Principal Network Security Architect

Cerebras; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job stability with startup vitality

Open-source cutting-edge AI research

Non-corporate work culture

Job summary

Cerebras is looking for a Principal Network Security Architect to lead the design and evolution of networks. This role is critical for connecting data centers, offices, and cloud environments that power AI inference for customers like OpenAI and AWS.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of hands-on experience in network engineering, focusing on high-performance networks and cloud integration. Join Cerebras to work on groundbreaking AI technology in a dynamic, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in network engineering, including hands-on design and operations at scale.
• Deep understanding of routing and switching protocols.
• Experience with network automation and configuration management.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the architectural roadmap for the network estate.
• Co-author secure design and lifecycle management of data-center networking.
• Mentor engineers across various regions.

Skills

Enterprise and data-center network engineering

Cloud networking and service mesh

Routing, switching, and data-center fabrics

Networking for high-performance compute or AI/ML workloads

Network automation

Cloud networking with AWS

Operating networks at multi-site, global scale

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Tools

Ansible

Terraform

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking a Principal Network Security Architect to lead the design and evolution of the networks that connect Cerebras's data centers, offices, and cloud environments—which form the foundation that delivers the fastest AI inference on earth to customers such as OpenAI and AWS. You will set the architectural direction for high‑performance, resilient enterprise and data‑center networking, and partner closely with Site Reliability, Security, and Infrastructure to operate at the scale and speed our compute demands. The right candidate brings senior network design depth, a track record of building at hyperscale, and the judgment to balance performance, reliability, and security in a rapidly growing environment.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the architectural roadmap for Cerebras's enterprise, data‑center, and cloud network estate.
• Co‑author secure design and lifecycle management of high‑performance data‑center networking—including spine/leaf, RDMA, and high‑bandwidth fabrics supporting wafer‑scale compute.
• Build and maintain an AI‑agent–based analysis and review framework for network changes as well as self‑improvement driven by observed network patterns and use cases.
• Partner with Network Security to deliver segmented, zero‑trust‑aligned network designs across data‑center and corporate environments.
• Set standards for resiliency, observability, and capacity planning across the global network.
• Mentor engineers across regions (US, Canada, Bangalore, and beyond), and serve as the senior technical voice on cross‑functional network initiatives.
• Stay ahead of emerging networking patterns relevant to AI infrastructure and translate them into actionable architecture decisions.

Skills and Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in enterprise and/or data‑center network engineering, including hands‑on design and operations at scale.
• Deep understanding of cloud networking and service mesh, with emphasis on K8s service mesh and virtual networks.
• Deep expertise in routing, switching, and data‑center fabrics—including BGP, EVPN/VXLAN, and high‑bandwidth/low‑latency designs.
• Hands‑on experience with networking for high‑performance compute or AI/ML workloads (RDMA, RoCE, InfiniBand exposure a plus).
• Strong proficiency with network automation—infrastructure as code (Ansible, Terraform), version‑controlled configuration, and CI/CD for network change.
• Working knowledge of cloud networking (AWS preferred), including VPCs, transit gateways, Direct Connect, and hybrid connectivity patterns.
• Experience operating networks at multi‑site, global scale—including capacity planning, incident response, and vendor management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead architecture conversations across technical and non‑technical audiences.

Why Join Cerebras

• Build a breakthrough AI platform beyond the constraints of the GPU.
• Publish and open‑source their cutting‑edge AI research.
• Work on one of the fastest AI supercomputers in the world.
• Enjoy job stability with startup vitality.
• Our simple, non‑corporate work culture that respects individual beliefs.

Cerebras Systems is committed to creating an equal and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate different backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe inclusive teams build better products and companies. We try every day to build a work environment that empowers people to do their best work through continuous learning, growth and support of those around them.