R&D Lead & Inference Storage System Architect

We are building a next-generation storage platform for AI infrastructure that combines high-performance flash, accelerator technologies, and advanced storage software, with the goal of delivering a breakthrough step-function improvement in cost, power efficiency, density, and scalability for AI-era data-center storage. We are seeking a R&D Lead & Inference Storage System Architect to define and drive the end-to-end architecture of this platform, from data-center deployment models down to node-level HW/SW partitioning. This role will also contribute to strengthening Sandisk’s broader data-center infrastructure architecture knowledge across the Architecture organization, working collaboratively with existing domain experts and helping advance our system-level deployment thinking.

Responsibilities:

• Drive the architecture of a groundbreaking data-center storage system targeting step-change improvements in cost, power, density, and scalability
• Define the overall architecture of the storage platform and its deployment model within large-scale AI infrastructure environments
• Analyze data-center deployment models, including hyperscaler environments, AI training and inference clusters, and disaggregated storage approaches
• Define system data flows, metadata flows, and identify performance choke points
• Architect the storage rack and tray topology
• Define the storage node architecture, including SoC/DPU selection, PCIe/NVMe topology, DRAM architecture, and NIC integration
• Drive system partitioning decisions across hardware, firmware, and software components
• Define placement of RAID, compression, and data services
• Lead bottleneck analysis and scalability modeling at node and rack levels, including multi-node and large-scale system behavior
• Own system-level power and performance modeling
• Engage directly with customers and ecosystem partners to align architecture with real deployment needs
• Guide cross-company technical collaboration and ensure architectural alignment across internal and external contributors

Required:

• 10+ years of experience in data-center infrastructure, storage systems, or high-performance system architecture deployments
• Proven experience working with cloud providers, hyperscaler infrastructure, or large-scale production- Strong data-center infrastructure expertise with clear storage system orientation, including environments supporting large-scale compute or AI workloads
• Background originating in hardware engineering and evolved into a system architect role designing end-to-end architectures spanning hardware, firmware, and software
• Demonstrated expertise in performance analysis, bottleneck identification, and system optimization
• Experience with high-speed networking and modern data-center NIC/DPU architectures
• Strong collaborator with the ability to drive alignment across multiple engineering teams
• Fluent English with the presence, clarity, and technical credibility required to present to customers and partners

Preferred:

• Experience with scale-out storage architectures or large multi-node systems
• Experience with NVMe, PCIe, RAID, and flash storage systems
• Experience with file systems and storage software stacks
• Experience with disaggregated storage systems
• Background in hyperscaler storage, AI infrastructure environments, parallel file systems, or startup environments
• Experience bringing complex systems from concept to production

Sandisk thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

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