Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Systems

About the Team

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.

We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Engineer with 7+ years of experience in design of IT hardware from chip/package to system levels. You’ll work alongside experts in thermal, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering to support the design, analysis, and validation of mechanical and thermal systems that ensure the reliability, efficiency, and longevity of mission‑critical hardware. This position requires strong analytical skills, hands‑on testing experience, and the ability to work in a fast‑paced, cross‑disciplinary environment.

This role is based in San Francisco, CA. We use a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week and offer relocation assistance to new employees.

• 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

• 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

• 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…