Mechanical Lead

Job description

About the Team OpenAI's data center construction teams work with engineering, supply chain, safety, quality, commissioning and operations partners to deliver the infrastructure that supports our computing needs. Mechanical delivery brings together cooling equipment, plant, piping and controls interfaces so that systems are installed, tested and ready for commissioning. About the Role As a Mechanical Lead, you will lead mechanical field delivery for data center construction, including cooling infrastructure, mechanical yards, piping and data hall fit-out. You will oversee general contractors, specialist installers and service providers, combining practical mechanical expertise with hands-on field leadership. Your focus will be safe installation, contractor performance, coordinated interfaces and complete evidence for commissioning and operational handover. Key Responsibilities 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 the 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 clear progress, risk and change reporting, with accountable handoffs between construction partners and OpenAI teams. Qualifications 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 cool…