System Architect

Description

About DriveNets

DriveNets is transforming the way the world builds networks. Our Network Cloud software is revolutionizing the networking industry by disaggregating hardware and software, enabling scalable, cost-effective networks for top-tier service providers and hyperscalers.

Job Summary

We are seeking an exceptional and highly experienced Senior System Engineer to join our elite HW R&D team. This role is suited for a seasoned professional (15+ years of experience) in the networking and telecommunications industry, with a proven track record in multi-platform system architecture, hardware/software integration, and deep protocol-level understanding. The ideal candidate will lead and define end-to-end system behavior across multiple layers, ensuring alignment between hardware platforms and software stacks.

You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to define detailed system specifications, drive platform validation, and ensure our solutions are reliable, efficient, and meet the demanding requirements of service providers.

Key Responsibilities

System Architecture & Design

• Own the end-to-end system architecture across various DriveNets platforms (routing, switching, timing, and synchronization platforms).
• Define and maintain system-level functional specifications and engineering requirements documents (ERDs), covering HW-SW interfaces, thermal, mechanical, power, and performance constraints.
• Evaluate and drive platform-level trade-offs (e.g., performance vs. power, scalability vs. complexity).
• Collaborate with hardware design, software architecture, thermal, and mechanical teams to ensure cohesive system integration.
• CPU selection, boot methodologies, FW upgrades, IC programming, etc.

Technical Leadership

• Act as the technical authority on system behavior, network feature interaction, and platform compatibility across various ASIC vendors.
• Drive design reviews, providing critical input on system-level implications and interactions.

Detailed Specifications & Documentation

• Develop comprehensive and structured documentation: platform requirement specs, interface control documents (ICDs), test coverage matrices, thermal analysis reports, power budgets, and system bring-up guides.
• Create and maintain clear, accurate, and implementation-ready specifications to be used by hardware, software, validation, and operations teams.

Thermal, Power & Mechanical Integration

• Analyze and approve cooling methods and thermal design requirements (airflow, heat sinks, thermal interface materials, etc.).
• Analyze power distribution planning, and integration with PSU/voltage regulator designs.
• Work closely with mechanical engineering

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in the networking/telecom industry, in roles spanning system engineering, hardware-software co-design, platform architecture, and test strategy.
• Proven track record of delivering carrier-grade networking systems or data center-scale platforms.
• Deep technical expertise in Ethernet switching, IP routing, timing/synchronization, high-speed interconnects, and network processor architectures.
• Strong background in thermal/power/EMI/ESD/EMC requirements for telecom hardware.
• Fluent in writing clear, structured, and highly detailed technical documents (e.g., platform specifications, RFPs, ICDs, user guides).
• Familiarity with compliance standards and regulatory certifications (NEBS, RoHS, CE, etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills - able to work cross-functionally and influence across teams and disciplines.

Familiar with the following concept/Basic Knowledge

SI/PI, HSIO, and LSIO Expertise

• Serve as the go-to authority for Signal Integrity (SI) and Power Integrity (PI) across all platform designs:
• Review pre-layout and post-layout simulations using SI/PI tools.
• Provide technical guidance on High-Speed IO (HSIO) interfaces including:
• SerDes, PCIe, 1G/…/100G/400G/800G/1600G Ethernet, and high-speed backplane interfaces.
• Specify Low-Speed IO (LSIO) interfaces such as I2C, SPI, UART, and GPIO, ensuring robust control-plane integration and manageability.

Nice to Have

Testing & Validation Strategy

• Define system-level test plans, platform qualification strategies, and test automation coverage.
• Review and approve test reports, debug logs, and validation reports to ensure product readiness.
• Participate in platform bring-up and root cause analysis across HW/SW boundaries.

Why Join DriveNets?

• Be part of a revolution in networking-DriveNets is leading the transition from legacy routers to cloud-native, scalable solutions.
• Work alongside industry experts and contribute to next-gen service provider platforms.
• Influence architectural decisions at scale and drive complex, high-impact systems from definition to deployment.
• Enjoy a collaborative, fast-paced environment with plenty of room for innovation and growth.