Infrastructure Engineer (Storage)

Infrastructure Engineer (Storage)Lightning AI is the company behind PyTorch Lightning. Founded in 2019, we build an end-to-end platform for developing, training, and deploying AI systems—designed to take ideas from research to production with less friction.Through our merger with Voltage Park, a neocloud and AI Factory, Lightning AI combines developer-first software with cost-efficient, large-scale compute. Teams get the tools they need for experimentation, training, and production inference, with security, observability, and control built in.We serve solo researchers, startups, and large enterprises. Lightning AI operates globally with offices in New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, and London, and is backed by Coatue, Index Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, and Firstminute.What We're Looking ForLightning AI is seeking a Storage Infrastructure Engineer to join our Infrastructure Engineering team.In this role, you will focus on building and operating the storage systems that power large-scale AI/ML training, inference, and HPC workloads. You will work at the intersection of software, hardware, and operations—developing automation, improving reliability, and scaling distributed storage systems across our bare-metal infrastructure.You will help own the data plane of our storage infrastructure, supporting high-throughput, low-latency data access for some of the most demanding AI workloads. You'll play a key role in managing and evolving our storage stack (including VAST and S3-compatible systems like Ceph), ensuring performance, reliability, and efficiency at scale.We're flexible on location for this team. This role can work hybrid out of one of our US-based hubs (Seattle, NYC, or SF) or fully remote within the U.S., with occasional company and team offsites. We are not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position at this time.What You'll DoStorage Systems & InfrastructureOperate and scale distributed storage systems, including VAST and S3-compatible object storage (e.g., Ceph)Improve performance, reliability, and efficiency of storage systems supporting large-scale AI/ML workloadsTroubleshoot complex storage and data path issues across hardware and software layersOptimize storage performance to support high-throughput, low-latency AI training and inference workloadsAutomation & ToolingBuild and maintain automation for provisioning, managing, and monitoring storage infrastructureDevelop Python-based tools and workflows to reduce manual operational overheadImprove lifecycle management of storage clusters, from deployment through maintenance and scalingSystems & OperationsManage and operate Linux-based systems in production, including bare-metal environmentsPartner with infrastructure and data center teams on hardware bring-up, upgrades, and issue resolutionSupport capacity planning, utilization tracking, and forecasting for storage systemsLeverage monitoring and telemetry to diagnose issues and improve system performance and reliabilityCross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with Infrastructure Engineering, Network Engineering, and Platform teams to integrate storage into the broader platformContribute to design discussions around new infrastructure deployments and scaling strategiesHelp define best practices for operating storage systems in high-performance computing environmentsWhat You'll NeedRequired Qualifications5+ years of experience in infrastructure engineering, systems engineering, or related rolesHands-on experience operating distributed storage systems (e.g., VAST, Ceph, or similar)Strong Linux systems experience in production environmentsProficiency in Python or similar scripting/programming languages for automationExperience working with bare-metal infrastructure and hardware-oriented systemsAbility to debug complex issues across system boundaries (storage, OS, hardware, networking)Experience with storage networking protocols (e.g., NFS or similar)Experience with capacity planning, monitoring, and performance tuningIdeal ExperienceExperience with VAST storage systems in production environmentsExperience operating S3-compatible object storage at scaleData center operations experience, including working with physical hardwareFamiliarity with AI/ML or HPC workloads and their storage requirementsBackground in high-performance or low-latency distributed systemsFamiliarity with high-performance data transfer technologies (e.g., RDMA, GPU Direct Storage)Experience supporting GPU-based workloads or large-scale compute clustersCompensationWe are committed to offering competitive compensation that reflects the value each team member brings to our mission. Final offers are based on factors such as experience, skills, geographic location, and role expectations. In addition to base salary, our total rewards package for eligible roles includes a discretionary bonus, a meaningful equity component, and comprehensive benefits.The anticipated annual base salary range for this role is:$180,000 - $200,000 USDBenefits and PerksWe offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' health, well-being, and long-term success. Benefits may vary by location, team, and role.Benefits include:Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage (U.S.); Private medical and dental insurance (U.K.)Retirement and financial wellness support (U.S.); Pension contribution (U.K.)Generous paid time off, plus holidaysPaid parental leaveProfessional development supportWellness and work-from-home stipendsFlexible work environmentAt Lightning AI, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diverse teams drive innovation and create better products. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are dedicated to building a culture where everyone can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.