Senior Optical Process and Manufacturing Engineer

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.

Arista Networks is seeking a skilled and driven Senior Optical Process and Manufacturing Engineer to support the transition of next-generation optical interconnects — including 800G and 1.6T transceiver modules — from R&D into high-volume production. In this role, you will work closely with hardware architects, design engineers, contract manufacturers (CMs), and component vendors to develop robust, scalable, and cost-effective assembly and test processes. Your work will be essential in ensuring performance, yield, and manufacturability targets are consistently met or exceeded for Arista’s industry-leading optical transceivers.

You’ll be part of a highly cross-functional team, helping define manufacturing flows, debug issues, manage process qualifications, and support production ramp-up for advanced optical modules and engines, including chiplet-based and co-packaged designs.

• Develop and qualify assembly and test processes for optical interconnects, high-density optical engines, and transceiver modules, including fiber attach, active/passive alignment, and high-precision optical integration.
• Drive process development for wire-bonding and flip-chip assemblies used in optical engines and chiplet packaging.
• Collaborate with design teams on DFX (Design for Manufacturing, Test, and Yield) to ensure smooth product transition into mass production.
• Work closely with CMs and vendors to define process controls, tooling, fixtures, and automated test solutions.
• Drive yield improvement, root cause analysis, and continuous process optimization from pilot to production builds.
• Support optical epoxy dispensing, underfill, MPO connector assembly, and other complex packaging processes.
• Create and manage process documentation such as PFMEA, control plans, work instructions, and test specifications.
• Analyze production and reliability data to identify trends, improve process performance, and mitigate risks.
• Participate in supplier and CM audits, qualifications, and equipment/process validation.
• Collaborate with supply chain and quality teams on material selection, incoming inspection, and vendor management.
• Work with design, test, and reliability teams to ensure module quality, cost, and performance meet Arista’s standards.

• B.S. or higher in Optical, Electrical, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering for optical transceivers, photonics modules, or advanced packaging.
• Strong knowledge of optical component assembly, including fiber attach, active/passive alignment, optical bonding, epoxy dispense, and sealing techniques.
• Hands-on experience with wire-bonding and flip-chip assembly processes in an optical or semiconductor packaging environment.
• Experience in high-volume module-level manufacturing, including collaboration with global contract manufacturers (CMs).
• Familiarity with MSA transceiver form factors (e.g., QSFP-DD, OSFP) and key optical performance metrics.
• Solid understanding of optical testing methodologies such as TDECQ, receiver sensitivity, insertion loss, and return loss.
• Experience in failure analysis, root cause identification, and yield improvement.
• Proficiency with process control tools (SPC, DOE) and quality tools (8D, FMEA).
• Excellent communication, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Engineering with a focus on optics, packaging, or manufacturing technologies.
• Experience with optical engine packaging, chiplet-based assembly, or co-packaged optics.
• Expertise in thermal, mechanical, and material management in advanced photonic packaging.
• Familiarity with low-temperature soldering, reflow limitations of optical epoxies, and alternative attach processes.
• Hands-on experience with automated assembly and test equipment, including high- precision wire bonders and flip-chip bonders.
• Experience in DFM/DFX reviews and the NPI lifecycle from EVT through MP.
• Knowledge of reliability testing and qualification standards for datacom optical modules.

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.

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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.