OpenAI

Data Center Research & Development Engineer, Mechanical - Industrial Compute

OpenAI$130K — $180K *
Technical Services
15+ years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 20+ years of experience in data center design and operations.
  • Proven leadership in large-scale data center commissioning and operations.
  • Deep expertise in power, cooling, controls, and networking systems.
  • Hands-on experience with critical infrastructure equipment and testing protocols.
  • Strong background in lab development and facility operations.
  • Familiarity with engineering tools like CAD, CFD, and PLM.
  • Experience with regulatory compliance and government agency collaboration.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills across functions.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering required; advanced degree and PE certification preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee design and operations of electrical and mechanical systems in data centers.
  • Develop and implement operational procedures from design through deployment.
  • Conduct validation testing of critical equipment with vendors and ODMs.
  • Lead the R&D lab buildout, including equipment selection and staffing.
  • Select and manage engineering tools for effective project execution.
  • Collaborate with vendors on infrastructure equipment procurement and management.
  • Ensure integration of systems into facility design with safety and compliance checks.
  • Provide technical direction to teams and manage vendor relationships.

Benefits

  • Work at the forefront of AI technology with global impact.
  • Collaborate with diverse, talented teams across various engineering disciplines.
  • Benefit from a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
  • Engage in projects that prioritize safety and sustainability in infrastructure.
  • Access reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.
Full Job Description
About the Role:

We're seeking a data center R&D engineer with extensive experience in designing, performing validation testing, commissioning, and operating large-scale power, cooling, and high-performance computing systems. This role focuses on developing and validating new infrastructure and hardware, including high-voltage rectifiers, UPS systems, battery storage, transformers, DC to DC converters, and power supplies. A strong foundation in technical design, operational leadership, and vendor collaboration is critical, with an opportunity to lead high-impact infrastructure programs.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Oversee electrical, mechanical, controls, and telemetry design and operations for large-scale data centers, including review of building and MEP drawings across all project phases from concept design to permitting, construction, commissioning and production.
  • Develop, test and implement operational procedures and workflows from design through commissioning and deployment.
  • Perform validation testing of all critical equipment and hardware in partnership with equipment vendors and ODMs.
  • Lead buildout of R&D lab, including equipment selection, test infrastructure for high-density liquid-cooled racks, and staffing plans.
  • Select and manage engineering tools (CAD, CFD, PLM, PDM, electrical, mechanical, power/network management).
  • Collaborate with external vendors to select, procure, and manage critical infrastructure equipment (e.g., UPS, generators, transformers, DC to DC converters, chillers, VFDs).
  • Ensure seamless integration of power, cooling, controls, networking, and construction systems into facility design.
  • Provide technical direction to teams and vendors, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with local codes, standards and regulations.
  • Manage vendor relationships and ensure adherence to safety, performance, and operational standards.

Qualifications:
  • 20+ years of experience in data center design, operations, and critical systems maintenance.
  • Proven leadership across design, commissioning, and operation of large-scale data center campuses.
  • Deep expertise in infrastructure systems (power, cooling, controls, networking) and operational workflows.
  • Hands-on experience with critical infrastructure equipment and testing protocols.
  • Strong track record in lab development, equipment selection, and facility operations.
  • Familiarity with engineering tools (CAD, CFD, PLM, etc.) and their integration across teams.
  • Experience navigating regulatory environments and working with government agencies.
  • Excellent cross-functional communication and stakeholder collaboration.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering required; advanced degree and PE certification preferred.

Preferred Skills:
  • Expertise in equipment design, agency certification, and validation testing.
  • Experience in global, matrixed organizations and multi-site operations.
  • Skilled in vendor negotiations and supply chain management.
  • Familiarity with sustainable and energy-efficient data center design principles.

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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