Data Center Research & Development Engineer, Mechanical

Responsibilities

• Oversee electrical, mechanical, controls, and telemetry design and operations for large-scale data centers.
• Review building and MEP drawings across all project phases from concept design to commissioning and production.
• Develop, test, and implement operational procedures and workflows from design through deployment.
• Perform validation testing of critical equipment and hardware in partnership with vendors and ODMs.
• Lead the buildout of R&D labs, including equipment selection and test infrastructure for high-density liquid-cooled racks.
• Manage engineering tools including CAD, CFD, PLM, and PDM.
• Collaborate with external vendors to select, procure, and manage critical infrastructure equipment such as UPS, generators, and chillers.
• Ensure seamless integration of power, cooling, controls, and networking systems into facility design.

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 infrastructure systems including power, cooling, controls, and networking.
• Hands-on experience with critical infrastructure equipment and testing protocols.
• Proficiency with engineering tools such as CAD, CFD, and PLM.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced engineering degree and PE certification.
• 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer HSA contributions.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents) and caregiver leave.
• Flexible PTO for exempt employees.
• Annual learning and development stipend.
• Daily meals in offices and meal delivery credits.
• Generous equity and performance-related bonuses.

About the Company

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. We push the boundaries of the capabilities of AI systems and seek to safely deploy them to the world through our products.