NPI Engineer - Product Operations Manager

About the role

Arista Networks is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Product Operations Manager to oversee the entire lifecycle of our innovative product offerings. This critical role involves ensuring that our products meet customer expectations while aligning with company goals related to revenue growth, product reliability, manufacturability, testability, sustainability, and supportability. You will work closely with internal teams across various disciplines, including engineering, manufacturing, product management, and customer support, to facilitate seamless product development, launch, and ongoing management. Additionally, you will coordinate with external technology partners and supply chain vendors to ensure timely delivery of prototypes and production units, maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency throughout the process.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Manage the complete lifecycle of products, from initial program commitment and development through to manufacturing readiness, product launch, and eventual end-of-life management.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams including product development, manufacturing, product management, quality assurance, and customer support to ensure successful product launches and ongoing support.
• Collaborate with external technology partners and manufacturing vendors to deliver prototypes and early production units, ensuring all materials and components are available and meet specifications.
• Drive initiatives aimed at improving manufacturability, testability, reliability, sustainability, and supportability of products, ensuring they meet industry standards and customer expectations.
• Monitor and verify product readiness at key project milestones, including design reviews, prototype testing, and pre-production assessments.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to address potential delays, quality issues, or supply chain disruptions throughout the product development process.
• Work closely with NPI engineers to plan capacity, allocate resources, and manage capital expenditures necessary for product ramp-up and manufacturing scaling.
• Conduct post-project reviews and lessons learned sessions to identify areas for process improvement and ensure continuous enhancement of product development and launch procedures.
• Track and analyze product quality metrics, including production yields, defect rates, and return merchandise authorizations (RMAs), to maintain high standards of quality and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure products adhere to cost objectives throughout their lifecycle, including post-production monitoring, warranty management, and end-of-life processes.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to define and implement product enhancement initiatives based on customer feedback, field data, and technological advancements.
• Maintain detailed documentation of product development stages, risk assessments, and project status reports to facilitate effective communication with stakeholders.
• Support the integration of new technologies and processes into existing manufacturing workflows to optimize efficiency and product quality.
• Liaise with sales and customer support teams to gather feedback, address issues, and ensure customer satisfaction with product performance.
• Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory requirements, and best practices to ensure products remain competitive and compliant with relevant standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering is required; a Master's degree in business administration (MS/MBA) and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification are highly preferred.
• A minimum of 4 years of direct engineering experience in the fabrication and manufacturing of electronic products, demonstrating a solid understanding of product development and production processes.
• Proven experience in new product introduction (NPI), operations management, and program management, with a track record of successfully launching complex products.
• Familiarity with engineering product development, hardware and software integration, and manufacturing workflows.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience working with external partners, suppliers, and vendors to secure resources and manage expectations.
• Ability to effectively communicate with sales teams, external customers, and internal stakeholders, translating technical concepts into clear, actionable insights.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify potential issues early and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ensuring all project milestones and quality standards are met.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with experience guiding cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration.
• Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies, with a focus on risk assessment and resource planning.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of preparing concise reports and presentations for executive audiences.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations relevant to electronic product manufacturing, including ITAR compliance if applicable.

Nice to have

• Experience working with international supply chains and global manufacturing partners.
• Familiarity with ITAR regulations and compliance requirements.
• Prior exposure to hardware and software development projects, particularly in high-tech or networking industries.
• Experience in managing product lifecycle costs and end-of-life strategies.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices and eco-design principles relevant to electronic products.

Skills & tools

• Project management and planning
• Cross-functional team leadership and coordination
• Product lifecycle management (PLM)
• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
• Stakeholder communication and reporting
• Supply chain and vendor management
• Quality assurance and control processes
• Data analysis and performance metrics tracking
• Continuous improvement methodologies
• Familiarity with manufacturing automation and process optimization tools

Practical notes

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Taiwan. This position requires on-site presence in Taipei, with no remote work options. Candidates should be prepared to participate in a comprehensive interview process, including technical assessments and stakeholder interviews. The role demands a proactive mindset, strong organizational skills, and the ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously. Familiarity with industry standards and a commitment to continuous learning are essential for success in this role.