Arista Networks is a cloud networking company designing high-performance switches and routing solutions for data centers, cloud providers, and enterprise networks. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the company is known for its low-latency, scalable switching platforms and the extensible EOS (Extensible Operating System) software that supports programmability and automation. Arista’s product lines include campus and data-center switches, routing solutions, and network monitoring tools designed for modern cloud-scale environments. The organization promotes an engineering-focused culture with opportunities in hardware design, software development, and systems integration. Employees often cite collaborative teams, fast-paced product development, and a focus on operational excellence. A unique detail: Arista’s EOS architecture and focus on software-driven networking have made it a popular choice among hyperscale cloud operators and enterprises seeking automated, high-performance network solutions—attractive for professionals interested in cloud networking and network OS development.
Employees I spoke with and read about often describe Arista as an engineering-first place where the people are sharp, pragmatic, and quietly proud of the product. Many testimonials highlight supportive teammates, fast decision-making, and meaningful technical work. A few voices mention that the environment can feel intense at times, but most say that if you love building reliable network software and hardware, Arista feels rewarding.
The company culture at Arista Networks leans technical and meritocratic. Folks talk about a flat feel in many teams, where smart ideas win over hierarchy. Collaboration across engineering and product is common, and there is a clear bias toward shipping quality. If you search for "company culture at Arista Networks" you’ll find repeated notes about focus, ownership, and a preference for engineers who can both design and execute.
Work-life balance at Arista Networks depends a lot on role and team. Many report a reasonable baseline of 40 hours a week, with spikes during product ramps or customer issues. Teams working on major releases may require extra nights or weekends occasionally. Overall, people say it is doable to maintain life outside work if you set expectations and manage busy periods proactively.
Job security is generally stable for core engineering and networking roles tied to long-term products. Like many tech firms, Arista has had occasional reorganizations or targeted reductions, so it is not entirely immune to change. Most employees feel secure if they consistently deliver high-impact work and adapt to shifting priorities.
Leadership is commonly described as technically strong and product-focused. Senior leaders tend to communicate clear engineering goals and expect teams to take ownership. Some employees wish for more transparency in certain strategic decisions, but many appreciate the hands-on, technically competent leadership that guides the company.
Manager quality varies by team. Many managers are former engineers who understand technical constraints and mentor effectively. Reviews praise managers who remove blockers and advocate for their teams. On the flip side, a few managers are reported to be very metrics-driven, which can feel pressuring if your role isn't directly measurable.
Learning happens mostly on the job. Engineers learn quickly by working on real systems, debugging at scale, and pairing with senior colleagues. There are internal talks, brown-bags, and occasional courses, but formal L&D budgets can be limited compared with giant tech firms. If you’re proactive about learning, Arista gives plenty of stretch opportunities.
Promotion paths are available but competitive. The company rewards clear impact and ownership. High performers who lead projects, mentor others, and deliver consistent results move up at a fair pace. Expect to document accomplishments and align with your manager about career steps.
Salaries at Arista are generally competitive in networking and systems engineering. Approximate US ranges: entry/mid-level engineer $110k–$180k, senior engineer $170k–$250k, staff/architect $230k–$360k, director+ $300k+. These are broad estimates and vary by location, experience, and role.
Compensation often includes performance bonuses and equity. Many employees receive restricted stock units (RSUs) which can be a meaningful portion of total pay. Annual bonuses are typically tied to performance and company results. For sales roles, incentives are more commission-driven.
Health benefits are generally solid and comparable to other mid-to-large tech employers. Medical, dental, and vision plans are offered with employer contributions. Mental health support, flexible spending, and parental leave are commonly available. Employees rate benefits as a reliable part of the package.
Teams run regular social events, hackathons, and occasional all-hands meetings. There are regional meetups and engineering offsites that help build camaraderie. Smaller teams often have their own rituals, which keeps engagement high even when company-wide events are infrequent.
Remote work support depends on the team. Many roles are hybrid, with core days in-office to sync on hardware and lab work. Software-focused teams may have more flexibility to be remote. The company provides tools and allowances typical for hybrid setups, but on-site presence is valued for hardware testing and collaborative design.
Typical working hours hover around 40–45 per week for many employees. During launches, rollouts, or escalations, 50+ hour weeks are not uncommon. The workload rhythm is cyclical: steady phases interspersed with intense sprints.
Attrition is moderate and varies by team; engineering teams often have lower churn due to specialized skills. Arista has seen occasional targeted layoffs or restructures, mostly aimed at roles aligned with shifting business focus rather than broad cuts. Overall, it has not been known for frequent mass layoffs.
Rating: 4.2/5
Justification: Arista Networks is a strong choice for engineers who want to work on cutting-edge networking products in a technically driven environment. Compensation and benefits are competitive, leadership is technically credible, and career growth rewards impact. The culture can be intense and varies by team, and remote flexibility depends on the nature of the role. If you value quality engineering, ownership, and working with smart peers, the company scores high. If you prioritize a very relaxed pace or extensive formal training programs, it may score lower for you.
Read authentic experiences from current and former employees at Arista Networks
Cutting-edge networking tech, strong engineering culture, very supportive manager. Lots of opportunity to work on high-performance switches and EOS; mentors and internal docs are excellent.
Very product-driven pace around releases — can mean long hours during launches. Some cross-team coordination could be improved to reduce context switching.
High autonomy, ability to influence roadmap, and access to cross-functional engineering resources. Leadership is transparent and there's a real focus on customer outcomes.
Compensation is okay but could be more competitive for NYC. Coordination across global teams sometimes slows feature delivery; meetings can be heavy on some weeks.
Product-market fit is excellent — customers love the platform which makes selling easier. Great technical training and supportive sales enablement. Good team camaraderie.
Quarter-end and large bid cycles can be stressful with long hours. Promotion cycles felt slow for India office and on-site requirements were sometimes rigid.