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Staff HPC Network Architect

LambdaSan Jose Office (First St)Data Center Business
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Salary
$284K - $420K USD
Job type
Full-time
Work mode
Remote
Posted
14 Sept 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

The Staff HPC Network Architect role at Lambda involves designing advanced high-performance networking solutions for large-scale AI platforms. This position is based in the San Jose office with hybrid work options and suits experienced infrastructure professionals with a background in data center networking.

Role Overview

This full-time position centers on creating the network topologies and architectural patterns required for massive GPU clusters, storage systems, and multi-tenant cloud environments. The professional in this role will focus on achieving ultra-low-latency and high-bandwidth connectivity to support demanding machine learning workloads. Candidates must be present in the San Jose, San Francisco, or Bellevue office four days a week, with Tuesday designated as the work-from-home day.

Key Responsibilities

Design high-performance networking architectures that deliver ultra-low-latency and high-bandwidth for cloud platforms.
Define network topologies and blueprints for large-scale GPU clusters, storage backends, and multi-tenant systems.
Test, evaluate, and choose next-generation network technologies like InfiniBand NDR/XDR, RoCE, and modern Ethernet standards.
Create and maintain network standards, reference blueprints, and scalability roadmaps across hybrid and multi-site setups.
Work alongside storage and compute architects to guarantee smooth data flow and robust fault tolerance.
Guide automation strategies and tooling to improve provisioning, telemetry, and daily operational visibility.
Mentor fellow engineers and cross-functional partners regarding advanced networking concepts, troubleshooting, and best practices.

Requirements

At least 7 years of hands-on experience architecting high-performance data center networks for HPC, AI/ML, or large-scale cloud systems.
Deep technical knowledge of InfiniBand HDR/NDR alongside advanced Ethernet fabrics utilizing RoCE and RDMA protocols.
Solid grasp of data center switching layouts, congestion control methods, QoS, and virtualization technologies like VXLAN and EVPN.
Competence in crafting low-latency, high-throughput paths for GPU-to-GPU communication and storage traffic optimization.
Familiarity with BGP-based fabric designs including eBGP underlays, MP-BGP EVPN, ECMP, and route convergence.
Experience dealing with software-defined networking, APIs, automation tooling, and network telemetry.
Competency in optical networking involving transceivers, fiber types, link budgets, breakout setups, and WDM.
Capability to build resilient, redundant, and highly available network architectures.
Strong communication, leadership, and ownership capabilities accompanied by a proactive, self-starting attitude.

Nice to Have

Practical experience profiling AI workloads, handling collective communication patterns, and tuning networks for distributed training.
Familiarity with automation frameworks and telemetry solutions.
Exposure to DPU and SmartNIC hardware such as NVIDIA BlueField.
Knowledge of large-scale multi-site interconnect designs like DWDM or metro and long-haul networks.
Background collaborating with enterprise or hyperscale clients on customized network solutions.

Skills and Tools

InfiniBand HDR/NDR
Advanced Ethernet Fabrics and RoCE
RDMA Protocols
VXLAN and EVPN Network Virtualization
BGP-Based Fabric Design
SDN, APIs, and Network Telemetry
Optical Networking and Transceiver Technologies

Salary and Benefits

Annual salary range between $284,000 and $420,000 USD
Generous cash and equity compensation packages
Health, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
Wellness and commuter stipends for eligible roles
401(k) plan with a 2 percent company match for USA employees
Flexible paid time off policy

About the Company

Founded in 2012, Lambda operates with over 500 employees and maintains backing from notable investors and industry leaders. The organization has achieved research recognition at prominent machine learning and graphics conferences including NeurIPS, ICCV, SIGGRAPH, and TOG. The company values remain publicly accessible on their careers website.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official company careers page to submit an application for this position.

Questions candidates ask

What is the salary range for the Staff HPC Network Architect?

The annual salary range is set between $284,000 and $420,000 USD, depending on market data and candidate qualifications.

Where is this job located?

The role is based out of the San Jose office with required presence in San Jose, San Francisco, or Bellevue four days per week.

How many years of experience are required?

Candidates must have at least 7 years of proven experience architecting high-performance data center networks for HPC, AI/ML, or large-scale cloud infrastructure.

What benefits are included with employment?

Benefits include cash and equity compensation, health, dental, and vision coverage, wellness and commuter stipends, a 401(k) plan with a 2% match, and flexible paid time off.

How should I apply for this position?

Candidates should apply directly on the official company careers page.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official Lambda careers page.

Apply on company site