NPI & System Product Engineer
Description
About DriveNets
DriveNets is a leader in high-scale networking software for AI infrastructure and service providers. The company pioneered a disaggregated networking architecture that transforms the economics of large-scale networks while maximizing performance, utilization, and operational efficiency. DriveNets-powered networks are deployed by global leaders, including AT&T and Comcast, supporting more than 30% of total U.S. internet traffic. DriveNets AI Fabric delivers full-stack networking for AI infrastructures, providing the highest-performance, Ethernet-based alternative to InfiniBand. The solution is deployed by hyperscalers, NeoClouds, and enterprises worldwide. With over $1B raised, DriveNets continues to push the boundaries of modern networking infrastructure.
About the Role
We are looking for an NPI & System Product Engineer to drive the transition of advanced networking switches and data center infrastructure systems from late-stage R&D validation & NPI into scalable mass production.
In this role, you will lead the handoff from DVT completion into PVT entry , support the setup and deployment of new production lines at global Contract Manufacturers, and execute capacity ramp-up plans toward High-Volume Manufacturing. You will serve as the technical operational link between R&D design/NPI teams and factory lines, ensuring line balancing, fixture readiness, yield optimization, and hands-on root-cause failure analysis (RCA).
Key Responsibilities
Production Readiness
- Support the technical handoff from R&D DVT exit to Operations PVT readiness.
- Track and verify closure of open DVT hardware issues, check BOM readiness, and validate manufacturing gating criteria before mass production.
- Execute PVT build plans to ensure product design tolerances align with factory process capabilities.
New Production Line Setup & Deployment
- Participate in the setup, line balancing, and deployment of new manufacturing lines and assembly workcells for chassis and full-rack integrated systems at CM facilities.
- Validate physical workstation setups, line assembly flows, operator guidelines, and improve processes.
- Verify assembly fixtures, press-fit tooling, and automated test stations during new line deployment.
- Create and maintain production test procedures.
Capacity Ramp-Up & Takt Time Optimization
- Monitor station takt times, identify line bottlenecks, and drive cycle-time reduction initiatives.
- Support the duplication and operational verification of line fixtures, tooling, and test stations to meet capacity scaling targets.
- Track production ramp-up from pilot runs through full-rate High-Volume Manufacturing.
System Product Engineering & Yield Optimization
- Monitor key manufacturing metrics across PCBA & box-build assembly lines: First Pass Yield (FPY), Line Fallout, and Scrap Rate.
- Use Statistical Process Control (SPC) and factory telemetry logs to identify systemic yield detractors.
- Assist in refining production test limits, calibration procedures, and screening guardbands during volume ramp.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) & Debugging
- Perform hands-on failure triage on system-level dropouts, intermittent hardware faults, and line fallouts during PVT and ramp-up.
- Use schematics, Cadence Allegro board layouts, scopes, JTAG, and diagnostic tools to isolate component vs. process defects.
- B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent technical degree.
- 3–5 years of hands-on NPI / System Product Engineering experience specifically in high-performance telecommunications, data center networking switches/routers, enterprise servers, optical hardware.
- Hands-on experience participating in DVT-to-PVT transitions, new production line setup, and factory volume ramp-ups at CM facilities.
- Solid understanding of electronics production processes (Press-fit, boundary scan, functional tests, thermal stress chambers, box-build, and rack integration).
- Good understanding of complex digital architectures: high-throughput network switch ASICs, high-speed SerDes, power delivery subsystems, and optical transceivers.
- Demonstrated ability to isolate intermittent hardware, component, and assembly defects using structured RCA/8D approaches.
- Fluent English (written and verbal); willingness and ability to travel to overseas manufacturing sites for new line deployments, PVT builds, and factory reviews.
Advantages / Preferred Background
- Liquid Cooling Manufacturing Experience (Significant Advantage): Practical experience with liquid-cooled hardware in a production environment, including cold-plate assembly, manifold routing, quick-disconnect handling, liquid system processes on production lines.
- Proficiency in data analytics and scripting tools for automated log analysis and yield tracking.
- Working knowledge of enterprise PLM systems (Agile, Arena) and schematic/layout viewers (Allegro / OrCAD).