Network Hardware Engineer

Job Title

Network Hardware Engineer

Role Summary

The Network Hardware Engineer will design and scale physical network systems for Meta's global data center fleet, developing custom switching platforms, optical interconnects, and high-speed PCB assemblies for hyperscale deployment. The role sits at the intersection of electrical engineering and network systems and is responsible for translating network architecture requirements into production-ready hardware.

Base compensation range in the United States: $144,000 to $204,000 per year (base only). Additional bonus, equity, and benefits are provided.

Experience Level

Mid-level — typical candidate has 6+ years of experience in hardware or electrical engineering focused on network equipment, data center infrastructure, or high-speed digital systems.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include designing, validating, and transitioning network hardware for hyperscale data centers.

• Design rack-scale network hardware platforms: switching ASICs, switch cards, chassis systems.
• Lead electrical design for high-speed PCB layouts, signal integrity, and power delivery networks.
• Define hardware architecture and select components for cooling, SerDes interfaces, optical modules, and management subsystems.
• Collaborate with ASIC, firmware, and network software teams to define hardware–software interfaces and ensure integration.
• Drive hardware bring-up, debug, and qualification of prototypes using lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, TDRs, traffic generators).
• Partner with contract manufacturers and ODMs to convert designs to production (EVT, DVT, PVT).
• Develop and run hardware validation plans covering thermal, mechanical, power, and electrical compliance.
• Contribute to product roadmaps and evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., co‑packaged optics, next‑gen switching fabrics).
• Document designs, test results, and failure analyses to support reviews and manufacturing readiness.

Requirements

Must-have qualifications are listed first; preferred skills are included as nice-to-have items.

Must-have:

• 6+ years of hardware or electrical engineering experience focused on network equipment, data center infrastructure, or high‑speed digital systems.
• Experience designing and validating high‑speed PCBs for networking, including signal integrity analysis for SerDes interfaces at 50G, 100G, or higher.
• Hands-on hardware bring-up and debug of complex network systems using oscilloscopes, TDRs, and network traffic generators.
• Experience collaborating with ASIC or silicon teams to integrate custom or merchant silicon into network hardware platforms.
• Experience working with ODMs or contract manufacturers through EVT, DVT, and PVT stages.

Nice-to-have:

• Proficiency with Linux or embedded environments.
• Experience with OSFP, co‑packaged optics integration and characterization, or open networking hardware initiatives.
• Experience with network hardware used in front-end, scale-out, or scale-up data center networks.
• Experience designing systems and boards with very high power ASICs (>500W).

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

About the Company

Company: Meta Platforms

Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States

American technology company that develops social networking products (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) and invests in virtual/augmented reality hardware and software through Reality Labs, focusing on connectivity, advertising, and immersive computing experiences.