Senior Data Center Network Architect
$190k - $225k USD
About Gruve
Gruve is an innovative software services startup dedicated to transforming enterprises to AI powerhouses. We specialize in cybersecurity, customer experience, cloud infrastructure, and advanced technologies such as Large Language Models (LLMs). Our mission is to assist our customers in their business strategies utilizing their data to make more intelligent decisions. As a well-funded early-stage startup, Gruve offers a dynamic environment with strong customer and partner networks.
About the Role
Gruve is seeking a highly skilled Senior Data Center Network Architect with 5+ years of experience designing, implementing, and optimizing modern data center networks supporting AI workloads. This is a deeply technical, customer-facing role aligned with Gruve’s AI-driven infrastructure solutions.
The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Cisco data center ecosystems, advanced AI network topology design, and high-performance fabrics that support large-scale training and inference environments.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead architecture, design, and deployment of AI-optimized data center networks, including:
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Converged-rail, rail-optimized, and Dragonfly topologies
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High-performance fabrics supporting RDMA, RoCEv2, and GPU-dense cluster interconnects
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Networks supporting AI training and inference clusters
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- Architect and implement Cisco-centric data center solutions (Nexus, ACI, UCS, NX-OS, etc.)
- Design scalable routing architectures using BGP, OSPF, EVPN, and related protocols
- Provide expert-level troubleshooting and network performance optimization
- Serve as a customer-facing technical leader—translating requirements into architectures
- Collaborate with AI Solutions, Platform Engineering, and customer technical leadership
- Create high-quality design documents, diagrams, and technical recommendations
Basic Qualifications
- 5+ years in enterprise or hyperscale data center networking
- Hands-on experience designing and implementing:
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AI network topologies: Dragonfly, converged-rail, and rail-optimized fabrics
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RDMA, RoCEv2, congestion control, lossless Ethernet
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Spine-leaf architectures, 100/200/400/800G fabric design
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Cisco data center solutions (Nexus series, ACI, NDFC/NDO, UCS networking)
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Deep understanding of:
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BGP, OSPF, multihoming, overlay networks, VXLAN/EVPN
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Network QoS, buffering, scheduling, ECMP, telemetry
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- Hands-on experience with network troubleshooting tools (packet capture, latency analysis)
- CCNP Data Center or equivalent certification
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with AI/ML workload patterns, GPU cluster behavior, and model training pipelines
- Automation experience: Python, Ansible, Terraform, Cisco DCNM/NDFC automation
- Familiarity with monitoring/observability tools: Prometheus, Grafana, ThousandEyes, Cisco Nexus Dashboard Insights
- Experience with multisite architectures, inter-DC fabrics, and L3 stretch patterns
- Exposure to cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP) aligned to hybrid AI environments
- Linux systems experience (kernel networking, tuning, NIC offloads)
- Experience with HPC, InfiniBand, or large-scale distributed training platforms
- Familiarity with AI accelerators (NVIDIA H100, B-series GPUs) and cluster topology tuning
- Experience writing SOWs, proposals, or participating in pre-sales architectures
- Excellent communication—able to explain complex concepts to executives and engineers
- Strong customer-facing presence: workshops, architecture reviews, executive briefings
- Ability to lead architectural decisions and drive technical consensus
- Certifications: CCIE Data Center or equivalent highly preferred
Salary Range
$190,000 - $225,000 + Benefits
This is a full-time opportunity with Gruve, offering the flexibility to work from any of Gruve’s office locations: Redwood City, California; Plano, Dallas; or Edison, New Jersey. Please note that this is an on-site role.
Why Gruve
At Gruve, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work. If you’re passionate about technology and eager to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Gruve is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and thank all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.