Solution Architect – Cisco & AI Infrastructure (Pre-sales)
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.
Position summary:
This role focuses on scaling presales execution and delivery excellence for Cisco-aligned services. You will support US-based enterprise customers, Cisco sellers, and partners by owning solution design, POCs/POVs, and delivery oversight, while contributing to practice standardization and profitability. This is a hands-on architecture role, well-suited for professionals from system integrators, Cisco partners, or enterprise IT services backgrounds.
Key Responsibilities:
Presales & Solution Architecture
- Lead solution architecture and presales support for Cisco-aligned services and offerings
- Work closely with Cisco sales teams, partners, and US enterprise customers
- Own end-to-end solution design, including requirement gathering, architecture, and technical validation
- Create high-level and low-level designs aligned with customer business and technical needs
Technology Focus Areas
Design and architect solutions across:
- Cisco Data Center Technologies (required)
- Cisco UCS, Nexus switching, VXLAN and AI Topologies (Converged-rail, Rail-optimized, Dragonfly, etc)
- Virtualization and hybrid data center environments
AI Infrastructure (required)
- Cisco + NVIDIA based AI infrastructure
- Secure AI Factory concepts, GPU-based compute, high-performance networking
- Hybrid Cloud & Infrastructure (nice to have)
- On-prem + cloud integration (AWS/Azure/GCP – basic to intermediate level)
- Kubernetes setup and configuration
POCs, POVs & Commercial Support
- Support and guide POCs / POVs for enterprise customers
- Assist in effort estimation, BOM creation, pricing inputs, and SOW preparation
- Provide technical inputs for proposals, RFPs, and customer presentations
Delivery & Practice Contribution
- Partner with delivery engineers to ensure smooth handover and high-quality execution
- Spend ~25% of time on practice build activities, including:
- Solution SKUs and reference architectures
- Playbooks, best practices, and technical documentation
- Inputs for pricing models and standard offerings
Basic Qualifications:
Core Experience
- 8–15 years of experience in Solution Architecture / Presales / Technical Consulting
- Strong hands-on experience with Cisco Data Center technologies
- Experience working with US enterprise customers or global clients
- Background from Cisco partners, system integrators, MSPs, or IT services companies is highly preferred
Technical Skills
Strong understanding of:
- Cisco UCS, Nexus, ACI, VXLAN, EVPN, BGP, OSPF
- AI, Data center networking & compute architectures
- Hybrid cloud integration
- Exposure to AI Infrastructure (Cisco + NVIDIA, GPU workloads, AI clusters) is a strong plus
- Good understanding of enterprise security concepts
- Ability to translate business requirements into scalable technical architectures
Soft Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Comfortable presenting to customers and senior stakeholders
- Strong problem-solving and collaboration mindset
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Preferred Qualifications:
Certifications
- Cisco CCIE – Preferred
- Cisco CCNP – Mandatory or strongly preferred
- NVIDIA, Cloud (AWS/Azure), or Security certifications – Nice to have
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.