Data Center Mechanical Lead — Field Delivery & Commissioning

OpenAI, Inc.; Oregon; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenAI, Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Lead to head data center field delivery, focusing on cooling infrastructure, yards, piping and fit-out. You will oversee contractors and service providers, ensuring safe installation, timely interfaces and commissioning readiness.

The role requires strong hands-on mechanical expertise, leadership of field teams, and cross-functional coordination with structural, electrical and controls groups to deliver reliable data center infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Substantial mechanical construction, installation or field engineering experience in data center cooling or comparable facilities.
• Demonstrated leadership of contractors or crews without direct reporting authority.
• Practical knowledge of cooling, ventilation, hydronic and pumping systems, heat rejection and startup requirements.
• Ability to review drawings, specs, submittals and change proposals for constructability and readiness.
• Experience coordinating inspection, pressure testing, flushing, cleaning and controls checkout.

Responsibilities

• Manage mechanical contractors, equipment and piping installers against approved scope and quality requirements.
• Oversee installation readiness and delivery of cooling plant, pumps, heat rejection equipment, AHUs and piping.
• Coordinate equipment placement and interfaces with structural, electrical, and controls teams.
• Review contractor work plans, submittals, RFIs and change proposals; resolve field issues with engineering teams.
• Oversee pressure testing, flushing, cleaning and inspection records; verify completion and commissioning readiness.
• Support commissioning specialists with mechanical startup and system tests; ensure as-built documentation.

Skills

Mechanical leadership

Contractor coordination

Cooling systems

Piping & pumps

Field startup testing

Safety compliance

Cross-team coordination

Education

Trade/technical prep

Job description

OpenAI, Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Lead to head data center field delivery, focusing on cooling infrastructure, yards, piping and fit-out. You will oversee contractors and service providers, ensuring safe installation, timely interfaces and commissioning readiness.

The role requires strong hands-on mechanical expertise, leadership of field teams, and cross-functional coordination with structural, electrical and controls groups to deliver reliable data center infrastructure.