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 seeking an experienced and multifaceted Mechanical NPI & Manufacturing Engineer to own mechanical systems engineering, manufacturing transfer, advanced packaging, and thermal/liquid cooling integration across our high-performance networking portfolio.
In this role, you will lead end-to-end mechanical execution from late-stage R&D through volume manufacturing at global EMS/ODM facilities. Your scope spans chassis-level systems up to full-rack scale integration, custom packaging/palletization design, and advanced data center liquid cooling architectures. You will serve as the technical authority for mechanical quality, supplier qualification, transit reliability, and production line optimization.
Key Responsibilities
- NPI Transfer & Manufacturing Execution:
- Lead seamless NPI-to-mass-production transfers, cataloging & verifying BOM completeness, 2D/3D drawing releases, and fabrication readiness for standalone switches and fully integrated rack systems.
- Author, validate, and maintain detailed Mechanical Assembly & Process Instructions for global contract manufacturing lines.
- Define together with R&D precision assembly parameters: torque specifications, fastening tooling, screw tightening sequences, and structural assembly guidelines.
- Design, validate, and commission mechanical assembly jigs, alignment fixtures, and high efficiancy tooling to ensure repeatable line assembly.
- Advanced Packaging, Palletization & Logistics Engineering:
- Design and validate primary and secondary packaging solutions, including custom cushioning (EPE/EPP foam), corrugated structures, and chassis transit protection.
- Define ESD shielding, Moisture Barrier Bags (MBB), and desiccant requirements for high-sensitivity optical and electronic assemblies.
- Optimize palletization patterns, container cube utilization, stacking strength calculations, and pallet weight distribution for global freight.
- Plan, execute, and certify transit/drop testing in accordance with international standards.
- Manage day-to-day shipping deviations, packaging waivers, and disposition of in-transit damage.
- Labeling & Regulatory Compliance Integration:
- Design unit, carton, and pallet labels; select and qualify label substrates, adhesives, and print ribbons for environmental durability (abrasion, high temperature, humidity, UV resistance per UL standards).
- Manage the physical integration and placement of global regulatory markings on chassis surfaces, rating plates, and packaging.
- Thermal Management & Liquid Cooling Architecture:
- Address mechanical-thermal integration challenges within high-power chassis and optical cages .
- Oversee mechanical validation and assembly of Liquid Cooling systems for high-density compute/switching gear, including cold plates, manifolds, quick disconnects , hoses/piping routing, fluid loop integrity, and leak detection mechanisms.
- Evaluate Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs), clamping force distribution, and flatness tolerances across high-power ASICs.
- Supplier Quality, Sourcing & On-Site Audits:
- Qualify mechanical fabrication vendors, sheet metal suppliers, precision machine shops, and server/telecom rack manufacturers.
- Conduct on-site factory and supplier capability audits across Tier-1 EMS and ODM sites (evaluating stamping, CNC, die-casting, plating, painting, and assembly environments).
- Review and sign off on First Article Inspections (FAI), packages, CMM dimensional reports, and material certifications .
- Define Incoming Quality Control (IQC) inspection plans for mech items, Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) dimensions, and AQL sampling standards.
- Production Support, Failure Analysis & Sustaining Engineering:
- Provide active mechanical line support, quickly resolving production line stops, component mismatches, and Material Review Board (MRB) dispositions.
- Lead mechanical Failure Analysis (FA), root-cause investigations , and implement robust mech Corrective/Preventive Actions.
- Drive cost-reduction redesigns.
- Qualify mechanical second sources to mitigate single-point supply chain risks.
- Author and manage Engineering Change Orders (ECO/MCO), BOM updates, and CAD revisions for mech items within the company PLM system.
- Mechanical Reliability & Environmental Qualification:
- Plan and execute mechanical stress testing.
- Education: B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering.
- Experience: 6+ years of mechanical engineering experience in NPI, manufacturing, and sustaining environments within the networking, telecommunications, server, optics, or data center hardware industries.
- System Integration Scope: Proven experience managing both box-level / chassis and Rack-level integration.
- Data Center & Optical Familiarity: Hands-on experience with high-density Ethernet switches, fiber-optic routing, optical transceivers, and high-speed PCB mechanical constraints.
- Thermal & Liquid Cooling Knowledge: Practical knowledge of mechanical liquid cooling architectures (cold plates, distribution manifolds, dripless quick disconnects, fluid routing, and leak mitigation).
- Packaging & Logistics Expertise: Demonstrated track record in custom PE/box packaging design, pallet optimization, and transit qualification.
- CAD & PLM Proficiency: Expert in 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks), and Proficiency with enterprise PLM systems (Agile, Arena).
- Quality & Manufacturing Tools: Proficient in FAI sign-offs, CMM reports, AQL sampling, torque validation, and 8D failure analysis methodologies.
- Communication & Mobility: Excellent English technical communication skills; willingness to travel periodically to overseas manufacturing and vendor sites (EMS/ODM/Mech Suppliers) for line audits, bring-ups, and ramp support.
Skills Required
- B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering
- 6+ years of mechanical engineering experience in NPI, manufacturing, and sustaining environments
- Experience within networking, telecommunications, server, optics, or data center hardware industries
- Experience managing both box-level or chassis integration and rack-level integration
- Hands-on experience with high-density Ethernet switches, fiber-optic routing, optical transceivers, and high-speed PCB mechanical constraints
- Practical knowledge of mechanical liquid cooling architectures, including cold plates, manifolds, quick disconnects, fluid routing, and leak mitigation
- Experience designing custom packaging, PE and box packaging, pallet optimization, and transit qualification
- Expert proficiency in 3D CAD modeling using SolidWorks
- Proficiency with Agile or Arena enterprise PLM systems
- Proficiency with FAI sign-offs, CMM reports, AQL sampling, torque validation, and 8D failure analysis
- Excellent English technical communication skills
- Willingness to travel periodically to overseas manufacturing and vendor sites
What We Do
DriveNets is a rapidly growing software company that has created a radical new way for service providers and hyperscalers to build their networking infrastructure. DriveNets Network Cloud and DriveNets Network Cloud-AI are new innovative networking solutions that apply the cloud architectural approach to high-scale networking. They bring together the scalability of standard Ethernet Clos architecture with the high performance and reliability of service provider networking, delivering optimal networking performance, scale and cost structure for service providers and hyperscalers. Founded by Ido Susan and Hillel Kobrinsky, two successful telco entrepreneurs, DriveNets Network Cloud is the leading open disaggregated networking solution based on cloud-native software running over standard white boxes. Over three funding rounds, DriveNets raised $587 million. Its solutions are used by tens of service providers globally and are in proof-of-concept and lab trials at dozens of operators and hyperscalers, consistently ranking #1 in trials for breadth of capabilities and solution quality. AT&T, the largest backbone in the US, deployed DriveNets Network Cloud across its core network, and DriveNets is currently transporting more than 52% of AT&T’s core network traffic. DriveNets is engaged with over 100 Tier-1 operators and cloud-providers on large projects in North America, Asia and Europe.
