Lead Data Center Design Engineer – Critical Infra

OpenAI; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenAI seeks a senior Data Center Electrical Design Engineer to lead design, operation, and maintenance of large-scale data center campuses in a fast-paced environment. You will oversee MEP systems, collaborate with vendors, and drive reliability across power, cooling, and networking infrastructure.

Responsibilities include guiding design through delivery, ensuring safety and standards compliance, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to deploy scalable data center solutions.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Data center design

Operations management

Vendor management

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related fields

Professional engineering certificate

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

MEP design software

Vendor management systems

Job description

OpenAI seeks a senior Data Center Electrical Design Engineer to lead design, operation, and maintenance of large-scale data center campuses in a fast-paced environment. You will oversee MEP systems, collaborate with vendors, and drive reliability across power, cooling, and networking infrastructure.

Responsibilities include guiding design through delivery, ensuring safety and standards compliance, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to deploy scalable data center solutions.