Pre-Sales Solutions Architect — Data Center & AI

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About Gruve

Gruve is an innovative software services startup dedicated to transforming enterprises to AI powerhouses. We specialize in cybersecurity, customer experience, cloud infrastructure, and advanced technologies such as Large Language Models (LLMs). Our mission is to assist our customers in their business strategies utilizing their data to make more intelligent decisions. As a well-funded early-stage startup, Gruve offers a dynamic environment with strong customer and partner networks.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and technically accomplished Pre-Sales Solutions Architect to join our growing team. This customer-facing role is central to Gruve's go-to-market motion, supporting enterprise clients across the full pre-sales lifecycle — from discovery and solution design through proof-of-concept execution and proposal development. 

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in the Cisco Secure AI Factory ecosystem, including its core components: Cisco AI Defense, Isovalent (eBPF/Cilium), and Red Hat OpenShift with Cilium CNI. You will serve as the primary technical advisor to prospective customers, translating complex business challenges into compelling, architecturally sound solutions. 

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Sales Engagement 

• Lead technical discovery sessions with enterprise prospects to understand business requirements, existing infrastructure, and security posture.
• Develop and deliver tailored solution presentations, architecture diagrams, and technical demonstrations aligned to the Cisco Secure AI Factory framework.
• Serve as the primary technical point-of-contact throughout the pre-sales cycle, building trust and credibility with customer stakeholders — architects, engineers, CISOs, and CTOs.
• Collaborate closely with Gruve's sales team to develop winning strategies, respond to RFPs/RFIs, and craft compelling proposals and statements of work (SOWs).
• Design and shepherd proof-of-concept (PoC) and pilot engagements from planning through successful customer sign-off.

Technical Solution Design 

• Architect end-to-end solutions leveraging the Cisco Secure AI Factory portfolio, including:
• Cisco AI Defense — AI workload visibility, threat detection, and policy enforcement for AI/ML pipelines.
• Isovalent Enterprise for Kubernetes — eBPF-based networking, security, and observability for containerized workloads.
• Red Hat OpenShift with Cilium CNI — Container networking, network policy enforcement, and advanced observability in hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
• Design secure, scalable AI infrastructure architectures integrating GPU compute, high-performance networking, and layered security.
• Maintain Gruve's technical differentiation messaging relative to competing solutions.

Customer & Partner Enablement 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Cisco and Red Hat field teams to support co-selling and joint customer engagements.
• Represent Gruve at customer executive briefings, Cisco partner summits, and industry events.
• Contribute to reusable technical assets including reference architectures, solution briefs, demo environments, and competitive battle cards.

Thought Leadership & Internal Collaboration 

• Provide market and technical feedback to Gruve's practice leadership.
• Mentor junior solutions architects and pre-sales engineers.
• Stay current on emerging AI infrastructure trends, cloud-native security developments, and Cisco/Red Hat technology roadmaps.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a pre-sales solutions architect, sales engineer, or technical pre-sales role — this is a firm requirement.
• Demonstrated expertise with Cisco networking and security technologies across data center, cloud, and security portfolios.
• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes and container networking in production or enterprise environments.
• Working knowledge of Red Hat OpenShift architecture and deployment patterns.
• Familiarity with eBPF-based networking concepts and Cilium CNI or equivalent container network interfaces.
• Strong understanding of Zero Trust security principles, microsegmentation, and AI workload security.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both engineering teams and executive audiences.
• Demonstrated track record of supporting and contributing to the closure of enterprise-level deals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; proficiency in creating polished architecture documentation and presentations.
• Ability to travel up to 30–40% for customer engagements, PoCs, and events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) — strongly preferred; relevant tracks include Enterprise, Data Center, or Security.
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) — highly desirable; demonstrates elite-level technical mastery.
• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) or Red Hat OpenShift certifications.
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) or Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS).
• Experience with Cisco AI/ML infrastructure, Secure Workload, or Panoptica platforms.
• Prior experience in a Cisco partner, VAR, or systems integrator pre-sales environment.
• Familiarity with GPU clusters, AI/ML pipeline infrastructure, and accelerated computing (NVIDIA, AMD).
• Experience with AWS, Azure, or GCP in hybrid cloud architecture contexts.
• Background in DevSecOps, GitOps, or platform engineering practices.

Salary Range

$150,000 - $ 190,000

*This is a hybrid role with a combination of remote work and in-office collaboration at one of three locations: Redwood City, CA, Dallas, TX, or Edison, NJ.*

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Why Gruve

At Gruve, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work. If you’re passionate about technology and eager to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Gruve is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and thank all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.