Technical Marketing Engineer - Photonics

Arista Networks is an industry leader in data‑driven, client‑to‑cloud networking for large data center, campus and routing environments. Our solutions leverage cloud computing, AI, and SDN to provide a competitive edge, anticipating future challenges.

As part of our Hardware Product Management team you will work with Sales and Systems Engineering teams to define product deployment use cases, architectures, and drive Engineering Test and Validation. You’ll help develop, deploy, and maintain application notes, white papers and drive proof‑of‑concept infrastructure for high‑performance optical interconnect and systems. Your work spans technical product management, hardware and firmware testing, systems integration, Python development, network deployment rules and hands‑on lab experimentation, collaborating with experienced engineers.

• Define use cases for scale‑up, scale‑out and across generations of optical interconnect, switch and router families. Educate Sales Engineering on optic interconnect deployment configurations.
• Create tools for deployment rules and optical configurations for mixed‑rate interconnect and scale across DWDM technologies (grey and amplified direct and coherent detection DWDM, single and multi‑span).
• Maintain internal and external facing documentation for Data Center, ML/AI and scale‑across deployment scenarios with Arista family of products.
• Create web‑based tools for valid configuration of Arista family of products across switch and router generations and supported optics interconnect configurations.

• Work with PLM and engineering to define configurations for technical conferences.
• Support engineering with equipment set‑up and logistics.
• Support PLM and marketing with materials to support demonstrations.
• Attend conferences as required.

• Write and maintain Python‑based code to automate test flows, control lab instruments, and log test results at scale.

• Set up and run optical/electrical tests using tools like BERTs, power meters, spectrum analyzers, OTDR, and oscilloscopes.
• Validate DWDM single and multi‑span systems.

• Assist in analyzing test data to identify trends, troubleshoot failures, and improve product and process reliability.

• Help build internal resources such as test procedures, troubleshooting guides, and onboarding documentation.

• Work closely with hardware, firmware, and operations teams to ensure alignment between test systems and production goals.

• A Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or a related technical field. A PhD in photonics and/or MBA is preferred.
• 5 years’ experience with optical networking and DWDM design and deployment.
• Understanding and analysis of DWDM signal propagation and simulation, as well as multi‑span amplified systems is an asset.
• Strong writing and presentation skills, able to disseminate succinct practical knowledge to Sales and Sales Engineering.
• Strong practical knowledge of Ethernet, DWDM, and coherent optical technologies.
• Hands‑on experience with optical test equipment such as OTDR, OSA, BERT, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, with solid troubleshooting skills.
• Extensive experience with traffic generators and network protocol analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, Ixia, Spirent).
• Prior experience in system testing, scripting (e.g., Python, TCL), and/or new product introduction (NPI).
• Proven experience testing coherent and IMDD transponders/transceivers, optical amplifiers, optical mux/demux and other optical system building blocks.
• Understanding of performance monitoring parameters including pre‑FEC BER, OSNR, chromatic dispersion (CD) and polarization mode dispersion (PMD).
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative approach—ask smart questions and contribute to team discussions.
• A curious, hands‑on mindset and eagerness to learn new tools and technologies.

The base salary range for this role is 123,000–175,000 CAD. The pay range reflects base pay only; other compensation may include discretionary bonuses and equity. US‑based employees may be eligible for a Sales Incentive Plan and benefits including medical, dental, vision, wellbeing, tax savings, and income protection.

Arista Networks is an equal‑opportunity employer. We make 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 deemed unlawful under applicable law. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.