AI Networking Principal Technologist - Pre-Sales Lead

Drivenets; North Township (IN); Remote; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

DriveNets is seeking a Principal Technologist to lead complex pre-sales initiatives in AI networking and data center infrastructure. You will shape architectures for multi-million-dollar engagements and collaborate with Solutions Architects, Sales, and engineering teams to translate customer challenges into scalable technical solutions.

You will engage with hyperscalers and large enterprises at C-level and VP levels, publish architecture playbooks, mentor teams, and represent DriveNets at

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in data center networking architecture and design, with AI/HPC or hyperscale focus.
• Experience with large-scale switching and routing: BGP, EVPN/VXLAN, QoS, PFC/ECN.
• Proven track record in senior pre-sales, solutions architecture, or system architecture roles.
• Experience with virtualization tech at the x86 level (DPDK, SR-IOV, SmartNICs/DPUs).
• Experience leading responses to RFP/RFQs and owning end-to-end solution architecture docs.
• Strong scripting/automation skills (Python, APIs, JSON) for network operations.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with C-level stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel ~20% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical architecture for high-value opportunities in AI/HPC and data center networking.
• Partner with Sales and Solutions Architects from discovery to deal closure.
• Lead PoC design and execution with clear criteria and benchmarking.
• Engage with engineering leads and C-level stakeholders to build trusted relationships.
• Capture field insights and translate into product/engineering requirements.
• Publish architecture playbooks, reference designs, and best practices.
• Mentor Solutions Architects and Solutions Engineers to raise technical standards.
• Represent DriveNets at events, write technical content, and grow the external technical brand.

Skills

AI/HPC networking

BGP

EVPN/VXLAN

QoS

PFC/ECN

NETCONF

YANG

REST APIs

Python

DPDK

SR-IOV

DPUs/SmartNICs

RFP/RFQ responses

Solution architecture

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

NETCONF

YANG

REST APIs

Prometheus

Grafana

Job description

DriveNets is seeking a Principal Technologist to lead complex pre-sales initiatives in AI networking and data center infrastructure. You will shape architectures for multi-million-dollar engagements and collaborate with Solutions Architects, Sales, and engineering teams to translate customer challenges into scalable technical solutions.

You will engage with hyperscalers and large enterprises at C-level and VP levels, publish architecture playbooks, mentor teams, and represent DriveNets at