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Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Systems

OpenAI· Scaling
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San Francisco$266k - $455k + equityFull-timePosted 11mo ago

About the role

Experienced Mechanical Engineer focused on design, analysis, and validation of mechanical and thermal systems for AI hardware, from chip/package to system level, in a hybrid San Francisco role.

Responsibilities

  • Lead mechanical design for AI supercomputer product in the data center application
  • Collaborate with cross functional teams 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

Qualifications

  • 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

Skills

Required:CAD toolsFEAThermal design

Benefits

  • 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
  • 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
Last updated Sep 24, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About OpenAI

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