Software Engineer, Layer1

Arista; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 191,000; Full time

Job summary

Arista Networks, a leader in data‑driven networking, seeks a Layer1 software engineer to develop control software for physical layer connectivity across diverse optics and connectors.

You will implement features in C/C++ and Python, build tests, and collaborate with optics, hardware, and manufacturing teams to bring new Layer1 components to market. Strong UNIX/Linux skills and IP networking knowledge are valued.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD with relevant work experience as listed.
• Expert knowledge of C/C++ and Python.
• Strong UNIX/Linux knowledge; IP networking familiarity is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Interface with customers, product management and hardware engineers to ideate Layer1 features.
• Architect, design and manage development of these features.
• Develop and maintain Layer1 features using C, C++ and Python; write tests and test infra.
• Collaborate with hardware/manufacturing teams to bring Layer1 components to market.
• Design optimal software control interfaces for Layer1 hardware.
• Provide technical leadership across features, projects and tools.
• Mentor junior engineers and work with customer support to diagnose issues.

Skills

C

C++

Python

UNIX/Linux

IP networking (plus)

Education

BS Computer Science/EE/CE +3 years

MS Computer Science/EE/CE +2 years

Ph.D. Computer Science/EE/CE +1 year

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

As a Layer1 software engineer, you will get to work on software that manages the physical layer, where packets meet the outside world. Stable and reliable physical connectivity is critical for any network and that is your challenge. You will get to write control software that brings to life everything from the ubiquitous 1GBASE‑T connectors to 400G long‑reach optics that provide fiber connectivity across continents. Your software will need to work across a wide variety of forwarding engines, connectors and interface chips called gearboxes, which allow our hardware platforms to support diverse physical connectivity options within a product family. You will build instrumentation and telemetry tools that track physical link health parameters reported by the Layer1 components and enable operators to monitor and troubleshoot their links effectively. You will also work closely with our Optics teams to define standards for new media and bring them to market.

Arista Software Engineering roles demand a strong and broad software engineering background. While the primary focus area for this role is Layer1 software, the role will cover all aspects of software development spanning the addition of new features, debugging problems and fine tuning code for scalability and performance. You will own your projects from definition to deployment and customer interactions, and you will be responsible for the quality of everything you deliver.

Arista Software Engineering prides itself on a supportive and growth–oriented culture. Over time, as your interests change, coupled with evolving business needs you will have the opportunity to switch from Layer1 to other areas, if you like.

What You’ll Do

• Interface with customers, product management and hardware engineers to come up with innovative new Layer1 features.
• Architect, design and manage the development of these features.
• Develop and maintain features using C, C++ and Python, review and contribute to functional and design specifications. Build automated tests and test infrastructure to test the features.
• Work with hardware and manufacturing teams to bring new Layer1 components like Phys and Transceivers to market.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to design optimal software control interfaces for managing Layer1 components.
• Provide technical leadership across features, projects and tools.
• Work with Customer Support Engineers and customers to analyze, mitigate and fix problems in customer networks.
• Work with the System Test Engineers to analyze problems found in their tests and provide fixes for those problems.
• Mentor new and junior engineers to bring them up to speed in Arista's software development environment.

Qualifications

• BS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 3 years experience, or MS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 2 years experience, or Ph.D. in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 1 year experience, or equivalent work experience
• Expert knowledge of C or C++ and Python.
• Knowledge of UNIX or Linux.
• Knowledge of digital communication technologies like modulation and signal encoding schemes is a plus.
• Understanding of IP networking and/or distributed systems is a plus.
• Experience working with low level hardware components is a plus.
• Applied understanding of software engineering principles.
• Strong problem solving and software troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to design a solution and implement features independently.
• Ability to work in small teams.

Compensation Information

The new hire base pay for this role has a salary range of $123,000 to $191,000.

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 pay range provided reflects base pay only and in addition certain roles may also be eligible for discretionary Arista bonuses and equity. Employees in Sales roles are eligible to participate in Arista’s Sales Incentive Plan, which pays commissions calculated as a percentage of eligible sales. 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.

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. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.