OpenAI
Data Center Research & Development Engineer, Mechanical - Industrial Compute
About this role
OpenAI seeks an experienced data center R&D engineer to design, validate, and deploy next-generation power, cooling, and computing infrastructure for high-density AI data centers. You'll lead infrastructure programs from concept through operations, working with vendors and cross-functional teams to develop cutting-edge solutions for global expansion.
What you'll do
- Oversee electrical, mechanical, controls, and telemetry design across all project phases from concept to commissioning and production
- Develop, test, and implement operational procedures and validation testing protocols for critical equipment with vendors and ODMs
- Lead R&D lab buildout including equipment selection, high-density liquid-cooled rack testing infrastructure, and team staffing
- Select and manage engineering tools (CAD, CFD, PLM, PDM) and ensure system integration across power, cooling, controls, and networking
- Collaborate with external vendors to select, procure, and manage infrastructure equipment (UPS, generators, transformers, chillers, converters)
- Provide technical direction ensuring safety, quality, compliance with codes, standards, and vendor adherence to performance requirements
What they're looking for
- Data center design and operations (20+ years)
- Power systems (UPS, rectifiers, DC converters, transformers)
- Thermal management and cooling systems (liquid cooling, chillers, VFDs)
- Engineering tools (CAD, CFD, PLM, PDM, electrical/mechanical software)
- Validation testing and commissioning protocols
- Vendor management and supply chain coordination
- Regulatory compliance and government agency navigation
- MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) design review
Benefits
- Work on world-class AI infrastructure at scale
- Lead high-impact programs shaping next-generation data center design
- Collaborate with research teams and global capital partners
- Opportunity to build and direct R&D lab from the ground up
- Cross-functional leadership across design, operations, and deployment teams
Opens the official application on the employer’s site. No login required.
OpenAI
OpenAI builds AI infrastructure and products, including large-scale data center campuses for AI computing and generative AI applications for enterprise customers. The company is hiring civil engineers, project engineers, electrical design engineers, data center R&D engineers, and AI deployment engineers to expand its infrastructure capabilities and help customers deploy AI solutions.
View all jobs at OpenAILikely interview questions
- Walk us through your experience designing and commissioning large-scale data center campuses—what were the biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
- Describe your approach to validating critical infrastructure equipment like UPS systems and high-voltage rectifiers. What testing protocols do you prioritize?