A server node is provided that includes a processor and a network interface controller mounted in a chassis configured to be inserted into a server node slot of a server node grid. The chassis includes a blind-mate connector system on a back side that includes a blind-mate power connector and a blind-mate network connector configured to blind-mate with a corresponding blind-mate power connector and a corresponding blind-mate network connector of the server node slot of the server node grid. As the server node is inserted into the server node slot, the blind-mate power connector is configured to blind-mate with the corresponding blind-mate power connector of the server node slot before the blind-mate network connector blind-mates with the corresponding blind-mate network connector of the server node slot, such that the blind-mate power connector provides alignment guidance for the blind-mate network connector.