Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Systems Job at OpenAI (San Francisco)

Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Systems

OpenAI

Location:
United States , San Francisco

Category:
IT - Software Development

Contract Type:
Not provided

Salary:

266000.00 - 455000.00 USD / Year

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Job Description:

OpenAI’s Hardware organization develops silicon and system-level solutions designed for the unique demands of advanced AI workloads. The team is responsible for building the next generation of AI-native silicon while working closely with software and research partners to co-design hardware tightly integrated with AI models. In addition to delivering production-grade silicon for OpenAI’s supercomputing infrastructure, the team also creates custom design tools and methodologies that accelerate innovation and enable hardware optimized specifically for AI.

Job Responsibility:

Lead mechanical design for AI supercomputer product in the data center application
Collaborate with the cross functional team to design and optimize thermal solutions for data center hardware, including chips, power modules, and system-level cooling architectures
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate thermal management strategies into hardware design, from concept to mass production
Design and validate mechanical systems, including chassis, enclosures, cooling systems, and high-power connections, ensuring alignment with performance and reliability standards
Perform 3D modeling, FEA, tolerance analysis, and prototyping, ensuring manufacturability and adherence to strict quality requirements
Conduct mechanical testing, including vibration, shock, and thermal cycling, to ensure long-term reliability under extreme operating conditions
Identify and evaluate new technologies and methodologies to improve mechanical and thermal performance in product design, and contribute to the development of new products and technology by providing expertise in mechanical design
Develop appropriate specifications and test procedures as necessary to ensure desired reliability and performance of electronic equipment, collaborate, supervise, mentor, and motivate suppliers to design and develop excellent products, and mentor engineers in all aspects of concept development, analysis, design, and specification
Lead the production and launch of new products and technologies and ensure compliance with relevant quality standards and regulation
Partner with suppliers and manufacturers to support the development of custom mechanical and thermal components and ensure quality in production

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
7+ years of industry experience in mechanical design, simulation, and validation for IT hardware
Proficiency in CAD tools and FEA
Strong understanding of mechanical design, material properties, manufacturing methods, and test procedures
Ability to analyze experimental data, identify root causes of mechanical or manufacturing issues, and implement corrective actions
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to perform first-principles calculations to support design decisions
Self-driven, detail-oriented, and able to work independently or collaboratively in cross-functional engineering environments

Nice to have:

10+ years of industry experience in mechanical design, simulation, and validation for IT hardware
Extensive experience with data center hardware or high-performance computing systems at scale
Practical experience in co-developing advanced cooling technologies
Deep understanding of reliability testing, failure analysis, and thermal stress modeling and testing for electronic components
Experience working with suppliers and manufacturing partners to support new technology development and production ramp-up

What we offer:

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), plus 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, and multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge, plus paid sick or safe time (1 hour per 30 hours worked, or more, as required by applicable state or local law)
Mental health and wellness support
Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
Annual learning and development stipend to fuel your professional growth
Daily meals in our offices, and meal delivery credits as eligible
Relocation support for eligible employees
Additional taxable fringe benefits, such as charitable donation matching and wellness stipends, may also be provided
Offers Equity

Additional Information:

Job Posted:
February 21, 2026

Employment Type:

Fulltime

Work Type:

Hybrid work

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Job Link Share:

Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Systems

OpenAI

Location:
United States , San Francisco

Category:
IT - Software Development

Contract Type:
Not provided

Salary:

Job Description:

Job Responsibility:

Requirements:

Nice to have:

Additional Information:

Job Posted:
February 21, 2026

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Job Description:

Job Responsibility:

Requirements:

Nice to have:

Additional Information:

Job Posted:February 21, 2026

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