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Arista Networks is seeking a Senior Software Engineer specializing in Packet Forwarding Engine (PFE) software development. In this role, you will collaborate with customers, product management, and engineering teams to design and build novel packet forwarding features in EOS that enable networks to run effectively and efficiently.
You will develop deep expertise in packet forwarding architecture and apply it to solve complex customer problems. Key responsibilities include designing packet forwarding flows, developing efficient data structures and algorithms for forwarding state management, and integrating solutions across system layers. You will tackle multi-dimensional challenges such as minimizing downtime during software upgrades on switches and rendering routing tables with over 1 million routes across systems with hundreds of forwarding chips.
This role spans the full software development lifecycle: feature definition, architecture and design, implementation, testing, and deployment. You will own projects end-to-end and maintain responsibility for quality. Specific duties include interfacing with customers and product management to define features, architecting and managing feature development, developing and maintaining code in C, C++, and Python, building automated tests and test infrastructure, providing technical leadership across features and projects, collaborating with Customer Support Engineers and System Test Engineers to analyze and resolve production issues, and mentoring junior engineers.
Arista values a supportive, growth-oriented culture with opportunities to expand into other technical areas as interests and business needs evolve.
Qualifications:
- BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering with 8+ years of experience; OR MS with 6+ years; OR PhD with 3+ years; OR equivalent work experience
- Expert-level knowledge of C or C++ and Python
- Knowledge of UNIX or Linux
- Understanding of IP networking and/or distributed systems
- 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
- Preferred: Experience working with packet forwarding chips and pipelines
