Director, Networking

About Gruve Gruve is an innovative software services startup dedicated to transforming enterprises to AI powerhouses. We specialize in cybersecurity, customer experience, cloud infrastructure, and advanced technologies such as Large Language Models (LLMs). Our mission is to assist our customers in their business strategies utilizing their data to make more intelligent decisions. As a well-funded early-stage startup, Gruve offers a dynamic environment with strong customer and partner networks. About the Role We are seeking a Director, Networking to lead the strategy, architecture, and customer adoption of next-generation networking solutions for AI inference data centers. This role uniquely blends internal technical leadership with external customer engagement, with approximately 50% of time dedicated to defining and evolving network strategy, and 50% spent working directly with customers as a solution architect. You will operate at the intersection of cutting-edge AI infrastructure and real-world deployment, translating emerging technologies into scalable, high-performance, and customer-ready solutions. Key Responsibilities Network Strategy & Architecture Define and drive the end-to-end networking strategy for AI inference data centers, including fabric design, topology, and technology selection Architect high-performance, low-latency, and scalable network fabrics optimized for AI inference workloads (Ethernet, RDMA/RoCE, and emerging interconnects) Evaluate and incorporate next-generation technologies (e.g., 400G/800G+, SmartNICs/DPUs, CXL, SONiC, Ultra Ethernet) into future-ready designs Develop reference architectures, validated designs, and best practices for large-scale AI clusters and inference environments Partner with engineering, product management, and infrastructure teams to align roadmap with business and customer needs Influence industry direction through standards bodies, ecosystem partnerships, and technology evaluations Customer-Facing Solution Architecture Serve as a trusted advisor and technical leader to customers designing and deploying AI inference infrastructure Lead solution design, requirements gathering, and architecture reviews for enterprise and hyperscale customers Present technical strategies and architectures to executive and technical stakeholders Translate complex networking and AI infrastructure concepts into clear business value and deployment guidance Support go-to-market efforts through customer engagements, workshops, and field enablement Drive adoption by helping customers bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and production deployment Basic Qualifications 12+ years of experience in data center networking, with deep expertise in large-scale fabric design Proven experience architecting high-performance networks for AI/ML, HPC, or cloud infrastructure environments Strong expertise in Ethernet-based fabrics, TCP/IP, RDMA/RoCE, and modern Clos architectures Experience with AI infrastructure components such as GPUs, DPUs/SmartNICs, and high-speed interconnects Demonstrated ability to define technical strategy and influence product or infrastructure roadmaps Significant customer-facing experience in solution architecture, technical sales, or consulting roles Strong communication and presentation skills, including executive-level engagement Preferred Qualifications Experience with AI inference and training clusters, including GPU fabrics and storage networking Familiarity with SONiC, network automation (Terraform, Python), and zero-touch provisioning Knowledge of emerging technologies such as CXL, NVLink, and in-network computing Background in technical marketing, product management, or technology evangelism Experience speaking at industry events or contributing to thought leadership Salary Range $220,000 - $275,000 USD + Benefits + Equity Why Gruve At Gruve, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work. If you’re passionate about technology and eager to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. Gruve is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and thank all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.