Director – Strategic Data Center Partnerships

Lambda is the #1 GPU Cloud for ML/AI teams training, fine-tuning and inferencing AI models, where engineers can easily, securely and affordably build, test and deploy AI products at scale. Lambda’s product portfolio includes on-prem GPU systems, hosted GPUs across public & private clouds and managed inference services – servicing government, researchers, startups and Enterprises world-wide.

If you'd like to build the world's best deep learning cloud, join us. 

*Note: This position prefers presence in our Bay Area office locations, but is open to remote presence for the right candidate. 

About the Job 

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the foundation of the world’s most powerful AI infrastructure. As a key leader in Lambda’s infrastructure strategy organization, you’ll collaborate closely with executives, legal counsel, and engineering teams to accelerate delivery timelines, reduce risk, and develop a high-impact network of strategic development partners. You’ll play a central role in setting the industry benchmark for hyperscale data center deployment.

Lambda, Inc. defines and programs next-generation AI data center infrastructure to support our platform, partnering with top-tier land developers and build-to-suit firms to deliver scalable, high-density deployments globally. We lead with engineering precision—owning the programming, design, and strategic direction—while our partners execute the physical build and supply chain delivery.

What You'll Do

You will lead Lambda’s hyperscale data center development strategy, driving the identification, negotiation, and execution of joint ventures and strategic partnerships with land developers and build-to-suit providers. This role requires a blend of real estate expertise, infrastructure knowledge, and deal-making fluency to ensure Lambda’s standards are successfully delivered through third-party execution.

You will act as both Lambda’s primary external relationship manager and internal cross-functional integrator, guiding the full development lifecycle, from land entitlement and partner structuring to power procurement and construction alignment.

Strategic Partnerships & Joint Ventures

• Serve as Lambda’s lead negotiator and business relationship owner for build-to-suit developers and strategic land partners

• Lead the structuring of joint ventures and strategic development agreements in collaboration with Legal and Finance

• Evaluate and align partner capabilities with Lambda’s roadmap, delivery timelines, and engineering standards

Real Estate & Entitlement Leadership

• Review and validate developer-led diligence on title, zoning, access, environmental risk, and infrastructure readiness

• Interface with local jurisdictions to navigate entitlement challenges and permitting timelines

• Provide actionable recommendations on entitlement risks, tradeoffs, and mitigation strategies

Infrastructure & Execution Alignment

• Partner with Lambda’s principal engineering team to translate the basis of design (BoD) into enforceable partner deliverables

• Represent Lambda’s programming and design interests throughout the construction lifecycle

• Support utility interconnect strategy and power purchase agreement (PPA) negotiations with internal and external stakeholders

Financial Structuring & Internal Alignment

• Collaborate with Lambda leadership, Legal, and Finance to shape commercial deal terms and capital partnership models

• Present development risks, investment scenarios, and partner strategies to executive and investment leadership

You

• Self-starter with a proven ability to independently drive and build programs in real estate development, infrastructure investment, or hyperscale expansion strategy, with 10+ years of experience.

• Proven success negotiating and structuring complex land, joint venture, or build-to-suit agreements

• Deep understanding of entitlement processes, risk mitigation, and utility infrastructure planning

• Ability to bridge engineering standards with commercial terms and real-world execution

• Strong cross-functional leadership and persuasive communication skills

Preferred Experience

• Experience in the data center, energy, or high-density infrastructure space

• Familiarity with MEP programming, liquid-to-chip cooling, or large-scale power distribution models.

• Background in commercial real estate, public-private partnerships, or PPA negotiations.

Salary Range Information 

Based on market data and other factors, the annual salary range for this position is $169,000-$249,000. However, a salary higher or lower than this range may be appropriate for a candidate whose qualifications differ meaningfully from those listed in the job description.

About Lambda

• Founded in 2012, ~350 employees (2024) and growing fast

• We offer generous cash & equity compensation

• Our investors include Andra Capital, SGW, Andrej Karpathy, ARK Invest, Fincadia Advisors, G Squared, In-Q-Tel (IQT), KHK & Partners, NVIDIA, Pegatron, Supermicro, Wistron, Wiwynn, US Innovative Technology, Gradient Ventures, Mercato Partners, SVB, 1517, Crescent Cove.

• We are experiencing extremely high demand for our systems, with quarter over quarter, year over year profitability

• Our research papers have been accepted into top machine learning and graphics conferences, including NeurIPS, ICCV, SIGGRAPH, and TOG

• Health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents

• Wellness and Commuter stipends for select roles

• 401k Plan with 2% company match (USA employees)

• Flexible Paid Time Off Plan that we all actually use

A Final Note:

You do not need to match all of the listed expectations to apply for this position. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lambda is an Equal Opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, sex, gender, marital status, sexual orientation and identity, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other factors prohibited by local, state, or federal law.