Datacenter Networking Technician, AI Compute Deployment - Stargate

OpenAI

105d

About The Position

OpenAI, in close collaboration with our capital partners, is embarking on a journey to build the world’s most advanced AI infrastructure ecosystem. Our Stargate program develops and deploys massive, state-of-the-art data center campuses in partnership with industry leaders today—and through future OpenAI infrastructure projects tomorrow. We design for scale, speed, and reliability, and we need experienced technicians who can translate network blueprints into physical reality. We are seeking a senior datacenter networking technician who thrives in fast-moving build environments and is eager to roll up their sleeves during active datacenter deployments. Your first assignment will focus on the physical bring-up of network infrastructure at a large partner-operated campus, collaborating with partner teams and their delivery vendors to achieve agreed performance and reliability targets. As that campus reaches steady state, you will transition to lead network deployment for future OpenAI data center projects, defining standards and guiding implementation across multiple locations.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in large-scale datacenter network deployment, structured cabling, or physical-layer installation.
• Deep knowledge of fiber/copper plant design, cabling standards, and hyperscale network best practices.
• Excel in field work while applying seasoned technical judgment to solve complex installation and testing issues.
• Adapt quickly to changing build conditions and enjoy learning emerging networking technologies.
• Communicate clearly with construction, engineering, and operations teams to drive projects to completion.
• Willing to be based at a partner campus during the initial build phase and to travel to future OpenAI data center projects.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to automation tools (Ansible, SaltStack) or scripting (Python, Shell) for configuration or documentation.
• Experience with hyperscale Clos fabrics or large-scale network design.
• Familiarity with routing and switching concepts (BGP, OSPF, EVPN/VXLAN) and basic Linux/network troubleshooting.
• Industry certifications such as BICSI, CCNA/CCNP, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Serve as OpenAI’s technical lead technician during the current campus build, partnering with internal engineers and external contractors on design reviews, installation plans, and acceptance criteria.
• Spend significant time on the data-center floor performing inspections, assisting with cable routing/termination when needed, conducting fiber testing (OTDR, power levels, continuity), and resolving installation challenges in real time.
• Troubleshoot and optimize cabling routes, patching, and equipment turn-up to ensure clean, reliable handoff to network operations.
• Contribute to design discussions and peer reviews for structured cabling and physical network layouts, providing practical field feedback to engineering teams.
• Develop repeatable engineering standards, as-built documentation, and deployment playbooks to accelerate future OpenAI campuses.
• Transition to hands-on design and deployment leadership for upcoming OpenAI data center expansions, owning network physical-layer deployment from design through commissioning.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees