Senior Director, Network Platform Engineering

Who are we?Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet. A place where tech thinkers and future builders turn bold ideas into breakthrough experiences, we welcome your unique perspective.Help us challenge assumptions, uncover bias, and remove barriers—because progress starts with fresh ideas. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.Job SummaryEquinix is seeking a world-class Senior Director of Network Platform Engineering to define how one of the world’s most interconnected digital infrastructure platforms is designed, built, and evolved. This executive will lead the architecture, design, technology selection, and validation of Equinix’s global network across the full interconnection stack, from optical transport and Metro Connect to software-defined Equinix Fabric and Fabric Cloud Router. The role will establish the technical foundation that enables Equinix to deliver secure, resilient, automated, and increasingly intelligent connectivity worldwide.This is not a traditional network engineering role. It is an opportunity to shape the future of digital interconnection at a moment when applications and AI agents are beginning to provision and optimize infrastructure through software. The successful candidate will set architectural direction, make critical technology bets, engage the world’s leading cloud and AI companies, and build the team that architects the next generation of Equinix infrastructure.The role may be based at Equinix headquarters in Redwood City, California, or in another major Equinix metro.The OpportunityEquinix is advancing from foundational connectivity toward an intelligent, software-defined interconnection platform. Fabric One is being developed as an intent-driven, any-to-any connectivity platform that enables applications and AI agents to provision their own networks. Fabric Intelligence introduces an AI-native operations layer designed to manage and optimize network performance. Fabric Geo Zones extends this architecture further by enabling compliant data paths across jurisdictions.The Senior Director of Network Architecture will determine how these capabilities come together as a secure, scalable, and coherent global platform. This leader will balance the demands of today’s production network with the emerging requirements of distributed AI, autonomous infrastructure, data sovereignty, and real-time digital services.ResponsibilitiesWhat You Will OwnDefine the Future of the Equinix NetworkOwn the end-to-end architecture for the Equinix interconnection portfolio, including:Equinix FabricFabric Cloud RouterMetro ConnectInternet ExchangeNetwork EdgePrecision TimeInternet AccessFuture software-defined and AI-enabled interconnection servicesCreate an architectural foundation that supports the company’s long-term product ambitions and enables a seamless, multiyear roadmap of differentiated products and servicesArchitect the Next Generation of InterconnectionServe as the design authority for the network supporting Fabric One and future intent-driven connectivity capabilitiesTranslate product vision into a secure, resilient, and scalable network architecture capable of supporting increasingly dynamic applications, distributed AI workloads, autonomous services, and machine-to-machine infrastructure consumptionLead Technology Strategy and Critical Design DecisionsSet Equinix’s strategy across optical transport, network fabrics, routing, software-defined interconnection, automation, and emerging infrastructure technologiesLead the evaluation, selection, and validation of technologies across:Network siliconOptical and coherent systemsDWDM and OTNIP/MPLS and BGPSoftware-defined networkingNetwork orchestrationAutomation and telemetry platformsVendor and open technology ecosystemsMake disciplined architectural trade-offs that improve scalability, reliability, customer experience, and long-term economicsBuild Intelligence into the NetworkShape the technical foundation for Fabric Intelligence and other AI-native capabilities that manage, optimize, and protect the Equinix networkAdvance Equinix toward increasingly predictive and autonomous network operations through intelligent observability, intent-driven orchestration, automated optimization, and closed-loop remediationEnable Distributed AI and Data SovereigntyPartner with Product to define the network architecture supporting emerging capabilities such as Distributed AI Hub, Inference Exchange, and future AI infrastructure servicesDesign for the performance, data movement, latency, security, and resiliency requirements of distributed AI training and inferenceAdvance the architecture for Fabric Geo Zones, enabling compliant data paths and infrastructure consumption across geographic and jurisdictional boundariesDeliver Architecture That Operates Reliably at Global ScalePartner closely with Network Operations to translate architecture and design into a highly reliable production networkEnsure architectural decisions account for operational readiness, lifecycle management, observability, resilience, maintainability, and the realities of running mission-critical global infrastructureEngage Customers and Shape the IndustryRepresent Equinix’s network architecture with senior executives, strategic customers, board stakeholders, and industry audiencesEngage CTO-level leaders across hyperscalers, neoclouds, network providers, technology partners, and the broader digital infrastructure ecosystemUse these relationships to anticipate market shifts, influence partner roadmaps, and ensure Equinix’s architecture remains aligned with the needs of the world’s most demanding infrastructure customersBuild a World-Class Architecture OrganizationRecruit, develop, and lead an exceptional global team of network architects, systems engineers, and technical program managersCreate an environment capable of attracting and retaining engineers who have operated at cloud and hyperscale network scaleEstablish clear technical standards, raise architectural quality, and build a culture of accountability, innovation, and engineering excellenceWhat Success Looks LikeEstablish a clear, multiyear architecture for Equinix’s global interconnection platformCreate the technical foundation for Fabric One and future intent-driven network servicesAccelerate the evolution toward intelligent and autonomous network operationsEnable new products supporting distributed AI, cloud connectivity, and data sovereigntyImprove alignment among Architecture, Product, Engineering, and Network OperationsMake technology and vendor decisions that improve performance, reliability, scalability, and economicsBuild an architecture organization recognized for technical excellence and industry influenceStrengthen Equinix’s credibility with major cloud, AI, network, and infrastructure partnersQualificationsRequired Qualifications15+ years of experience designing, building, or operating large-scale global networksDirect experience at a major public cloud provider or responsibility for a hyperscale carrier, exchange, or similarly complex global networkDeep expertise across optical networking, DWDM, OTN, coherent systems, IP/MPLS, BGP at scale, SD-WAN, and software-defined interconnectionDemonstrated success defining architecture and technology strategy for mission-critical infrastructureProven experience leading senior engineers and building high-performing technical organizationsAbility to translate product and business strategy into scalable architecture and executable roadmapsStrong executive presence, including experience engaging senior customers, executive teams, boards, strategic partners, and industry audiencesAbility to influence across Product, Engineering, Operations, Security, and commercial organizations without relying solely on direct authorityPreferred QualificationsExperience designing network infrastructure for distributed AI training, inference, or other high-performance computing workloadsUnderstanding of the latency, bandwidth, data movement, and resiliency requirements associated with AI infrastructureExperience with intent-driven networking, OpenAPI-based orchestration, autonomous operations, or software-defined infrastructureFamiliarity with data sovereignty, jurisdictional routing, and compliance-driven network designExperience within interconnection ecosystems, internet exchanges, carrier-neutral colocation, or cloud exchange platformsDemonstrated industry impact through standards participation, open-source contributions, patents, publications, or external thought leadershipWhy This Role MattersThe next generation of infrastructure will not be provisioned solely by people. It will increasingly be consumed and optimized by applications, platforms, and AI agents. Equinix sits at the intersection of the networks, clouds, partners, and infrastructure upon which that future depends.The Senior Director of Network Architecture will determine how those environments connect and how Equinix evolves from a global interconnection leader into an increasingly intelligent, software-defined infrastructure platform.This is an opportunity to build more than a network. It is an opportunity to define the architecture through which the next generation of digital and AI services operates.The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:United States - Redwood City Office GHQ : 240,000 - 360,000 USD / AnnualOur pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.Equinix BenefitsAs an employee, you become important to Equinix’s success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we’re providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you’ll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.Employee Assistance Program: An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees. US Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in health, life, disability and voluntary plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You and Equinix may contribute to a retirement plan to help you plan for your financial future. - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: You will receive an accrued amount of PTO each pay period along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific plan or program terms. Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form. Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law. We use artificial intelligence in our hiring process. Learn more here. This posting is a new position within our organization. SummaryLocation: Redwood CityType: Full time