Let’s get started
By clicking ‘Next’, I agree to the Terms of Service
and Privacy Policy
Jobs / Job page
Senior Systems Engineer (Pre-Sales) image - Rise Careers
Job details

Senior Systems Engineer (Pre-Sales)

Company Description

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.

Job Description

Who You’ll Work With

When you join Arista as part of the Sales Engineering team, you're not just stepping into a role; you're becoming part of a team of industry experts and technical leaders. Typically reporting to the Regional Engineering Manager, you'll be working alongside some of the most skilled field engineers in the industry. Our team prides itself on not just understanding the technology but also the business impact and aligning our solutions with the larger goals of our clients. In collaboration with our Product Management and Software Development teams, you will play a pivotal role in steering product developments, offerings, and strategic direction to best serve our customers and prospects. Supported by the expertise of our world class Arista TAC, cutting-edge proof-of-concept resources, and support of the executive team, you are well-positioned to lead and innovate within the industry.

What You’ll Do

We are experiencing tremendous growth and have an immediate need for a collaborative, self-motivated Senior Systems Engineer to partner with our Account teams to provide pre-sales technical systems engineering support for our enterprise/commercial customers 

The Senior Systems Engineer is a critical component of the Arista Sales team with the key responsibility of acting as a trusted advisor for our customers to gather requirements and identify opportunities with existing and new customers.

  • You will partner with the Arista Account Managers to understand customer pain points and conduct white board network architectural reviews in addition to conducting Arista product presentations of Arista’s Open Networking Data Center solutions, CloudVision (Network Automation), Security (Network Detection), Endpoint Security and Real-time Fabric Monitoring solutions.
  • You will architect, design and propose Arista Data Center solutions using leaf-spine architectures (VxLAN, EVPN) and network overlays to capture additional sales.
  • Perform hands-on tests to validate customer proof-of-concept setups, Data Center network designs, and network deployments using new products and features
  • Put together design guidelines and recommend improvements to customers for the networks they support
  • Partner with Sales Team to respond to RFP/RFQs
  • Provide feedback to Product Management and Engineering
  • Represent Arista at SDN and Open Networking industry events and conferences
  • Keep up-to-date on competitive solutions, products, and services
  • Author white papers on technology and product

Qualifications

  • BS/CS/CE technical degree required
  • Network Industry Certification preferred (e.g. CCIE (R&S), JNCIE)
  • You possess a minimum of 7+ years of L2/L3 networking design and implementation experience with a focus on Data Center networks. 
  • You possess expert level expertise in routing and switching including L2/L3 protocols.(Cisco, Juniper, Extreme, Aruba) 
  • Demonstrated work experience as either a Sales Engineer, Solutions Architect, Pre-Sales SE or Network Consulting Engineer preferred
  • Previous experience with network overlays preferred. 
  • Expert knowledge in three or more of the following areas: Ethernet, RSTP/ MSTP, VLANs, IP Routing, TCP/IP, BGP, eBGP, VxLAN, EVPN, Multicast, Spanning Tree, QoS
  • Expert-level knowledge of industry-standard CLI
  • Experience with SDN and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) highly desired. 
  • Previous experience building network automation using Python and Ansible desired.
  • Knowledge of competitive products, solutions, and services
  • Ability to write white papers a plus
  • Local to the area

Compensation Information:

The new hire base pay for this role has a salary range of $140,000 to $197,000. 

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.

Additional Information

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.

Average salary estimate

$168500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$140000K
$197000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Senior Systems Engineer (Pre-Sales), Arista Networks

Join Arista Networks as a Senior Systems Engineer in San Francisco, CA, and immerse yourself in an environment that thrives on innovation and collaboration! As part of our Sales Engineering team, you will be the bridge connecting our cutting-edge data-driven networking solutions with our enterprise and commercial customers. In this role, you’ll partner closely with Account Managers to create effective network architectures and conduct impactful presentations on our Open Networking Data Center solutions, CloudVision, and much more. You’ll have the opportunity to harness your 7+ years of L2/L3 networking design experience while working alongside industry experts and leveraging advanced tools to provide hands-on validation of products and designs. Your insights will shape Product Management decisions as you identify customer needs and opportunities, helping to steer the future of our offerings. Not only will you be responsible for acting as a trusted advisor to our clients, but you will also represent Arista at industry events and author white papers, echoing our commitment to thought leadership in networking technology. With a supportive environment that celebrates diversity and fosters creativity, Arista Networks empowers you to drive product development while maintaining high standards of performance. If you’re passionate about creating innovative solutions and making a lasting impact in the IT industry, we’d love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Systems Engineer (Pre-Sales) Role at Arista Networks
What are the key responsibilities of the Senior Systems Engineer at Arista Networks?

The Senior Systems Engineer at Arista Networks is responsible for partnering with account teams to provide pre-sales technical systems engineering support. Key duties include gathering customer requirements, conducting network architectural reviews, presenting Arista’s product offerings, and designing data center solutions. This role requires collaboration with Product Management and Engineering, participation in RFP responses, and representing Arista at industry events.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What qualifications are necessary for a Senior Systems Engineer role at Arista Networks?

To be considered for the Senior Systems Engineer position at Arista Networks, candidates must have a BS/CS/CE degree and at least 7 years of L2/L3 networking design and implementation experience. Network Industry Certifications like CCIE or JNCIE are preferred. Candidates should also possess expertise in routing, switching, and relevant networking protocols to effectively architect and propose data center solutions.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What experience is beneficial for a Senior Systems Engineer in pre-sales at Arista Networks?

Relevant experience for a Senior Systems Engineer in pre-sales at Arista Networks includes previous roles as a Sales Engineer, Solutions Architect, or Network Consulting Engineer. Familiarity with network overlays, SDN, and network virtualization can be advantageous. Hands-on test validation of customer proof-of-concept setups is also an essential facet of the role.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How does Arista Networks support the growth of its Senior Systems Engineers?

Arista Networks is committed to the professional growth of its Senior Systems Engineers through a supportive environment and access to cutting-edge resources. The company fosters collaboration with accomplished field engineers and product management teams, providing opportunities for involvement in product development and feedback loops to enhance engineering processes.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What kind of workplace culture can a Senior Systems Engineer expect at Arista Networks?

At Arista Networks, the culture prioritizes diversity and inclusion, where employees feel valued and empowered to share their unique perspectives. The collaborative atmosphere encourages innovation and creativity, bolstered by a commitment to excellence in everything we do. This supportive culture is designed to motivate employees to perform at their best and drive success for both themselves and the company.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Common Interview Questions for Senior Systems Engineer (Pre-Sales)
How would you approach gathering customer requirements as a Senior Systems Engineer?

Start by engaging in detailed conversations with the customer to fully understand their pain points and business objectives. Utilize active listening skills to clarify their needs and document requirements. Collaborate with account managers and technical teams to ensure a comprehensive approach to designing solutions that align with their goals.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Can you explain your experience with L2/L3 networking protocols?

Discuss specific instances where you designed or implemented networks using L2/L3 protocols. Highlight your expertise with Ethernet, VLANs, BGP, and other relevant technologies, and give examples of how you tackled challenges during network deployments in previous roles.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe a time when you successfully presented a technical solution to a non-technical audience.

Share a specific example where you tailored your presentation to suit the audience's level of understanding. Focus on how you simplified complex concepts while highlighting the business impact of the solution, and the outcome of the presentation in terms of decision-making or customer engagement.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What strategies do you use for validating proof-of-concept setups?

Explain your approach to testing by outlining the validation process you follow. Discuss any tools or methodologies you apply to ensure the setup meets customer requirements, and describe a past experience where thorough validation played a key role in a successful deployment.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you stay updated on the latest networking technologies and trends?

Emphasize the importance of continuous learning in the technology field. Mention your subscriptions to industry publications, participation in webinars or conferences, and involvement in networking forums that keep you abreast of advancements and competitive solutions.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What role do you see automation playing in modern networking environments?

Discuss how automation can enhance efficiency and reduce error in network management. Use real-world examples to illustrate how leveraging tools like Python or Ansible can simplify complex tasks, improve agility, and support network scalability.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How would you handle a situation where a proposed solution has technical limitations?

In this scenario, approach the conversation transparently by discussing the limitations with the client and offering alternative solutions that align with their needs. Stress the importance of being honest while still focusing on customer satisfaction and trust.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe your experience collaborating with product management teams.

Talk about instances where you provided valuable feedback to product management based on customer interactions. Highlight how this collaboration has influenced product development and how understanding market needs has helped shape effective solutions.

Join Rise to see the full answer
In your opinion, what are the most critical skills for a Senior Systems Engineer?

Detail the technical and soft skills you believe are essential, such as robust knowledge of networking technologies, strong communication abilities, analytical thinking, and a customer-focused mindset. Use examples from your experience to validate your points.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you prioritize and manage multiple customer projects simultaneously?

Explain your time management strategies and tools you use to stay organized. Illustrate how you balance priorities by allocating resources effectively to ensure all projects move forward without compromising quality or deadlines.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Similar Jobs
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 9 days ago
Posted 11 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 10 days ago
Inclusive & Diverse
Rise from Within
Mission Driven
Diversity of Opinions
Work/Life Harmony
Social Impact Driven
Rapid Growth
Passion for Exploration
Dental Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Vision Insurance
Disability Insurance
Performance Bonus
Family Medical Leave
Paid Holidays
Medical Insurance
Mental Health Resources
Maternity Leave
Paternity Leave
Paid Time-Off

Arista Networks is an industry leader in cognitive cloud networking for mission-critical data center and campus environments. Arista’s award-winning platforms deliver availability, agility, automation analytics and security through CloudVision® an...

110 jobs
MATCH
Calculating your matching score...
FUNDING
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 18, 2025

Subscribe to Rise newsletter

Risa star 🔮 Hi, I'm Risa! Your AI
Career Copilot
Want to see a list of jobs tailored to
you, just ask me below!
LATEST ACTIVITY
P
Someone from OH, Mentor just viewed Ecommerce Specialist at ProjectGrowth
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Lakewood just viewed Regional Broker Contractor - Ohio, US (Remote) at Real
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Data Partnerships Analyst at Experian
Photo of the Rise User
12 people applied to Lead Generation Support at Voltus
Photo of the Rise User
41 people applied to Katu Field Guide at Katu
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Dublin just viewed Junior PMO Analyst at Rentokil Initial Group
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Executive Assistant II at Progress
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Infection Prevention Data Abstractor: Full-Time at Q-Centrix
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Orwell just viewed Amazon Expediting Fleet Specialist at MSX International
E
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Junior Support Engineer (m/f/d) at EoT Labs GmbH
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Reynoldsburg just viewed Graphic Designer at Hyve Group
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Reynoldsburg just viewed Production Artist Phoenix at R.R. Donnelley
A
Someone from OH, Avon Lake just viewed Entry Level Marketing Assistant at Alphabe Insight Inc
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, North Royalton just viewed Researcher-NBC Sports at NBCUniversal
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed UI Product Designer at Insight Global
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Getinge is hiring: UI/UX Developer in Streetsboro at Getinge
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Kent just viewed Graphic Designer, Direct Response at Visa
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed General Application - I want to work at Kiddom! at Kiddom
G
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Calling All Stay-at-Home Parents at Global Elite Texas
S
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Senior Project Manager, Learning at Studion
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Pickerington just viewed Marketing Data Analyst - Contract (10hrs/wk) at Skylight
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Pickerington just viewed Americas Sales Manager, Kuiper Mobility Business Unit at Amazon
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Maple Heights just viewed Medical Receptionist at LifeStance Health