Data Center Infrastructure Architect
Fluidstack · Austin, TX
- On site
- Full-time
- $250,000 / year
- Austin, TX
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Data Center Infrastructure Architect
Fluidstack · Austin, TX
Sam Bennett
Hiring Manager · h•••••@fluidstack.io
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Subject: Interested in the Data Center Infrastructure Architect role at Fluidstack
Hi Sam — I came across the Data Center Infrastructure Architect opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and Fluidstack stood out because…
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Not recommended alone — most applicants never hear back.
Job highlights
- Design scalable optical and cabling infrastructure for data centers.
- Own physical implementation of data center networks.
- Plan fiber plant, transceivers, and structured cabling.
- Ensure modular, scalable designs for future growth.
- Integrate designs with DCIM tools for tracking.
About the 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: Ability to develop, read, and interpret construction drawings and specifications using Bluebeam, ACC and Procore.
- Knowledge and experience of codes and standards: NEC and NFPA codes and IEEE and TIA standards applicable to design and construction of outside and inside plant ICT infrastructure.
- Develop and update ICT documentation: 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 scale: (ladder racks, underfloor, ODFs) 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.
Key skills/competency
- Data Center Infrastructure Architecture
- Optical and Structured Cabling Design
- Network Topology Translation
- Fiber Plant Design
- Transceiver Planning
- Structured Cabling Systems
- DCIM Integration
- Network Equipment Racks
- Data Center Networking
- Optical Standards and Technologies
Skills & topics
- Data Center
- Infrastructure Architect
- Optical Networking
- Structured Cabling
- Network Design
- Fiber Optics
- Transceiver Technology
- Hyperscale Data Centers
- Data Center Infrastructure
- Network Engineering
- 400G
- 800G
- MTP/MPO
- RCDD
- DCIM
- NetBox
- Fluidstack
- AI Compute Infrastructure
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience with hyperscale data centers, optical/structured cabling, and DCIM tools.
- Showcase technical expertise: Emphasize knowledge of optical standards, transceiver technologies, and fiber testing methodologies.
- Demonstrate problem-solving: Provide examples of translating logical topologies into physical, cost-optimized designs.
- Quantify achievements: Use numbers to show the scale of your design experience (e.g., number of racks, fiber strands).
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss fiber loss budgets, interoperability, and future-proofing designs.
Technical preparation
Master optical standards (IEEE 802.3, OIF).,Understand 400G/800G transceiver types and applications.,Practice fiber loss budget calculations and modeling.,Gain proficiency with DCIM tools like NetBox.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex DC network design challenge.,How do you ensure scalability for future needs?,How do you collaborate with different engineering teams?,How do you handle conflicting design requirements?
Prefer to apply the usual way?
Not recommended alone — most applicants never hear back. Email the hiring manager first.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the compensation range for the Data Center Infrastructure Architect role at Fluidstack?
- The base salary range for the Data Center Infrastructure Architect position at Fluidstack is $200,000 - $300,000 per year. Total compensation may also include equity in the form of stock options. The exact salary will depend on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and location.
- What are the key responsibilities of a Data Center Infrastructure Architect at Fluidstack?
- The Data Center Infrastructure Architect at Fluidstack is responsible for translating logical network topologies into scalable, resilient, and cost-optimized optical and structured cabling designs for hyper-scale data centers. This includes owning the end-to-end physical implementation of the data center network, fiber plant architecture, transceiver planning, and integration with structured cabling ecosystems.
- What qualifications and experience are required for the Data Center Infrastructure Architect position?
- Required qualifications include proven experience designing hyperscale or cloud provider data center networks, expertise in structured cabling systems and MPO/MTP ecosystems, deep knowledge of optical standards and transceiver technologies, and a strong grasp of fiber loss budgets and testing methodologies. Experience integrating designs into DCIM tools is also essential. An RCDD certification is preferred.
- Does Fluidstack offer benefits to its employees?
- Yes, Fluidstack offers a competitive total compensation package which includes salary and equity. Benefits also include a retirement or pension plan, health, dental, and vision insurance, and a generous PTO policy.
- How can I apply for the Data Center Infrastructure Architect job at Fluidstack?
- You can apply for the Data Center Infrastructure Architect job by submitting your application through the Fluidstack careers portal. If you encounter any submission errors and do not receive a confirmation email, please email careers@fluidstack.io with your resume/CV, the role applied for, and the submission date.
- What is Fluidstack's stance on diversity and inclusion for the Data Center Infrastructure Architect role?
- Fluidstack is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. They are committed to considering all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran’s status, or any other characteristic protected by law. They also consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
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