HPC Project Manager

Application Open:

Full-Time

The Institute of Foundation Models (IFM) at MBZUAI is building and operating large-scale GPU clusters supporting cutting-edge AI model training and research. We are seeking a highly organized and execution-oriented Project Manager to support the HPC function.

This role will work closely with the HPC Lead to drive infrastructure projects end-to-end — coordinating vendors, internal university departments (IT, procurement, compliance, finance), and research stakeholders — while ensuring documentation, governance, and delivery tracking are properly maintained.

Key Responsibilities

HPC Project Execution & Coordination

• Support planning and delivery of HPC infrastructure projects (GPU clusters, storage, networking, upgrades).
• Coordinate with external vendors (hardware providers, cloud partners, data center operators).
• Track project milestones, risks, dependencies, and timelines.
• Maintain project plans, logs, and status reports.
• Organize and document project meetings and action items.

Cluster Portfolio Tracking & IFM Project Support

• Maintain structured visibility of all major workloads and projects running on IFM clusters.
• Track cluster allocation, major initiatives, and priority programs supported by HPC.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with IFM research teams and project owners.
• Act as a coordination bridge to ensure key IFM projects receive proper infrastructure support.
• Proactively identify risks impacting critical research timelines and escalate where needed.

Cross-Department Coordination

• Act as liaison between HPC team and University IT, Procurement, Finance, Legal, Compliance, and HR.
• Ensure requirements are clearly documented and aligned across stakeholders.
• Proactively follow up to remove blockers and maintain project momentum.

Documentation & Governance

• Maintain structured documentation of cluster specifications, contracts, SLAs, and change logs.
• Support governance processes (SteerCo tracking, review cadences).
• Assist with audit preparation and documentation consolidation.
• Assist with export control governance tracking and vendor compliance.
• Support access control and user approval coordination with IT.
• Track risk mitigation and regulatory documentation requirements.

Reporting & Executive Communication

• Prepare concise leadership updates and executive summaries.
• Develop slide decks and structured status reports.
• Maintain dashboards for project status, budget tracking, and vendor performance.

Academic Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or a related field (required).
• Master’s degree (MBA, Engineering, Technology Management, or related discipline) preferred.

Professional Experienced Required

Essential:

• 5+ years of experience in Project Management.
• Experience in technical or infrastructure projects.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a complex organization.
• High attention to detail and strong follow-through.

Preferred:

• Experience in HPC, data centers, cloud infrastructure, or AI/ML environments.
• Familiarity with vendor contract tracking and SLA monitoring.
• Understanding of risk management and compliance frameworks.
• PMP or equivalent certification (preferred).