At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the setup of automated IT infrastructure for groundbreaking AI technology.
- Company: Join Lumai, a pioneering UK startup redefining computing with light-based technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, private health insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic startup environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI innovation and shape the future of technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT infrastructure management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
The Opportunity
Lumai is redefining how the world computes. We are an ambitious, venture-backed UK startup pioneering a breakthrough AI accelerator for data centers which uses 3D optical compute. Our radical technology uses light to perform computation at orders of magnitude faster speeds and at far greater scales than ever before, all whilst consuming far less energy than traditional approaches. Lumai is unlocking performance and efficiency gains that could transform the economics of AI and compute infrastructure and reshape how intelligence scales globally.
If you are passionate about bringing groundbreaking technology to market, and want to be part of a team pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible, Lumai is where you can make it happen.
About Lumai
Founded in 2022, Lumai is a University of Oxford spinout using optical processing to accelerate large language models (LLMs) and other transformer-based AI systems. The team combines expertise in optical computing, machine learning, and physics. Lumai has already secured over $15 million in investment from leading deep-tech investors and is scaling rapidly to deploy the fastest optical compute currently available globally.
The Role
We are looking for an IT Infrastructure Manager to establish and lead the internal platform that powers all of Lumai. In this role, you will take ownership of the compute, storage, networking and CI/CD environments that our optics, hardware, firmware and software engineers rely on every day. This is a high-impact position where you will shape our engineering infrastructure, technical operations and security standards from the ground up. You will help us replace manual setups with automated, reliable and secure workflows, whilst also overseeing core IT operations as our team grows. If you enjoy building dependable platforms, keeping engineering teams moving fast and leading technical projects, there is a lot of meaningful work to do here.
What You'll Do
- Platform Delivery & Tooling: Lead the team setting up automated provisioning, CI/CD pipelines, internal developer tools, and lab and cloud networking and monitoring
- Technical Operations & IT: Ensure engineers are unblocked quickly on build, network, or access issues, while managing company IT essentials like identity management, laptops/devices and key software tools
- Security & IP Protection: Build security into our daily setup from the start across all servers, code repositories, sensitive simulation data and devices, without slowing down development
- Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with our optics, hardware and software leads to understand what their workflows need and make sure our platform scales cleanly with the business
What We're Looking For:
Must-Have
- Experience managing or mentoring engineers across infrastructure, platform, DevOps, or IT, with a clear focus on getting things done
- Hands-on experience with cloud and on-premise compute, storage, and networking — comfortable guiding technical choices and talking through architecture, without needing to write code all day
- Experience running build systems, CI/CD pipelines, and test automation
- Practical understanding of access management, network security, and device security, keeping systems protected without getting in engineers' way
- Comfortable overseeing core IT setups, device fleets, and user onboarding in a fast-growing team
- Strong communicator — able to listen to engineers across different disciplines, understand their bottlenecks, and turn them into simple, practical technical solutions
Strong Preference For
- Experience working with hardware, simulation, or embedded software teams
- A builder mindset — comfortable in an early-stage, fast-moving environment where you're setting up new processes and platforms rather than just maintaining old ones
Compensation & Benefits
- Highly Competitive Salary
- Share Option Scheme
- Pension Scheme
- Private Health Insurance
- Cycle to Work
- L&D Allowance
- Subsidised On-site Lunches
- Holidays: Enjoy some deserved "me time" with 25 days paid holiday (plus bank holidays) per year
- Socials: Be part of an inclusive community enjoying occasional all-company off-sites, lunches and socials
Lumai is an equal opportunity employer. We make hiring decisions on merit, scope-fit, and the strength of the working relationship we expect to build with each hire. Applications welcome from candidates of any background. If you are not sure whether you are a fit, send a note anyway.
IT Infrastructure Manager in Oxford employer: Lumai
Lumai is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture in the heart of Oxford. As a startup, we offer unique opportunities for personal and professional growth, allowing you to be at the forefront of cutting-edge AI technology while collaborating with passionate teams. Our commitment to employee development and a supportive environment makes Lumai an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Infrastructure Manager in Oxford
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Lumai values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Lumai might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Lumai!
✨Direct Apply to Lumai
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Lumai website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Infrastructure Manager in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Lumai.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Lumai. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lumai
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
