Hardware NPI / Debug Engineer

About the role

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.

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.
• 3–7 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)
• Electrical design experience is highly desired.
• 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.

Key Skills & Competencies

• 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.

Pay and benefits

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.

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