Leads the architecture and development of router hardware platforms, from board design through bring-up, for carrier-grade reliability.
Key Responsibilities
- Architect router hardware platforms — centralized, modular chassis, and distributed designs — including MPU, LPU, switch fabric, and power modules
- Select embedded processors, switching ASICs, and network interfaces; prepare and manage the Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Design for carrier-grade reliability (MTBF >100,000 hours), thermal management, and signal/power integrity
- Guide BSP and device driver development — bootloader, device tree, Ethernet PHY/switch ASIC drivers — and lead board bring-up
- Own reliability and quality assurance: environmental/EMI-EMC testing, hardware diagnostics, and RMA/root-cause analysis
- Mentor hardware engineers, run design/schematic/PCB reviews, and collaborate with software and manufacturing teams
Requirements
- Expert knowledge of router hardware architectures (centralized, modular chassis, distributed) and embedded processors (ARM/MIPS/x86)
- Deep understanding of switching ASICs, multi-layer PCB design, high-speed interfaces, signal and power integrity
- Production experience designing router/switch hardware in carrier-grade, data center, or enterprise environments
- Proven track record shipping production-grade router hardware with measurable MTBF and field reliability
Nice to Have
- Experience designing router hardware for service provider or enterprise networks
- Carrier-grade hardware certifications (NEBS Level 3, GR-63-CORE, GR-1089-CORE)
- Experience with modular chassis-based router designs
- Experience with distributed router architectures and multi-shelf systems
- Multi-vendor ASIC integration experience
- Experience with hardware reliability engineering and MTBF optimization