Principal Network Program Manager, AI Infrastructure

About the role

Graphcore is seeking a Principal Network Program Manager to lead and coordinate network infrastructure programs that support their artificial intelligence systems. This role is part of the AI Infrastructure organization and focuses on delivering network-related projects from planning through execution. The position demands a combination of deep networking expertise and strong program management skills to drive complex initiatives forward. The manager will collaborate with engineering, operations, and leadership stakeholders to ensure network capabilities meet the needs of AI workloads while setting strategic direction for infrastructure development.

Key facts

What you'll do

1. Lead the planning and delivery of network infrastructure programs that underpin AI systems and services across the organization

2. Define program scope, timelines, and resource requirements for network-related initiatives in coordination with senior leadership

3. Coordinate with engineering teams to align network program milestones with product development cycles and release schedules

4. Manage cross-functional dependencies and communicate progress to leadership and external partners on a regular cadence

5. Identify and mitigate risks associated with network infrastructure deployments, upgrades, and migrations to new platforms

6. Drive the evaluation and adoption of new networking technologies that improve AI infrastructure performance and reliability

7. Establish program governance frameworks including tracking mechanisms, reporting structures, and escalation processes for issues

8. Collaborate with operations teams to ensure network reliability, capacity planning, and readiness for production environments

9. Lead vendor and partner discussions related to network equipment, services, and contractual agreements and negotiations

10. Mentor and guide junior program managers and network engineers on best practices for infrastructure program delivery

11. Translate business and technical requirements into actionable program plans with clear deliverables, milestones, and success criteria

12. Oversee the integration of network changes with existing systems to minimize disruption to ongoing AI workloads

13. Facilitate cross-team alignment sessions to resolve conflicting priorities and ensure program objectives remain on track

14. Maintain comprehensive documentation of program plans, status reports, and decision records for stakeholder visibility

Requirements

1. Demonstrated experience managing large-scale network infrastructure programs in a technology or AI-driven environment over multiple years

2. Strong understanding of networking fundamentals including protocols, routing, switching, and network architecture at scale

3. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple workstreams simultaneously with competing priorities

4. Excellent communication skills with the ability to present technical and program status information to diverse audiences

5. Experience with program management methodologies and tools for tracking complex initiatives through their full lifecycle

6. A degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related technical field from an accredited institution

7. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and competing demands from multiple stakeholders

8. Track record of delivering network infrastructure programs on time and within scope while maintaining quality standards

Nice to have

1. Familiarity with AI or machine learning workloads and their specific network requirements and traffic patterns

2. Experience working with hardware or semiconductor companies in a network engineering or infrastructure capacity

3. Knowledge of cloud-based network services and hybrid infrastructure models for distributed computing environments

4. Prior experience managing programs that span multiple geographic locations or distributed teams across regions

5. Background in leading strategic infrastructure initiatives that align with long-term company goals and roadmaps

Skills & tools

1. Program management frameworks and methodologies for planning and executing infrastructure projects effectively

2. Networking protocols and technologies relevant to data center and AI environments at scale

3. Project tracking and reporting tools for managing complex program timelines and resource allocations

4. Technical communication and stakeholder management skills for engaging with engineering and business teams

5. Risk identification and mitigation strategies for planning and executing network deployments and changes

6. Vendor evaluation and contract management experience for network equipment, services, and partnership agreements

Practical notes

1. The role is based in Milpitas, California and requires on-site presence at the Graphcore office during regular business hours

2. This is a full-time position with standard business hours and occasional flexibility for meetings across different time zones

3. Candidates should expect to work closely with engineering and operations teams in a collaborative and fast-paced setting

4. The hiring process may include technical interviews, program management case studies, and thorough reference checks

5. Relocation support or visa sponsorship details are not specified in the current listing and should be confirmed directly with the hiring team

About the company

Graphcore has built a new type of processor for machine intelligence to accelerate machine learning and AI applications for a world of intelligent machines