Project Manager – High Performance Computing (HPC)
MBZUAI Institute of Foundation Models · Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates · 7mo ago
Mid levelOn-siteSoftware Engineering
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.
Compliance & Management Support
- 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.
Educational Qualifications
- 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.
Required Experience
- 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.