Software Engineer; Packet Forwarding Engines

Arista Packet Forwarding & System Software Engineer

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 software‑defined networking to provide a competitive advantage in an interconnected world.

We value diversity of thought, fostering an inclusive environment for creativity and innovation.

Arista has earned awards such as Best Engineering Team and Best Company for Diversity, Compensation, and Work‑Life Balance.

World‑class software engineers are needed for our Packet Forwarding Engines (PFE) and System software development team. You will build packet forwarding engines and system software to manage the world’s most complex networking ASICs used to build the largest data center networks.

Fast‑paced, high caliber team building packet forwarding engine and system software to run Arista’s Extensible Operating System (EOS), a Linux‑based network OS that runs on all Arista data center networking products.

Strong software engineering fundamentals and a good understanding of ASIC‑based packet forwarding engines, hardware components, board system management software, and the networks in which they are used.

• Write functional and design specifications for small‑sized packet forwarding engine features and system software to manage hardware components.
• Implement solutions to small‑sized problems in packet forwarding engine software and system software using C, C++, and Python.
• Utilize, test, and debug vendor‑provided software libraries in solutions.
• Write test plan specifications, implement automated test programs, debug and fix problems found by tests.
• Collaborate with Customer Support Engineers to analyze problems in customer networks and provide fixes through software releases or patches.
• Collaborate with the hardware team and component vendors to bring up initial versions of new systems using packet forwarding engines and system software.
• Work with the diagnostic software team to design and develop software for validation of new packet forwarding engine ASICs and hardware components.
• Review and contribute to specifications and implementations written by team members; mentor new and junior engineers.

• BSc, MS, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering with 3+ years of related post‑graduate work experience.
• Experience in C or C++ and knowledge of UNIX or Linux.
• Understanding of IP networking or distributed systems and applied software engineering principles.
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills; ability to design and implement solutions independently.
• Able to work on a small team solving medium‑sized problems with limited oversight.

The base pay range for this role is $95,000 to $145,000, varying by location and based on skills, qualifications, relevant experience, and work location.

Employees are entitled to benefits including medical, dental, vision, wellbeing, income protection, and a Group Retirement Savings Plan. The recruiting team can share more details during the hiring process specific to the role and location.