Datacenter Hardware Operations Lead - Stargate · OpenAI

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:35:55 GMT
Engineering

OpenAI · San Francisco · $125.6K – $228K • Offers Equity · hybrid

Job Posting

Compensation

$125.6K – $228K • Offers Equity

The base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. If the role is non-exempt, overtime pay will be provided consistent with applicable laws. In addition to the salary range listed above, total compensation also includes generous equity, performance-related bonus(es) for eligible employees, and the following benefits.

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 (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.

About the Team

OpenAI, in close collaboration with our capital partners, is building the world's most advanced AI infrastructure ecosystem. This team defines and executes our core infrastructure strategy. From site selection through full buildout, we sit at the intersection of commercial, technical, strategy, and operations, partnering closely with internal teams and external stakeholders.

About the Role

We are seeking a Datacenter Hardware Operations Lead focused on hardware and network operations, and logistics, with 15+ years of experience managing complex, mission-critical data center environments. You will oversee and optimize day-to-day hardware physical operations—including material movement, and hardware maintenance—across our expanding global footprint. This role includes designing scalable repair and logistics systems, managing vendors, and ensuring seamless coordination across facilities, supply chain, and engineering. If you thrive in highly complex, fast-paced environments and have a track record of operational excellence at scale, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with internal and external teams to establish the hardware operations strategy, critical metrics and SLAs.

Lead daily physical operations for data center campuses, from commissioning through ongoing maintenance.

Design and implement robust logistics systems for material movement, repairs, and operational workflows.

Collaborate with engineering, construction, supply chain, and operations teams to streamline processes and resolve bottlenecks.

Develop tools and practices for improved traceability, throughput, and vendor coordination.

Manage relationships with external partners and ensure alignment with operational goals.

Apply best practices in logistics and operational planning to support scalable infrastructure growth.

Qualifications

15+ years of experience in physical operations and logistics for mission-critical infrastructure and data centers.

Proven ability to manage complex logistics systems and coordinate across disciplines.

Deep understanding of operational processes for large-scale facilities including maintenance, construction support, and warehousing.

Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and working with third-party vendors.

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field (advanced certifications preferred).

Preferred Skills

20+ years of experience managing global-scale data center operations and logistics.

Expertise in supply chain logistics and systems implementation for hyperscale environments.

Strong leadership in dynamic, high-pressure settings with evolving technical needs.