Data Center Design Engineer, Electrical

About the Team

OpenAI, in close collaboration with our capital partners, is embarking on a journey to build the world’s most advanced AI infrastructure ecosystem. This team is central to this mission, setting the core infra strategy and implementing this vision. From site selection to the buildout process, this team sits at the intersection of commercial, technical, strategy, and operations, interacting with teams and executives inside and outside of OpenAI.

About the Role

We are seeking experienced Data Center Electrical Design Engineers with expertise in designing, operating, and maintaining large-scale data center campuses. The ideal candidate for this role will have extensive background and experience in design and managing critical equipment and facilities, design and operation of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems, and overseeing operational activities from initial phases of Data Center build through delivery and ongoing maintenance. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, operational leadership experience, and a proven ability to collaborate with external vendors on critical infrastructure. This role offers the opportunity to lead transformative data center projects with high visibility and impact. If you are passionate about delivering cutting-edge infrastructure solutions, we encourage you to apply.

Key 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.

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 and bring up