Data Center Research & Development Engineer, Mechanical - Industrial Compute (AI)

TL;DR

Data Center Research & Development Engineer, Mechanical (Industrial Compute): Designing and validating next-generation power and cooling infrastructure for high-density AI compute clusters with an accent on high-performance computing (HPC) and liquid-cooling solutions. Focus on leading R&D lab buildouts, validating critical electrical/mechanical hardware, and optimizing facility design for global scalability.

Location: San Francisco, USA (Onsite)

Salary: $260,000 – $385,000 + Equity

Company

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity.

What you will do

• Oversee electrical, mechanical, and telemetry design for large-scale data centers from concept design to production.
• Develop and implement operational procedures and workflows for commissioning and deployment.
• Perform validation testing of critical hardware and equipment in collaboration with vendors and ODMs.
• Lead the buildout of the R&D lab, including test infrastructure for high-density liquid-cooled racks.
• Manage engineering tools such as CAD, CFD, PLM, and PDM systems.
• Collaborate with external vendors to procure critical infrastructure including UPS, generators, transformers, and chillers.

Requirements

• 20+ years of experience in data center design, operations, and critical systems maintenance.
• Proven leadership in the design, commissioning, and operation of large-scale data center campuses.
• Deep expertise in power, cooling, controls, and networking infrastructure.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Advanced degree and PE certification preferred).
• Must be based in or able to work in San Francisco, USA.

Nice to have

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

Culture & Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and equity offerings.
• Opportunity to build the world’s most advanced AI infrastructure ecosystem.
• Collaborative environment working alongside world-class research and engineering teams.
• Equal opportunity employer with a commitment to safety and human needs at the core of AI development.