BIOS Senior/Lead Software Engineer at Arista Networks. About the role You will be an integral part of Arista's BIOS team, focusing on the development, maintenance, and enhancement of CPU firmware, BIOS, and boot loader software that powers all Arista products.
This position involves working closely with hardware engineers and vendors to ensure seamless integration of new CPU architectures and components into Arista's hardware platforms. Additionally, you will contribute to the open-source BIOS community by submitting patches and participating in collaborative development efforts.

The role requires a strong foundation in firmware development, low-level software engineering, and an understanding of hardware-software interactions at the firmware level. Your expertise will help ensure that Arista's products are reliable, efficient, and compatible with evolving hardware technologies.

Key facts

- Location: Vancouver
- Engagement: Full-time
- Team: BIOS Team

What you'll do

- Develop, implement, and maintain low-level CPU software, including BIOS, firmware, and boot loaders, to support Arista's hardware products across various platforms.
- Design and build automated testing frameworks and scripts using C, C++, and Python to validate firmware features, identify regressions, and ensure high-quality releases.
- Collaborate with hardware engineers and vendors to evaluate new CPUs, assess hardware compatibility, and facilitate the integration of new CPU boards into Arista's product line.
- Monitor ongoing Linux Kernel developments, identify relevant features, and adapt firmware accordingly to leverage recent capabilities and improvements.
- Contribute to open-source BIOS projects by submitting patches, enhancements, and participating in community discussions to improve BIOS standards and features.
- Review technical specifications, functional requirements, and design documents from internal teams and external vendors, providing feedback and suggestions to optimize firmware functionality.
- Work closely with Customer Support Engineers and clients to troubleshoot and resolve firmware-related issues, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
- Partner with System Test Engineers to analyze test results, identify root causes of firmware or hardware failures, and implement fixes or improvements.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior firmware engineers, sharing best practices, code reviews, and development strategies to foster team growth.
- Support the process of bringing up current CPU boards,



including initial firmware development, testing, and validation, to ensure compatibility and performance standards are met.
- Document firmware architecture, design decisions, troubleshooting procedures, and operational guidelines clearly and comprehensively for internal use and future reference.
- Participate in cross-team meetings and planning sessions to align firmware development efforts with overall product roadmaps and hardware advancements.
- Stay current with industry trends, emerging hardware technologies, and firmware development best practices to continuously improve Arista's firmware capabilities.
- Assist in defining firmware development standards and processes to ensure consistency, quality, and maintainability across projects.
- Contribute to internal knowledge bases, technical reports, and training materials to support ongoing team education and onboarding of new engineers.
- Engage in code reviews, testing, and validation activities to uphold high-quality firmware releases.
- Support the deployment and integration of firmware updates in production environments, ensuring smooth rollouts and minimal disruption.
- Collaborate with other engineering teams, including networking, hardware, and software, to deliver cohesive and reliable product solutions.

Requirements

- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering with at least 8 years of professional experience; or a Master's degree with 6+ years; or a Ph.D. with 3+ years; or equivalent industry experience.
- Extensive proficiency in C programming, with a strong understanding of low-level software development, hardware interfaces, and firmware architecture.
- Experience in designing, developing, and maintaining CPU firmware, BIOS, and boot loader software for various hardware platforms.
- Proven track record of bringing up and supporting new CPU boards, including initial firmware development, testing, and validation.
- Deep troubleshooting skills in diagnosing and resolving issues related to CPU firmware, BIOS, and hardware interactions.
- Familiarity with Linux kernel architecture, features,



and integration points relevant to firmware development.
- Knowledge of IP networking principles, protocols, and architecture is advantageous.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex hardware and software issues and develop effective solutions.
- Excellent communication skills for documenting technical details, writing reports, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and contribute effectively within small, focused teams.
- Experience with x86 and ARM CPU architectures is beneficial.
- Knowledge of open-source BIOS development practices and community engagement is a plus.
- Familiarity with firmware testing methodologies, automation tools, and validation processes.
- Understanding of hardware design, schematics, and board bring-up procedures.
- Ability to adapt evolving hardware and software technologies and incorporate new features into firmware.
- Knowledge of security best practices in firmware development, including secure boot and firmware signing.

Nice to have

- Experience working within open-source development communities related to BIOS and firmware.
- Familiarity with scripting languages beyond Python, such as Bash or Perl, for automation purposes.
- Knowledge of security best practices in firmware development, including secure boot and firmware signing.

Skills & tools

C, C++, Python, BIOS development, CPU firmware, Linux Kernel, firmware testing and validation, hardware troubleshooting, IP networking.

Practical notes

The salary range for this position in Canada is between $120,000 and $195,000, depending on the candidate's experience, location, and qualifications. Compensation may include discretionary bonuses and equity options. The comprehensive benefits package covers medical, dental, vision, and retirement savings plans.
Additional details about benefits and company policies will be provided during the interview process. This role is based in Vancouver and involves on-site work at Arista's office. Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada; visa sponsorship is not specified.

Arista Networks is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging innovation, and supporting professional growth. Our company values collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous learning, making this an excellent opportunity for experienced firmware engineers to contribute to cutting-edge networking hardware.

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📌 BIOS Senior/Lead Software Engineer (Vancouver)
🏢 Arista Networks
📍 Vancouver