Data Center Design Engineer, Electrical – Industrial Compute

OpenAI

Data Center Design Engineer at OpenAI overseeing mechanical and electrical design for large-scale data centers. Leading operational activities and collaborating with vendors on critical infrastructure management.

Posted 7/9/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $360,000 - $530,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee building and MEP design, operation, and maintenance, including reviewing building and MEP drawings and proposals across all project phases.
Lead operational activities for large-scale data center campuses, from early design phases through delivery and daily operation.
Operate and maintain critical data center facilities and equipment, ensuring reliability and performance.
Collaborate with external vendors to select, procure, and manage critical equipment, such as generators, UPS, chillers, and CDUs.
Provide technical expertise on all aspects of data center building, equipment, and operational systems, ensuring alignment with best practices.
Ensure seamless integration of power, cooling, networking, and construction systems into overall data center design and operation.
Contribute to developing data center operational workflows from design requirements through commissioning, pilot testing, and deployment readiness.
Contribute to data center operations projects (hardware and software readiness) from planning through deployment.
Provide technical direction to teams and vendors, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and standards.
Select and manage external contractors and consultants and foster strong vendor relationships.
Oversee quality assurance and resolve risks to meet safety and operational standards.

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years of experience in data center design, operation, and maintenance.
Proven track record of leading operational and technical activities in large-scale data centers.
Extensive expertise in MEP design, operation, and maintenance, including critical infrastructure systems.
Comprehensive knowledge of data center buildings, equipment, and operational workflows.
Deep understanding of power, cooling, networking, and construction systems.
Hands-on experience with critical equipment (generators, UPS, chillers, CDUs) and vendor management.
Proven ability to work with external vendors for equipment selection and installation and bring up.
Working experience with local and governmental regulatory agencies and compliance with data center design standards and requirements.
Strong communication and collaboration skills with internal teams and stakeholders.
Familiarity with building construction and architecture concepts, as well as best practices in data center design.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related fields; advanced degree preferred.
Professional engineering certificate and other similar certificates required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Paid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents), plus paid medical and caregiver leave (up to 8 weeks)
Paid time off: flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees
13+ paid company holidays, and multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge, plus paid sick or safe time (1 hour per 30 hours worked, or more, as required by applicable state or local law)
Mental health and wellness support
Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
Annual learning and development stipend to fuel your professional growth
Daily meals in our offices, and meal delivery credits as eligible
Relocation support for eligible employees
Additional taxable fringe benefits, such as charitable donation matching and wellness stipends, may also be provided.

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Hard Skills & Tools

Data Center OperationCritical Equipment ManagementPower SystemsCooling SystemsNetworking SystemsConstruction SystemsOperational StandardsQuality AssuranceTechnical DirectionProject Management

Soft Skills

Strong CommunicationCollaboration Skills

Certifications

Professional Engineering CertificateAdvanced Degree in Engineering