Optics Software Engineer Lead
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 3, 2026. First seen by Alion on Jun 24, 2026. Arista Networks scores B on the Alion truth index.
Arista Networks is an industry leader in data-driven, client-to-cloud networking for large data center, campus and routing environments. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of innovation. We leverage the latest advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and software-defined networking to provide our clients with a competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected world. Our solutions are designed to not only meet the current demands of the digital landscape but to also anticipate and adapt to future challenges.
At Arista we value the diversity of thought and perspectives that each employee brings to the table. We believe that fostering an inclusive environment, where individuals from various backgrounds and experiences feel welcome, is essential for driving creativity and innovation.
Our commitment to excellence has earned us several prestigious awards, such as Best Engineering Team, Best Company for Diversity, Compensation, and Work-Life Balance. At Arista, we take pride in our track record of success and strive to maintain the highest standards of quality and performance in everything we do.
Who you'll work with
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.
What you'll do
- 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.
- BS/MS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Experience with PAM4 FRO, LRO and LPO transcivers.
- 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.
Compensation Information:
The new hire base pay for this role has a pay range of $150,000 to $230,000. 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 pay range provided reflects base pay only and in addition certain roles may also be eligible for discretionary Arista bonuses and equity. Employees in Sales roles are eligible to participate in Arista’s Sales Incentive Plan, which pays commissions calculated as a percentage of eligible sales. 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.
Arista Networks is an equal opportunity employer. Arista makes 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 determined to be unlawful under applicable federal, state, or law law. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.