Senior Counsel, Data Center & Infrastructure

About GroqInference is the engine that powers AI, and Groq was built from the silicon up to deliver the world's fastest inference at scale. We pioneered the LPU—the first processor designed specifically for AI inference—and are transforming that innovation into a global cloud platform powering production AI workloads.
With the capital, infrastructure, and team to execute, we're uniquely positioned to define the next era of AI infrastructure. The opportunity is massive, and it's still wide open. Now let's go build it!
Mission:Own critical legal work supporting the development, leasing, and operation of Groq’s data centers and infrastructure. You will partner across Legal, Data Center Sourcing, Operations, Procurement, and other teams to move complex infrastructure projects from diligence through lease negotiation and bring-up, strengthen repeatable processes, and help the business make informed decisions with speed and discipline.
Location: This role will be based in one of our three hiring hubs: the Dallas, San Francisco, or New York City area. The person hired for this role must be based in one of these three areas. You’ll have the flexibility to work remotely while we establish our local Groq office, with the expectation that this role will transition to onsite once the office opens.
Responsibilities & opportunities in this role:

• Lead negotiation of data center leasing, colocation services, GPU procurement, and related infrastructure agreements from negotiation through execution.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders on site diligence, including site control, energy and utility matters, land use and zoning considerations, and other issues affecting data center development and operations.
• Support direct procurement and supply chain transactions, including GPU and compute infrastructure purchasing, and related critical services agreements. 
• Advise data center ops and management teams on day-to-day issues affecting data center operations and 
• Own and improve templates, playbooks, and contracting processes.
• Partner with outside counsel on specialized matters, setting clear expectations and driving accountability for timely, high-quality deliverables.
• Step into active transactions and negotiations quickly, identify key risks and decision points, and help teams move matters toward resolution.
• Develop a strong understanding of Groq’s infrastructure strategy and translate legal considerations into clear, actionable guidance for business partners.

Ideal candidates have/are:

• A J.D. and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.  
• 5-10 years of experience advising on data center and infrastructure agreements.
• Strong commercial judgment and the ability to distinguish material risk from issues that should not slow execution.
• Comfortable owning complex matters independently, with judgment of when to escalate matters.  
• Able to build and execute in fast-moving environments
• Clear and concise in written and verbal communication, with the ability to make complex legal issues understandable and actionable.
• Interested in building durable legal and operational infrastructure that can scale with the business.

Why Join Us:

• Purposeful Hiring: You’re not here by accident, and neither is anyone else. Every teammate is handpicked with intention because who we build with matters.
• Builders Wanted: You’re not just riding the rocket ship, you’re building it. Your work directly shapes the trajectory of our company.
• Mission-Driven Work: We’re here to make a real impact. Our mission fuels everything we do.
• Tackling Hard Problems: If easy isn’t your thing, you’re in the right place. We solve some of the most complex and exciting challenges in our space.
• Excellence Is The Standard: High performance isn’t just encouraged, it’s the baseline. And it’s contagious.

CompensationGroq is committed to providing competitive compensation through our Total Cash philosophy, which incorporates potential bonus value directly into base pay. The total cash salary range for this position, which is inclusive of the potential bonus value, is $285,200-$385,800, with individual placement determined by your geographic location, experience, skills, and alignment with internal compensation standards. This range is specific to candidates located in the United States. Compensation for international candidates will vary based on local market dynamics. Beyond cash compensation, Groq also offers a Long-Term Incentive (LTI) Program and a robust suite of employee benefits.#LI-MS1
US Job PostingThis position may require access to technology and/or information subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To comply with these requirements, candidates for this role must meet certain citizenship or residency criteria. Specifically, they must qualify as U.S. Persons for export control purposes (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) such as a refugee or asylee), or otherwise be eligible for an applicable export license.
Non-US Job PostingsThis position may require access to technology and/or information subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, as well as applicable local laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To comply with these requirements, candidates for this role must meet all relevant export control eligibility criteria.
Groq is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Groq complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any protected characteristic.
Groq is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application or to participate in the hiring process, please contact us at talent@groq.com. This contact is for accommodation requests only, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of the applicant’s identity and employment authorization in accordance with federal law.
Groq encourages people with criminal record histories to apply for employment, and values diverse experiences, including prior contact with the criminal legal system.  To that end, Groq welcomes such applicants in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles City Fair Chance Act Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Act Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Act Ordinance.  Philadelphia applicants can review information pertaining to Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance here: https://www.phila.gov/documents/fair-chance-hiring-law-poster.
As part of our hiring process, Groq may use artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools or automated systems to assist with activities such as reviewing applications, evaluating qualifications, scheduling interviews, analyzing assessment responses, or supporting recruiting operations. These tools are designed to assist—not replace—human decision-making, and hiring decisions are subject to human review. We may process information you provide during the application process, including resumes, application materials, interview responses, assessments, and, where applicable, audio, video, or transcript data. If legally required, we will request consent before using technologies that analyze biometric or video interview data. Candidates may request reasonable accommodations, an alternative evaluation process, additional information regarding the use of AI in the hiring process, or review of certain automated decisions by contacting ta-operations@groq.com.