Senior Hardware Systems Engineer – AI Rack & Cluster Infrastructure

Arista Networks•Santa Clara, CA

37d•$131,000 - $175,000

About The Position

Arista Networks is seeking a Senior Hardware Systems Engineer specializing in AI Rack & Cluster Infrastructure. This role involves collaborating with hyperscale customers, strategic partners, and cross-functional teams to deliver rack-scale solutions for large AI and cloud deployments. The engineer will lead technical design and execution, ensuring Arista platforms integrate seamlessly into these large-scale environments. Arista Networks values diversity and fosters an inclusive environment, recognized for its engineering excellence, diversity, compensation, and work-life balance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
8+ years in rack integration, data center engineering, or hardware systems design, including hyperscale or large enterprise deployments.
Deep expertise in structured cabling, high-density networking (Ethernet QSFP/OSFP, PCIe), and spine/leaf architectures.
Proven experience with rack cooling (liquid interfaces, thermal optimization) and power systems (PDUs, busways).
Strong project leadership with NPI experience managing cross-functional deliverables.
Proven ability to generate and manage cluster BOMs, rack elevations, and deployment standards under tight timelines.
Ability to assess and make design tradeoffs.
Excellent technical writing skills for data sheets, briefs, and documentation.
Troubleshooting and communication abilities.
Excellent communication, internal and external stakeholder management, and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Arista EOS, hyperscale deployments, or ORv3 rack standards.
Strong understanding of computer and cluster networks; exposure to Arista EOS or cloud networking environments is a plus.
CAD proficiency (SolidWorks/AutoCAD) and regulatory compliance knowledge.
Experience working directly with hyperscalers or large-scale AI/ML cluster deployments.
Experience building or specifying automation tools for BOM management, configuration generation, or deployment workflows.
Proven ability to manage and work with remote vendors and integration partners.
CAD proficiency (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and familiarity with global safety and regulatory requirements for rack systems.
Experience with developing or driving standards or multi-source agreements.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, validation, and deployment of next-generation rack architectures optimized for hyperscale data centers.
Own rack-scale design and deployment of AI and cloud infrastructure, translating cluster architectures into production-ready rack solutions.
Integrate networking, power, and cooling into high-density GPU environments, ensuring performance, scalability, and serviceability.
Lead last-mile execution for hyperscale deployments, working directly with customers and internal teams to bring clusters from design to reality.
Design and optimize rack layouts and cabling systems, including fiber/copper routing, patch panels, and high-density interconnects.
Drive cross-functional delivery across hardware, thermal, manufacturing, and software teams, from concept through NPI and volume deployment.
Create deployment standards and technical documentation (rack elevations, BOMs, runbooks, solution briefs) used by operators and customers.