opportunity to grow into a role in hardware development, manufacturing, test, and / or product engineering functions.

• End-to-End Prototype Leadership: Take ownership of early prototype builds in partnership with Hardware, Manufacturing and Test Engineering with the goal of rapidly maturing designs and manufacturing processes to yield field trial-ready units for our strategic customers.
• Influence Product Design through DFx: Accelerate your design knowledge by driving Design for Excellence (DFM, DFT, DFQ, DFR) through active reviews of schematics and layouts, directly translating real-world NPI findings into more robust product generations.
• Systems Debug & Technical Mastery: Build deep systems-thinking skills by leading complex root-cause analysis and system repairs, establishing the technical foundation and tools necessary for future senior engineering roles.
• Strategic Collaboration & Mentorship: Drive continuous improvement through close cross-functional partnerships with internal Engineering and Platform Design teams, while mentoring Contract Manufacturing (CM) partners to uphold high-proficiency production and quality standards.

Qualifications

• A BSEE degree is required, an MSEE degree is strongly desired; candidates must possess a solid foundation in electrical engineering.A mechanical aptitude highly desirable.
• 0–5+ years of experience in Hardware, NPI, Sustaining and/or Test Engineering within the Networking, AI, GPU, Computing industries.
• Expertise in system-level debugging, root cause analysis, and proficiency with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers)
• Knowledge of industry manufacturing standards (IPC, JEDEC) and experience with complex Fab structures (VIPPO, backdrill), and electro/mechanical systems.
• Must be passport ready and able to travel to Mexico, Malaysia and Vietnam CM sites.
• Technical Fluency: Deep ability to interpret schematics, board layout files, mechanical drawings, and datasheets to diagnose marginal design issues.
• Diagnostic Proficiency: Ability to read command-line logs and diagnostics to independently navigate early-stage technical hurdles.
• Proactive Leadership: A self-starting mindset with the ability to "run on your own" and drive improvements in efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Teamwork & Communication: Exceptional skills in collaborating with remote and HQ engineers while managing and training factory-level technical staff. English fluency is a must, Spanish and/or Vietnamese fluency is desired.

Base Salary Information:

The new hire base pay for this role has a pay range of $120,000 to $165,000.

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. The salary range provided reflects base pay only. As described above, this position may also be eligible for discretionary Arista bonuses and equity. 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.

#LI-SP1

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.

By clicking the link above or any third-party link within this posting, you are leaving this site and going to a third-party website where the third-party website's terms and privacy policy apply