Data Center Infrastructure Architect

FluidStack · San Francisco, CA · $200k - $300k
full-time senior Posted 1 week ago

About this role

ABOUT FLUIDSTACK We exist to make humanity more free. For most of human history, you farmed or you starved. Technology gave people more time for the things they wanted to do, instead of things they had to do. Powerful AI will be the biggest lever for human choice we've ever built - but only if models are aligned with what humanity actually wants. There are groups building AI who don't share these goals. Whoever deploys frontier compute infrastructure fastest will decide whether AI expands human freedom or shrinks it. We're singularly focused on delivering 10 to 100s of GWs of compute faster than anyone else, rethinking every layer of the stack. We acquire power, design and build data centers, and operate them - with teams spanning hardware and software. Speed and scale are our key differentiators. Come be a part of building civilization-scale infrastructure for AI. We hire people who care deeply about this problem space. If that is you, please apply! ABOUT THE ROLE The DC Infrastructure Architect (Optical) is responsible for translating logical network topologies into a scalable, resilient, and cost-optimized optical and structured cabling design for hyper-scale data centers. This role owns the end-to-end physical implementation of the data center network (DCN), including fiber plant architecture, transceiver planning, and integration with structured cabling ecosystems. FOCUS - ICT DC Infrastructure Design - Collaborate with Civil Structural Architectural (CSA) and MEP Engineers and construction managers to design and construct power, cooling, space, pathways, cabinets, and racks supporting IoT devices and network equipment in Data Centers (DC) - Direct experience in design and construction process to include the ability to develop, read, and interpret construction drawings and specifications using Bluebeam, ACC and Procore - Knowledge and experience of NEC and NFPA codes and IEEE and TIA standards applicable to design and construction of outside and inside plant ICT infrastructure - Develop, establish and update ICT Basis of Design (BoD), SOPs, and Division 26, 27, 28, and 33 Construction Master Specifications - Logical / Physical Mapping - Break down DCN logical port maps (TOR, spine, super-spine, DCI) into physical cross-connect and patching schedules. - Automate port-to-fiber mapping at scale (100K+ ports per site). - Fiber Plant Design - Define cassette types (MTP/MPO Base-8/12/16), trunk counts, and structured cabling hierarchy. - Plan cassette placement within racks, rows, and meet-me-rooms. - Model fiber utilization and overbuild for 2–3 hardware generations. - Optics / Transceiver Planning - Select optics (400G/800G DR4, FR4, LR4, SR8, coherent DCI) based on reach and loss budget. - Validate interoperability across vendors and generations. - Maintain loss budget and margin models for every link type. - Structured Cabling & Physical Implementation - Define patching architectures (direct MPO vs. breakout vs. mid-span). - Ensure pathways (ladder racks, underfloor, ODFs) scale with fiber density. - Establish standards for labeling, documentation, and change management. - Scalability & Lifecycle Management - Build modular designs for pod/rack growth. - Anticipate transition to higher-speed optics (e.g., 400G → 800G → 1.6T). - Integrate with DCIM (NetBox, custom tools) to track strands, ports, and patching. ABOUT YOU - Proven experience designing hyperscale or cloud provider data center networks (1000+ racks, 100K+ fiber strands). - Expert in structured cabling systems (Corning, Panduit, CommScope) and MPO/MTP ecosystems. - Deep knowledge of optical standards (IEEE 802.3, OIF) and transceiver technologies (400G/800G DR4, FR4, LR4, SR8). - Strong grasp of fiber loss budgets, dispersion, and testing methodologies (OTDR, insertion loss, polarity verification). - Experience integrating designs into DCIM tools (NetBox, Remedy, custom hyperscaler equivalents). - Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) certification preferred SALARY & BENEFITS - Competitive total compensation package (salary + equity). - Retirement or pension plan, in line with local norms. - Health, dental, and vision insurance. - Generous PTO policy, in line with local norms. The base salary range for this position is $200,000 - $300,000 per year, depending on experience, skills, qualifications, and location. This range represents our good faith estimate of the compensation for this role at the time of posting. Total compensation may also include equity in the form of stock options. We are committed to pay equity and transparency. Fluidstack is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender i

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