OpenAI

Data Center Design Engineer, Electrical - Industrial Compute

OpenAI$130K — $180K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in data center design, operation, and maintenance.
  • Proven track record of leading operational and technical activities in large-scale data centers.
  • Extensive expertise in MEP design, operation, and maintenance, focusing on critical infrastructure systems.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of data center buildings, equipment, and operational workflows.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills with internal teams and stakeholders.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related fields; advanced degree preferred.
  • Professional engineering certificate and related credentials required.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee building and MEP design, operation, and maintenance across all project phases.
  • Lead operational activities for large-scale data center campuses from design through delivery.
  • Operate and maintain critical data center facilities and equipment, ensuring reliability.
  • Collaborate with external vendors for selection and procurement of critical equipment.
  • Provide technical expertise on all aspects of data center design and operational systems.
  • Ensure integration of power, cooling, networking, and construction systems in operations.
  • Contribute to developing operational workflows from design to deployment readiness.

Benefits

  • Opportunities to lead transformative data center projects with high visibility and impact.
  • Work in a collaborative environment at the intersection of commercial, technical, and strategic operations.
  • Contribute to groundbreaking AI infrastructure solutions with a mission-driven organization.
  • Engagement with various teams and executives, expanding professional network and influence.
  • Reasonable accommodations provided for applicants with disabilities.
Full Job Description
About the Role:

We are seeking experienced Data Center Mechanical and Electrical/Power Design Engineers with expertise in designing, operating, and maintaining large-scale data center campuses. The ideal candidate for this role will have extensive background and experience in design and managing critical equipment and facilities, design and operation of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems, and overseeing operational activities from initial phases of Data Center build through delivery and ongoing maintenance. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, operational leadership experience, and a proven ability to collaborate with external vendors on critical infrastructure. This role offers the opportunity to lead transformative data center projects with high visibility and impact. If you are passionate about delivering cutting-edge infrastructure solutions, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Oversee building and MEP design, operation, and maintenance, including reviewing building and MEP drawings and proposals across all project phases.
  • Lead operational activities for large-scale data center campuses, from early design phases through delivery and daily operation.
  • Operate and maintain critical data center facilities and equipment, ensuring reliability and performance.
  • Collaborate with external vendors to select, procure, and manage critical equipment, such as generators, UPS, chillers, and CDUs.
  • Provide technical expertise on all aspects of data center building, equipment, and operational systems, ensuring alignment with best practices.
  • Ensure seamless integration of power, cooling, networking, and construction systems into overall data center design and operation.
  • Contribute to developing data center operational workflows from design requirements through commissioning, pilot testing, and deployment readiness.
  • Contribute to data center operations projects (hardware and software readiness) from planning through deployment.
  • Provide technical direction to teams and vendors, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and standards.
  • Select and manage external contractors and consultants and foster strong vendor relationships.
  • Oversee quality assurance and resolve risks to meet safety and operational standards.

Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience in data center design, operation, and maintenance.
  • Proven track record of leading operational and technical activities in large-scale data centers.
  • Extensive expertise in MEP design, operation, and maintenance, including critical infrastructure systems.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of data center buildings, equipment, and operational workflows.
  • Deep understanding of power, cooling, networking, and construction systems.
  • Hands-on experience with critical equipment (generators, UPS, chillers, CDUs) and vendor management.
  • Proven ability to work with external vendors for equipment selection and installation and bring up
  • Working experience with local and governmental regulatory agencies and compliance with data center design standards and requirements
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills with internal teams and stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with building construction and architecture concepts, as well as best practices in data center design.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related fields; advanced degree preferred.
  • Professional engineering certificate and other similar certificates required

Preferred Skills:
  • Experience in global, matrixed organizations and vendor negotiations.
  • Experience managing global, multi-site data center operations.
  • Expertise in logistics and supply chain management for large-scale operations.
  • Familiarity with sustainability and energy-efficient data center designs.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is an artificial intelligence research laboratory consisting of the for-profit corporation OpenAI LP and its parent company, the non-profit OpenAI Inc. The company was founded in 2015 by a group of technology leaders, including Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever, and John Schulman. OpenAI's mission is to develop and promote friendly AI for the betterment of humanity. The company has developed a number of cutting-edge AI technologies, including GPT-3, a language processing system that can generate human-like text. OpenAI has received funding from a number of high-profile investors, including LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and venture capitalist Peter Thiel.
Learn more about OpenAI
Size
100 employees
Industry
Founded
2015

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