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 highly experienced Data Center Network Architect to lead the design, architecture, and delivery of large-scale, customer-facing data center infrastructures. This role demands deep technical expertise across Cisco, Juniper, and Arista ecosystems, a strong understanding of Red Hat virtualization and container networking, and a proven record of designing secure, resilient, and scalable data center solutions.

The ideal candidate will serve as the technical authority and customer design lead, collaborating with Firewall Architects, enterprise clients, internal engineering teams, and OEM partners to develop next-generation network architectures aligned with business, security, and operational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Architect and design multi-tenant data center network solutions using Cisco ACI, NX-OS, Nexus Dashboard, CloudVision, and Apstra.
Lead end-to-end customer engagements, from design workshops and architecture validation to deployment and operations handoff.
Work closely with Firewall Architects to design integrated network and security architectures, ensuring segmentation, compliance, and zero-trust enforcement.
Integrate data center networks with Red Hat OpenShift, RHEL virtualization, VMware ESXi, and hybrid cloud platforms.
Define and implement routing, switching, and overlay architectures including BGP, OSPF, VXLAN-EVPN, STP, and Layer-3 segmentation.
Design and manage firewall and segmentation architectures in collaboration with Firewall Architects, leveraging Cisco FTD/ASA, Palo Alto, or Fortinet platforms to ensure compliance, resilience, and a robust zero-trust posture. Collaborate with customer IT and operations teams on:
Data center migration, interconnect, and cloud integration strategies
Configuration baselines, change control, and version management
Network automation, monitoring, and capacity planning
Lead incident diagnostics and root-cause analysis for complex multi-vendor environments.
Develop HLD/LLD documentation, compliance artifacts, and design validation reports.
Mentor and guide engineering teams on advanced data center design and best practices.
Introduce and standardize automation and infrastructure-as-code practices (Ansible, Terraform, Gluware, Python).
Coordinate with OEM solution architects for joint design validation and advanced feature enablement (e.g., HyperFabric, ACI Anywhere).

Basic Qualifications

10+ years of progressive experience in data center network design, architecture, and operations.
Hands-on expertise with Cisco, Juniper, and Arista routing and switching platforms in production environments.
Strong experience designing and deploying Cisco ACI, VXLAN-EVPN fabrics, and high-availability architectures.
Proficiency with Red Hat OpenShift, RHEL networking, and virtualized compute integration (ESXi).
In-depth understanding of network security, segmentation, and compliance frameworks.
Strong knowledge of BGP, OSPF, MPLS, and data center interconnect (DCI) technologies.
Proven ability to manage customer-facing architecture discussions and executive-level design reviews.
Familiarity with automation and orchestration using Ansible, Terraform, or equivalent tools.
Excellent documentation, communication, and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Certifications such as CCNP/CCIE Data Center, JNCIP-DC, or Arista ACE/Cloud Engineer.
Experience with Cisco HyperFabric, ACI Anywhere, or hybrid data center automation frameworks.
Working knowledge of Linux networking, container CNIs, and cloud interconnects (AWS, Azure, GCP).
Exposure to zero-trust and segmentation frameworks for enterprise or service-provider data centers.

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.

Senior Data Center Network Architect