Senior Principal Rack-Scale AI Systems Architect

Dell; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 272,000; Full time

Job summary

Dell is seeking a Senior Principal Systems Development Engineer in Santa Clara, CA to own the system-level architecture and engineering of complete L11 AI racks. You will coordinate across compute, mechanical, thermal, software, diagnostics, and factory enablement, partnering with engineering SMEs and partner providers to deliver repeatable, manufacturable AI rack solutions.

This role spans Engineering, Operations, and Product Management, with hands-on work at Dell facilities, factories, and

Qualifications

• 12+ years of related experience with degree, or 8+ years with a Master's degree, or 5+ years with a PhD.
• Hands-on experience leading system-level architecture and integration of rack-scale or data center solutions, spanning compute, mechanical, thermal, software, and diagnostics.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM); Requirements management & System Requirement Specification (SRS).
• Testing strategies; Root cause problem solving & troubleshooting.
• Cross-team collaboration & stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Design and define system-level requirements for complex L11 rack-scale AI solutions, integrating Dell IP and partner IP into a cohesive, deployable rack.
• Determine system specifications, interfaces, and working parameters across compute, mechanical, thermal, software, and diagnostics for full hardware/software compatibility.
• Coordinate the design and integration of subsystems into complete rack-level systems that meet performance, quality, and manufacturability requirements.
• Ensure the manufacturability, reliability, and serviceability of rack designs, including factory enablement for large-scale production.
• Engage directly with customer teams to plan and prepare for their large-scale AI deployments.
• Coordinate with engineering SMEs across Dell’s mechanical, thermal, software, supply chain, services, and factory teams to enable full solution delivery.
• Conduct benchmarking, testing, and analysis across all phases of development; diagnose issues, recommend corrective actions, and document results.

Skills

System-level architecture

Rack-scale integration

Cross-functional collaboration

Testing & troubleshooting

Requirements management

Education

Bachelor's degree (or higher)

Job description

Dell is seeking a Senior Principal Systems Development Engineer in Santa Clara, CA to own the system-level architecture and engineering of complete L11 AI racks. You will coordinate across compute, mechanical, thermal, software, diagnostics, and factory enablement, partnering with engineering SMEs and partner providers to deliver repeatable, manufacturable AI rack solutions.

This role spans Engineering, Operations, and Product Management, with hands-on work at Dell facilities, factories, and