Project Manager – High Performance Computing (HPC)

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 Show more Show less

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. 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.

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.