HPC Mechanical Lead

Job Type: Full-Time |
Location: Childress, TX |
Department: Operations |
Reporting to: HPC Mechanical Manager |
Work Location Type: Onsite

IREN is a leading AI cloud service provider delivering large-scale GPU clusters for AI training and inference. Our vertically integrated platform is underpinned by a portfolio of grid‑connected land and data centers located in renewable‑rich regions across the U.S. and Canada. We operate our data centers on 100% renewable energy and are committed to sustainable high‑performance compute.

The HPC Mechanical Lead supports safe, reliable 24/7 operation of the Central Utility Plant (CUP) and critical cooling infrastructure at a hyperscale AI/ML data center in West Texas.

• Operate, monitor, and optimize the CUP and site cooling systems in a 24/7 mission‑critical environment.
• Perform operating rounds; record readings, trends, and equipment status for chillers, pumps, cooling towers, heat exchangers, expansion tanks, strainers, and hydronic distribution.
• Support liquid‑cooled HPC infrastructure (CDUs, manifolds, filtration, leak detection) and coordinate thermal alignment with IT load requirements.
• Support air‑cooled data halls (CRAH/CRAC, AHUs/MAUs, humidity and temperature control).
• Use BMS/SCADA/PLC systems to monitor equipment, trend performance, and adjust setpoints within approved operating envelopes.

• Monitor and support water treatment/chemistry programs for condenser water, glycol/hydronic loops, and DLC circuits; coordinate sampling and corrective actions.
• Follow safe chemical handling and storage procedures; support spill prevention and HSE compliance.
• Contribute to environmental incident reporting, near‑miss documentation, and corrective action closure.

• Respond to alarms and abnormal conditions; troubleshoot root cause and execute corrective actions to prevent downtime or thermal excursions.
• Execute alarm response and plant upset recovery per approved EOPs/SOPs/MOPs; escape quickly to shift lead/manager with clear risk status.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, work orders, incident reports, and high‑quality shift turnover notes; participate in RCAs and continuous improvement.

• Execute and improve preventive maintenance (PM) programs; coordinate contractors and verify work quality, documentation, and safe return‑to‑service.
• Support vendor site access, JHA/method statement compliance, and quality checks during planned maintenance windows.

• Valid 3rd Class Power Engineering License (or ability to obtain/maintain per site/authority requirements).
• 5+ years operating and maintaining industrial or mission‑critical utility systems (data centers, central utility plants, hospitals, heavy industrial, or oil & gas).
• Strong familiarity with CUP fundamentals: chillers, condenser water systems, hydronic/glycol loops, pumps, heat exchangers, VFDs, and mechanical refrigeration.
• Experience with HPC liquid cooling (CDUs, manifolds, filtration, leak detection, pressure/flow control).
• Proficiency with BMS/SCADA/PLC systems; ability to interpret alarms and make safe setpoint changes within approved procedures.
• Ability to read one‑lines, MEP drawings, and P&IDs; strong documentation and shift turnover communication.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across rotating equipment, hydronic systems, and mechanical refrigeration.
• Must lift 50 lbs., climb ladders, and work in varied environments; on‑call rotation required.

• EPA 608 Universal (or ability to obtain); OSHA 10/30; NFPA 70E or equivalent electrical safety training.
• Cooling tower and closed‑loop water treatment knowledge or certification.
• CMMS proficiency: work order creation, PM tracking, outage coordination, and closeout documentation.
• Experience with hydronic balancing and data center thermal operations.
• Background in hyperscale data center, heavy industrial, or oil & gas processing environments.

• Hourly Rate: $50.00–$59.00 USD (actual rate based on experience and qualifications).
• Overtime compensation for non‑exempt workers for hours…