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Salary: CAD 120,000 - 195,000 / annual
Arista Networks is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to work on Layer1 software—the critical physical layer where packets meet the outside world. You will develop control software for physical connectivity components ranging from standard 1GBASE-T connectors to 1.6T long-reach optics that provide fiber connectivity across continents. Your work will span multiple forwarding engines, connectors, and interface chips (gearboxes) that enable diverse physical connectivity options within product families.
Key responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with customers, product management, and hardware engineers to define innovative Layer1 features
- Architecting, designing, and managing feature development end-to-end
- Developing and maintaining features in C, C++, and Python; reviewing specifications and building automated test infrastructure
- Working with hardware and manufacturing teams to bring new Layer1 components (Phys, Transceivers) to market
- Designing optimal software control interfaces in collaboration with hardware engineers
- Providing technical leadership across features, projects, and tools
- Analyzing and fixing problems in customer networks alongside Customer Support Engineers
- Mentoring junior engineers in Arista's software development environment
You will own projects from definition through deployment and customer interactions, with responsibility for quality across all deliverables. The role covers all aspects of software development: new features, debugging, and performance optimization. Arista's engineering culture emphasizes support and growth; over time you may transition to other software areas as interests and business needs evolve.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering plus 8 years of experience; OR Master's degree plus 6 years; OR Ph.D. plus 3 years; OR equivalent work experience
- Expert knowledge of C or C++ and Python
- Knowledge of UNIX or Linux
- Applied understanding of software engineering principles
- Strong problem-solving and software troubleshooting skills
- Ability to design solutions and implement features independently
- Ability to work effectively in small teams
- Plus: knowledge of digital communication technologies (modulation, signal encoding), IP networking, distributed systems, or low-level hardware component experience
