Optics Software Engineer Lead

Arista Networks•Santa Clara, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Arista Networks is seeking an Optics Software Engineer Lead to join the Optics/Hardware team. The Arista Optics team develops and qualifies copper and optical interconnect products across all Arista platforms, ranging from 10G to 12.8T optical solutions. As an Optics Software Engineer Lead, you will collaborate closely with optics engineers, hardware engineers, and validation teams to lead the development of software tools, automation frameworks, and test infrastructure used to validate and qualify next-generation optical transceivers. This role offers the opportunity to combine optical networking expertise with strong software and automation skills to improve testing efficiency, coverage, and product quality. This is an exciting opportunity to help drive the qualification of 1.6T and 12.8T optical technologies for the next generation of AI data center networks.

Requirements

BS/MS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Experience with PAM4 FRO, LRO and LPO transceivers.
5+ years of experience in software development, test automation, or validation engineering.
Strong programming skills in Python.
Experience developing automated test tools and frameworks in Linux environments.
Experience controlling lab equipment and automating measurements using industry standard interfaces and APIs.
Knowledgeable with optical transceivers, high-speed networking, and optical communication technologies.
Understanding of CMIS, EEPROM management, I2C/I3C communication interfaces, and optical module qualification processes
Strong debugging, problem solving, and data analysis skills.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to work onsite in the optics and hardware lab.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of software tools and automation frameworks for Optical Design Verification Testing (ODVT) and system level validation.
Develop and maintain Python based scripts and applications for optics testing, CMIS compliance verification, EEPROM validation, and interoperability testing.
Automate test execution, instrument control, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Build and maintain automated test infrastructure for 1.6T and 12.8T optical transceivers.
Work closely with optics, hardware, diag, and software teams to improve test coverage and product quality.
Analyze test results, troubleshoot issues, and develop tools to improve validation efficiency.
Support qualification of new optical technologies, including PAM4, LPO, LRO, and coherent optics.
Serve as the technical lead for optics test automation and software development.