SARAFARAZ ALAM

The Research & Innovation Complex is Saudi Aramco's premier hub for scientific discovery and technology advancement. Saudi Aramco, the world's largest integrated energy and chemicals company, operates across the full hydrocarbon value chain-from exploration and production to refining, distribution, and petrochemicals. Headquartered in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

As a leading HPC and AI expert with 15+ years of experience, I've driven innovation and excellence in technology management, planning, and implementation, significantly impacting Saudi Aramco's Research & Innovation Complex and enabling the organization to stay ahead of the curve in technology adoption and utilization, across various technology domains.

High-Performance Computing (HPC) Infrastructure and Technology Management

I'm working as a Project Manager on introducing an AI-powered High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure, comprising few thousands computing cores and few accelerator nodes with NVIDIAs high-end GPUs for AI/ML inference and training. I played a key role in all phases of project management, from initiation to implementation. I identified the need for this HPC infrastructure, defined the project scope, and developed a detailed project plan. I gathered requirements from stakeholders, defined the scope of work, and estimated project costs and timelines. I submitted the proposal to senior management, secured funding, and worked with the Computer Operation Department to procure the best solutions. I collaborated with the cybersecurity governance team and IT engineering team to ensure security and design requirements were met. Throughout the project, I monitored progress, identified and mitigated risks, and ensured the project was progressing as planned. We expect the HPC to utilize 50-80% of its capacity, resulting in cost saving and research acceleration.

In addition to that, I am also working as a HPC administrator, managing an existing few thousands computing cores with multiple GPUs cluster, ensuring 24/7 operation, with a focus on supporting our researchers for their huge computational works, such as complex simulations, data analytics, and scientific modeling, which are leading to groundbreaking scientific discoveries and advancements in various fields. I support research projects, managing multiple HPC applications to facilitate research and drive innovation.

I took the initiative to adopt a circular economy approach repurposing old servers, CPUs, and GPUs to build a few hundred cores cluster include multi-GPUs HPC cluster for testing and training, saving the company capital expenditures while reducing electronic waste and promoting sustainability.

Cloud Computing Infrastructure and Technology Management

I also administer and manage the Corporate eShop cloud solution for Research Material under Research Material Management (RMM), ensuring data sovereignty and compliance with National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) requirements. I successfully migrated the RMM cloud system from Out-of-Kingdom to In-Kingdom, implementing Single Sign-On (SSO) and integrating with the corporate B2B SAP system and Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB).

Scientific Server Infrastructure and Technology Management

I manage and administer database servers, ensuring 24/7 operation, secured backup, and vulnerability resolution for over 20 critical web and standalone applications. I administer web servers, supporting and deploying web services, configuring server settings, and troubleshooting issues to ensure optimal performance, security, and availability. I manage Team Foundation Server (TFS), enabling researchers and teams to collaborate effectively, and administrate centralized licenses for better utilization and cost savings. I administer Building Access Control System, ensuring 99.99% system uptime, data security, and compliance, demonstrating technical expertise in managing Windows Server infrastructure and Microsoft SQL Server database.

Recognition and Awards

I've received several awards from the Senior Vice President and recognition from the Director, Division Head, acknowledging my dedication, hard work, and passion for innovation and excellence in HPC, AI, and IT infrastructure support and also granted Patent and contributed in research Paper.

Granted patent: US20240167987A1

Paper published: Saudi Aramco — ACS Publications

I'm proud to have contributed significantly to Saudi Aramco's RIC and am confident that my expertise and experience make me an ideal candidate for the Award for Innovation in Technology Management, Planning & Implementation.