Principal Network Engineer (AI/HPC)

TL;DR

Principal Network Engineer (AI/HPC): Leading the architecture and operation of high-performance network infrastructure for large-scale data centers with an accent on scalability, reliability, and GPU cluster networking. Focus on designing resilient routing and switching systems, driving network automation, and solving complex cross-layer networking challenges.

Location: AMER (Approximately 50% travel required to data centers and offices)

Salary: $220,000 - $280,000 USD

Company

Nscale provides high-performance cloud environments and infrastructure specifically optimized for AI and HPC workloads.

What you will do

• Lead the architecture, design, and deployment of large-scale network infrastructure across data center and cloud environments.
• Define technical strategy for core networking systems, owning decisions on routing, switching, transport, and overlay technologies like VXLAN and EVPN.
• Design highly available and resilient network systems to support mission-critical services at scale.
• Diagnose and resolve complex cross-layer networking issues spanning hardware, software, and infrastructure domains.
• Drive network automation, observability, and operational tooling initiatives to improve system reliability.
• Mentor senior and staff-level engineers to elevate technical standards and guide long-term infrastructure roadmaps.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience designing and operating large-scale network infrastructure in cloud, hyperscale, ISP, or enterprise environments.
• Expert-level knowledge of networking protocols including BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, MPLS, TCP/IP, and IPv4/IPv6.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 50% to data centers and infrastructure sites.
• Willingness to participate in on-call rotations supporting production infrastructure.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Proven technical leadership across complex, cross-functional engineering initiatives.

Nice to have

• Experience with high-performance networking technologies such as InfiniBand and RoCE.
• Familiarity with GPU cluster networking and AI/HPC infrastructure environments.
• Proficiency in network automation and scripting using Python.
• Experience with network modeling frameworks such as YANG, OpenConfig, and NETCONF.
• Knowledge of cloud networking and hybrid infrastructure environments.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible paid time off and parental leave.
• Retirement plan participation.
• Strategic leadership role with the ability to influence the future evolution of infrastructure platforms.