Compute Strategy & Operations Lead

Modal Labs; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Modal Labs in New York is seeking a Compute Strategy and Operations lead to handle the procurement of GPU and CPU capacity essential for our infrastructure. This role will involve evaluating supply options, negotiating contracts, and working closely with engineering teams.

The successful candidate must have a strong grasp of the AI infrastructure landscape, including hyperscalers and neoclouds, and the ability to drive cross-functional collaborations. Strong commercial instincts and technical knowledge are crucial for this position.

Qualifications

• Understanding of hyperscalers, neoclouds, and GPU supply market.
• Familiarity with GPU architectures such as NVIDIA H100/H200/B200.
• Ability to negotiate contracts and understand SLA structures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee procurement of GPU and CPU capacity from various suppliers.
• Maintain supplier relationships and evaluate supply options.
• Negotiate contracts and translate technical requirements into specs.

Skills

Fluency in AI infrastructure landscape

Technical understanding of GPU architectures

Strong commercial instincts

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

The Role:

We're hiring a Compute Strategy and Operations lead to own how Modal plans for and acquires GPU and CPU capacity. You'll size our infrastructure needs ahead of demand, source supply across hyperscalers, neoclouds, and datacenter operators, and negotiate and close the contracts to secure it. The compute you secure directly determines what Modal can sell and build.

In this role, you will:

• Own end-to-end procurement of GPU and CPU capacity across hyperscalers, neoclouds, and datacenter operators
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of supplier relationships
• Evaluate supply options on price, availability, hardware specs, networking capabilities, and SLA terms
• Negotiate and close contracts: reserved capacity agreements, spot arrangements, MSAs, DPAs, and order forms
• Work closely with our engineering teams to translate technical requirements into procurement specs
• Track market pricing, availability trends, and supplier dynamics, and serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on infrastructure procurement decisions

Requirements:

• Fluency in the AI infrastructure landscape: hyperscalers, neoclouds, and the broader GPU supply market
• Technical understanding of what you're buying: GPU architectures (NVIDIA H100/H200/B200, etc.), networking (InfiniBand vs. RoCE, fabric topology), and SLA structures
• Strong commercial instincts. You know how to find leverage, structure a deal, and close it
• Ability to work cross-functionally with finance and engineering teams on commercial terms and technical requirements