Global WAN Architect

Job DescriptionJob Type: Full-Time | Location: San Francisco | Department: Network | Reporting to: Associate Director, Network | Work Location Type: #hybrid IREN is a leading AI Cloud Service Provider, delivering large-scale GPU clusters for AI training and inference. IREN’s vertically integrated platform is underpinned by its expansive portfolio of grid-connected land and data centers in renewable-rich regions across the U.S. and Canada.  With 100% renewable energy, we build, own and operate our data centers and take pride in being at the forefront of sustainable solutions for the ever-evolving applications of high-performance compute. We believe that human progress is invaluable, but it should be done in the right way – responsibly, sustainably and having a positive impact on the communities we operate in. The Global WAN Architect is the primary owner for global WAN, fibre, and ISP connectivity delivery across current and future AI/HPC infrastructure deployments. The Global WAN Connectivity Lead is responsible for ensuring every site is delivered with sufficient bandwidth capacity, carrier diversity, resiliency, and operational readiness to support large-scale GPU and high-performance compute environments. The role has a singular operational focus: bandwidth delivery and connectivity readiness. You will relentlessly drive ISPs, carriers, dark fibre providers, colocation partners, and telecommunications vendors to accelerate fibre installs, circuit turn-ups, capacity upgrades, route diversity, and remediation activities across rapidly scaling infrastructure deployments. This is an execution-heavy leadership role operating at the intersection of network engineering, carrier operations, deployment coordination, and infrastructure delivery. The successful candidate will own connectivity timelines end-to-end, aggressively escalate blockers, and ensure WAN infrastructure is operationally resilient before customer and infrastructure go-live events.This is not a passive vendor management role. It requires a technically credible operator with deep experience in carrier delivery, WAN infrastructure, fibre deployment, and escalation management within high-availability environments. The role reports to the Associate Director – Network Engineering and partners closely with Infrastructure Deployment, Procurement, Site Operations, Systems Engineering, and external carrier organizations.Job Requirements8+ years of experience in WAN infrastructure, fibre deployment, telecommunications delivery, carrier operations, or large-scale network connectivity roles.Strong understanding of WAN architecture, fibre infrastructure, carrier provisioning processes, route diversity, colocation networking, and high-capacity connectivity environments.Proven experience managing ISPs, telecommunications providers, dark fibre operators, or carrier delivery programs within mission-critical infrastructure environments.Demonstrated ability to aggressively manage escalations, drive provider accountability, and remove delivery blockers under high-pressure timelines.Experience coordinating connectivity deployments across data centers, AI/HPC environments, enterprise infrastructure, or hyperscale deployments.Strong operational understanding of resiliency design, failover planning, bandwidth scaling, and high-availability network infrastructure.Familiarity with long-haul transport, DWDM, IX connectivity, backbone infrastructure, and carrier interconnection models is highly desirable.Excellent communication, negotiation, and cross-functional stakeholder management skills.Ability to operate effectively across engineering, procurement, deployment, operations, and vendor organizations.Strong organizational and execution capabilities with the ability to manage multiple concurrent deployment programs globally.Experience supporting GPU compute, AI infrastructure, HPC, or hyperscale infrastructure environments is preferred.Highly execution-oriented with strong ownership mentality, urgency, and operational discipline.Job ResponsibilitiesGlobal WAN & connectivity ownershipOwn end-to-end WAN, fibre, ISP, and carrier connectivity delivery across all existing and future infrastructure sites.Maintain accountability for bandwidth readiness, route diversity, resiliency, redundancy, and carrier delivery timelines across deployments.Develop and maintain WAN connectivity roadmaps aligned to AI/HPC infrastructure growth and customer deployment schedules.Ensure all sites are provisioned with scalable and resilient connectivity architectures capable of supporting high-density GPU compute environments.Drive continuous improvement of global connectivity standards, operational readiness, and deployment execution processes. Carrier & ISP escalation managementAct as the primary escalation owner for all ISP, carrier, fibre provider, and telecommunications delivery issues.Relentlessly drive providers to accelerate installs, upgrades, cross-connects, provisioning, and remediation activities.Coordinate daily with carriers, dark fibre operators, colocation providers, and field delivery teams to remove      deployment blockers.Escalate aggressively through operational and executive channels to maintain delivery schedules and bandwidth readiness targets.Build strong working relationships with carrier account teams, service delivery managers, field operations groups, and executive escalation contacts. Deployment execution & operational readinessPartner with Network Engineering, Infrastructure Deployment, Site Operations, and Procurement teams to align WAN delivery with infrastructure readiness milestones.Coordinate fibre turn-ups, circuit acceptance, failover testing, route validation, and operational readiness      activities.Maintain detailed visibility into all active connectivity deployments, dependencies, delivery risks, and critical path milestones.Ensure route diversity and redundancy standards are implemented consistently across all production      infrastructure locations.Support rapid deployment execution across new data center builds, expansion sites, and high-growth AI infrastructure programs. Resiliency, capacity & risk managementIdentify and mitigate risks related to insufficient bandwidth, delayed carrier delivery, single-provider      exposure, or operational fragility.Drive implementation of diverse fibre paths, backup connectivity strategies, and resilient WAN architectures      across all critical infrastructure sites.Coordinate outage escalations, carrier restoration activities, and operational recovery efforts during      connectivity incidents.Forecast bandwidth growth requirements and ensure carrier capacity planning aligns with future infrastructure scaling demands.Improve operational resiliency and reduce customer-impacting connectivity risks across the global infrastructure footprint. Process improvement & governanceEstablish standardized processes for WAN deployment tracking, carrier escalation management, connectivity acceptance, and operational reporting.Lead or co-lead procurement activities for WAN circuits, dark fibre agreements, colocation cross-connects, and capacity contracts in partnership with the Procurement team. Develop dashboards and reporting mechanisms for install progress, provider performance, SLA adherence, and deployment readiness.Improve forecasting, long-lead tracking, and operational planning processes for connectivity infrastructure.Contribute technical input into carrier strategy, connectivity procurement, and infrastructure expansion planning initiatives.Drive accountability frameworks and governance processes across internal teams and external providers. Other important requirementsPre-employment screening, including background check and substance testing may be required according to company policies. Must be able to reliably commute to the work site daily or have plans to relocate before starting work.Job BenefitsAt IREN, we offer a highly competitive compensation package that includes base salary, annual performance incentives, and opportunities to build long-term wealth through equity programs. These offerings are part of our broader total rewards package, thoughtfully designed to support your health, well-being, and long-term success. Compensation The expected base salary range $190.000 - 260,000 USD. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and market data for the region. Total Compensation package may be inclusive of annual incentive bonus, equity (long-term incentive).Relocation or Living-out-allowance / per diem (as appliable and based on successful candidate circumstances)Health & Wellness 100% company paid health insurance premiums(medical, dental, and vision)for employees, 75% company paid coverage for dependentsCompany-paid short-term and long-term disability insuranceVoluntary life, critical illness, and accident coverage availableHealth Savings Accounts (HSA) – when combined with the High Deductible Health PlanEmployee Assistance Program and wellness resourcesRetirement & Financial Wealth 401(k) retirement plan with company matchAccess to financial planning and legal servicesTime Off & Leave Programs Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidaysGrowth & Development Internal skills training and advancement pathwaysProfessional development to support certifications, continuing education, or role related trainingCommunity & Culture Company events and team-building activitiesWe value diverse perspectives and believe that skills can be developed. If you’re passionate about this role, we want to hear from you — whether you meet every criteria or not. Your unique experiences might be exactly what we need!   IE US Operations Inc., the employing entity and proud member of the IREN group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We are committed to evaluating qualified applicants and do not discriminate against protected characteristics under applicable legislation. IE US Operations, Inc. “IREN” participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. By applying for this position and submitting your resume and application materials, you consent to the processing of your personal information in accordance with our Job Applicant Privacy Statement available on our website at www.iren.com.