Lead Network Engineer, Deployment & Integration

Lead Network Engineer, Deployment & Integration

Fluidstack is seeking a Senior Staff Network Engineer to lead our Network Deployment & Integration pillar. The role requires hands‑on execution of AI datacenter fabrics while building a scalable deployment playbook and an organization capable of producing 3–4 datacenter builds concurrently.

• Deployment Execution:
  Own hands‑on deployment of datacenter networks—front‑end fabric, back‑end fabric, BMS, and management networks. Configure and validate switches, coordinate fiber/cabling remediation, manage hardware RMAs, and drive the first datacenter handover to production.
• Deployment Playbook Development:
  Build a repeatable deployment process that scales from double‑digit Megawatt to Gigawatt deployments. Define pre‑deployment checklists, turn‑up procedures, validation gates, handover criteria, blockers, failure modes, and workarounds. Create the operations manual for future engineers to execute independently with minimal guidance.
• Cross‑Functional Orchestration:
  Partner with DC Operations (rack/stack, power, structured cabling), ICT teams (fiber validation, insertion loss), Hardware (device staging, logistics), and Network Engineering (design review, config validation) to drive deployments to completion. Own the critical path—identify blockers within hours, elevate decisively, and keep timelines on track.
• Field Execution Leadership:
  Lead deployment teams in the field—coordinate travel, assign work, provide technical guidance during complex turn‑ups, and ensure quality standards. Build trust with datacenter partners through hands‑on problem solving and accountability.
• Handover Excellence:
  Define and enforce exit criteria for production handovers to Network Operations. Ensure every fabric meets physical layer validation, logical configuration, observability, and documentation standards. Own the relationship with Operations for smooth transitions.

• Proven Deployment Leadership: 8+ years in network engineering with significant datacenter deployment experience. Built large‑scale fabrics from the ground up, close the gap between design and reality.
• AI Fabric Expertise:
  Deep hands‑on experience with modern datacenter fabrics—EVPN/VXLAN, BGP, CLOS topologies, high‑radix switching. Ideally deployed AI/ML fabrics with RDMA (RoCEv2), lossless Ethernet (PFC, ECN), or equivalent high‑performance networking.
• Player‑Coach Mentality:
  Comfortable building and scaling teams while remaining technically involved. Mentored and developed engineers, leading by example and delegation.
• Operational Pragmatism:
  Thrive in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments. Make pragmatic trade‑offs, document continuously, ship with what’s available, and iterate gradually.
• Cross‑Team Influence:
  Exceptional at partnering across functions—hardware vendors, datacenter operators, cabling contractors, internal teams. Communicate clearly, elevate decisively, earn trust through follow‑through.
• Travel Ready:
  Comfortable with 70‑80% travel for extended onsite deployments during datacenter turn‑ups.

• Hyperscale Background:
  Experience deploying networks at hyperscale companies or large AI infrastructure providers.
• Vendor Ecosystems:
  Deep familiarity with Arista, Juniper, or NVIDIA networking platforms. Relationships with vendor TAC/SE teams.
• Automation Mindset:
  Exposure to network automation tools (Ansible, Terraform, Python) and source‑of‑truth systems (Netbox, DCIM).
• Project/Program Management:
  Experience with project coordination, Gantt charts, critical path management, and cross‑functional program execution.
• Startup
  
  Experience:
  
  Built something from scratch in a high‑growth infrastructure or cloud company.

• Competitive total compensation package (salary + equity). Base salary range: $200,000 – $300,000 per year, depending on experience, skills, qualifications, and location.
• Retirement or pension plan in line with local norms.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous PTO policy in line with local norms.

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 identity, disability and protected veterans’ status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Fluidstack will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable law.

• Mid‑Senior level

• Full‑time

• Information Technology

• Technology, Information and Internet