Senior Optical Hardware Engineer.

Location: Santa Clara, CA, us

Company 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

You will collaborate with a broad, interdisciplinary team including experts in optical and electrical components, IC packaging, PCB design, thermal and mechanical design, firmware/software, operations, and test engineering, to bring transceivers from concept through high-volume production.

What You’ll Do

Arista Networks is seeking an exceptional Senior Optical Transceiver Design Engineer to join our fast-paced, innovative environment. This role will focus on the design and development of next-generation optical modules and engines at 1.6Tbps and beyond. You’ll play a key role in expanding Arista's leadership in data center connectivity and enabling differentiation in the networking space. As part of the Hardware Architecture Engineering Division, you will be responsible for defining transceiver module architecture and detailed engineering specifications based on system-level requirements. 

• Define and architect optical transceiver modules (1.6T and beyond) aligned with product-level requirements.
• Design high-speed PCB schematics including power, control, and signal interfaces for optical modules.
• Guide layout engineers to complete PCB layout that meets mechanical, signal integrity, thermal, and manufacturing constraints.
• Collaborate across disciplines to ensure successful integration of optical, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Lead technical validation, bring-up, and performance optimization of optical transceivers.
• Support design validation, qualification, and root-cause analysis during development and production ramp.
• Stay current with and implement relevant industry standards (IEEE, MSA, CMIS, etc.).
• Contribute to automation of transceiver performance testing using Python, C++, or LabVIEW.

Qualifications

• B.Tech (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in optical transceiver design, fiber optics, RF modulation, and networking systems.
• Hands-on experience with:
  • PCB schematic design and layout review for optical modules.
  • High-speed opto-electrical system design, including DSPs, power rails, and microcontroller interfaces.
  • MSA and IEEE standards for optical transceivers (e.g., QSFP, OSFP, CMIS).
  • Testing transceiver performance: TDECQ, receiver sensitivity, stressed eye measurements.
  • DSP configuration and FIR equalization optimization for PAM4/NRZ signaling.
• Software scripting skills for automation using Python, C++, or LabVIEW.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of interfacing across technical and managerial levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Expertise in:
  • Optical transmission systems (TOSA/ROSA, Mach-Zehnder modulators, etc.).
  • Optical and electrical link analysis and impairment budgeting (OSNR, loss, etc.).
  • IC package design and analysis.
  • High-speed SerDes design (analog/DSP architectures).
  • RF front-end components (Drivers, TIAs, LAs).
  • Signal and power integrity analysis (HFSS, ADS, SI/PI tools).
• Familiarity with coherent and direct-detect optical systems and DSP algorithms (e.g., clock recovery, polarization de-mux).
• System-level understanding of current and emerging optical transceiver architectures and standards.
• Strong problem-solving skills and collaborative, proactive attitude.
• Willingness to travel when required.

Compensation Information

The new hire base pay for this role has a salary range of $150,000 to $230,000. 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.

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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.