Mechanical Lead

OpenAI

. Lead mechanical field delivery for data center construction, including cooling infrastructure, mechanical yards, piping and data hall fit-out .

Posted 10/28/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $177,000 - $285,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in mechanical construction and installation for data center cooling systems, including effective leadership of contractors and coordination across multiple engineering disciplines. Proficient in overseeing commissioning processes, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and managing project risks and reporting.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Mechanical Construction ExperienceLeadership of Mechanical ContractorsCooling System KnowledgeCommissioning QualificationsIntegrated Systems Testing Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanical Field EngineeringCooling Infrastructure InstallationPiping Systems ManagementPressure Testing and InspectionConstructability ReviewVendor Startup RequirementsHydronic Systems KnowledgeBalancing Prerequisites CoordinationDeficiency Record InterpretationDocumentation of As-Built Systems

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationSound JudgmentCoordination Across Organizations

Tools & Technologies

Field-Reporting ToolsDigital Commissioning Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Mechanical Trade QualificationsProfessional Engineering Credentials

Industry Keywords

Data Center CoolingLiquid CoolingPhased Cooling-System StartupHigh-Density Data CenterConstruction Risk Reporting

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead mechanical field delivery for data center construction, including cooling infrastructure, mechanical yards, piping and data hall fit-out
Manage mechanical contractors, equipment and piping installers, and general-contractor interfaces against approved scope, schedule and quality requirements
Oversee installation readiness and delivery of cooling plant, pumps, heat rejection equipment, air handling, piping and applicable liquid-cooling infrastructure
Coordinate equipment placement, pipe routing, supports, access and maintainability with structural, electrical, controls and hardware teams
Review contractor work plans, constructability, submittals, RFIs and change proposals; resolve field issues with responsible engineering teams
Oversee pressure testing, flushing, cleaning and inspection records; verify completion, defect closure and commissioning readiness
Support commissioning specialists with mechanical startup and system tests, corrective work and complete as-built, operating and maintenance documentation
Set contractor priorities, review staffing and progress, identify constraints early and coordinate recovery actions with construction leadership
Maintain progress, risk and change reporting, with accountable handoffs between construction partners and OpenAI teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

Substantial mechanical construction, installation, field engineering or startup experience in data center cooling or comparable critical facilities
Demonstrated leadership of mechanical contractors or crews, including coordination across organizations without relying on direct reporting authority
Practical knowledge of cooling, ventilation, hydronic and pumping systems, heat rejection, piping cleanliness and vendor startup requirements
Ability to review drawings, specifications, submittals, work methods and controls narratives for constructability and installation readiness
Experience coordinating inspection, pressure testing, flushing, cleaning, balancing prerequisites and controls checkout
Ability to interpret test results and deficiency records with commissioning specialists and coordinate corrective work, retesting and turnover evidence
Clear communication and sound judgment when coordinating power, controls, startup and testing dependencies or escalating safety and delivery risks
Relevant trade, apprenticeship, technical or degree-based preparation, or equivalent practical experience
Owner-side or specialist-contractor experience with high-density data center cooling, liquid cooling or phased cooling-system startup
Experience with integrated systems testing, factory or site acceptance activities, and digital commissioning or field-reporting tools
Relevant mechanical trade, controls, balancing or commissioning qualifications, or professional engineering credentials

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)
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
Multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge
Paid sick or safe time
Mental health and wellness support
Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
Annual learning and development stipend
Daily meals in offices and meal delivery credits as eligible
Relocation support for eligible employees
Charitable donation matching and wellness stipends may also be provided
Generous equity
Performance-related bonus(es) for eligible employees