Job Details

Data Center Cluster Architect

Cupertino, California, United States

Hardware

Summary

Posted: Mar 31, 2025

Weekly Hours: 40

Role Number: 200582452

The Datacenter Systems Architecture team seeks an outstanding Cluster architect to design and optimize computer architectures specifically for high-performance computing (HPC) clusters. This position is a multi-disciplinary and cross-functional lead engineering role encompassing all aspects of computer system design. The candidate will have the skills and experience to create complex system architectures, surprise and delight our customers, and advance our products’ performance, size, power, thermal and cost goals.

Description

As a technical specialist, negotiate and document the solution details of the infrastructure from a physical, electrical, and logical perceptive of compute clusters within the datacenter. Collaborate and leverage domain expertise knowledge to provide guidance, and leadership to cross-functional engineering teams to integrate cluster network architectures into overall system architecture to ensure efficient data flow, impact product definitions, and meet scalability requirements.

Define the rack and cluster capabilities, configurations, and scale out requirements to support the deployment of dense compute and specialty compute workloads and applications, including but not limited to the following:
Pathfinding on novel cluster architecture choices with a broad group of architects and system engineers, networking, technical leads, and HW/SW stakeholders.
Creating optimized network designs for large-scale AI/ML clusters considering factors like bandwidth, latency, and scalability.
Influencing networking hardware and software components selection for the cluster, including switches, adapters, and protocols.
Analyzing network traffic patterns and implementing strategies to improve data transfer speeds within the cluster for target topologies and choice configurations.
Collaborate with mechanical, physical, electrical, thermal, power, networking, OS, SW, datacenter infrastructure stakeholders for performant scalable deployments.
Be innovative and curious. Explore and champion new product-level features and workflows.
Define, develop and utilize tools, scripts, automation and methods of system analysis for performance of compute clusters within a DC environment.
Mentor junior engineers to best practices and data-driven processes

The role may require occasional domestic and international travel.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.

• Possesses strong technical breadth across several computer subsystem technologies, e.g., CPU, GPU, TPU, storage, memory, power delivery, power management, high speed networking, I/O, thermal management.

• Has core competence and subject matter expertise architecting complex system architectures for general purpose compute, or specialty compute (GPUs, TPUs) systems running datacenter workloads for AI/ML applications.

• Comprehends the roles of HW/FW/SW layers and how they interact in system design.

• Ability to create, review and approve engineering requirement specification documents

Preferred Qualifications

• Possesses functional experience in defining and deploying datacenter cluster networking architectures over highly dense mesh networks and interconnected nodes for AI/ML based workloads.

• Detailed knowledge of network protocols, expertise in Ethernet, Infiniband, RoCE, UE, UAL, or other relevant networking protocols.

• Has strong analytical, verbal, written, and communication skills. Ability to summarize and effectively communicate technical issues and actions to key stakeholders and leadership teams

Pay & Benefits

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $175,800 and $312,200, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.Learn more about Apple Benefits. (https://www.apple.com/careers/us/benefits.html)

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.Learn more about the E-Verify program (https://www.apple.com/jobs/pdf/EverifyPosterEnglish.pdf) .

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.