Mechanical Project Manager - Data Center (Liquid Cooling Solutions)
AlignSalary not specified
$310,000 – $460,000Compensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
AI, Data Centers, TechnologyIndustries
Requirements
- 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 preferred
- Extensive experience in designing, performing validation testing, commissioning, and operating large-scale power, cooling, and high-performance computing systems
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
- Develop and validate new infrastructure and hardware, including high-voltage rectifiers, UPS systems, battery storage, transformers, DC to DC converters, and power supplies
- Create detailed models and test procedures, and ensure hardware compatibility across edge-case data center operating conditions
- Work closely with hardware vendors to assess manufacturing test protocols, throughput, and liquid-cooled GPU rack performance
Skills
Key technologies and capabilities for this role
Questions & Answers
Common questions about this position
What is the salary range for this Data Center Research & Development Engineer role?
The salary range is $310K - $460K.
Is this position remote or does it require on-site work?
This information is not specified in the job description.
What key skills and experiences are required for this role?
The role requires extensive experience in designing, performing validation testing, commissioning, and operating large-scale power, cooling, and high-performance computing systems, 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.
What is the team like at OpenAI for this data center engineering role?
The Data Center Engineering team sets the infrastructure strategy, develops cutting-edge engineering solutions, partners with research teams, and creates reference designs for rapid global expansion. You will work closely with stakeholders across research, site selection, design, construction, commissioning, hardware engineering, deployment, operations, and global partners.
What makes a candidate thrive in this Data Center R&D Engineer role?
Candidates thrive with experience overseeing electrical, mechanical, controls, and telemetry design for large-scale data centers, leading R&D lab buildouts, performing validation testing with vendors, and managing engineering tools and infrastructure equipment procurement.
OpenAI
Develops safe and beneficial AI technologies
About OpenAI
OpenAI develops and deploys artificial intelligence technologies aimed at benefiting humanity. The company creates advanced AI models capable of performing various tasks, such as automating processes and enhancing creativity. OpenAI's products, like Sora, allow users to generate videos from text descriptions, showcasing the versatility of its AI applications. Unlike many competitors, OpenAI operates under a capped profit model, which limits the profits it can make and ensures that excess earnings are redistributed to maximize the social benefits of AI. This commitment to safety and ethical considerations is central to its mission of ensuring that artificial general intelligence (AGI) serves all of humanity.
San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2015Year Founded
$18,433.2MTotal Funding
LATE_VCCompany Stage
AI & Machine LearningIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees
