Datacenter NetDeploy Lead - Stargate

Details

OpenAI is building an advanced AI infrastructure ecosystem. This role sits at the intersection of Network Engineering, Capacity Delivery/Construction, Data Center Engineering, and Operations to own end-to-end execution of physical network deployments in data center environments. The NetDeploy Lead is accountable for vendor execution, schedule delivery, quality standards, and in-field issue resolution, ensuring network infrastructure is installed, validated, and handed over in a production-ready state.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle physical network deployments for new builds, expansions, and refreshes.
• Translate network topologies, cabling designs, and BOMs into executable field plans and sequencing.
• Oversee and/or coordinate rack-and-stack of network equipment (switches, OOB, ancillary network systems).
• Oversee and/or coordinate fiber trunk pulls, routing, and termination to patch panels / equipment.
• Oversee and/or coordinate patch panel installation, patching, labeling, and cable management.
• Drive port-to-port verification, continuity testing, and validation sign-off.
• Ensure work follows documented standards and runbooks (tables, tickets, checklists, cleanliness, escalation).
• Develop systems, processes, and tools to enable deployment and maintenance of deployed systems.
• Source, evaluate, and manage vendors across structured cabling, JIT fiber remediation, rack-and-stack/patching teams, and testing/verification support.
• Define scope, develop SOWs, validate pricing, and manage execution to contract terms; track vendor performance against quality, throughput, safety, schedule, and documentation requirements.
• Partner with Network Engineering to resolve field issues and deployment constraints (wrong switch delivered, substitutions, component failures, damaged gear, installation blockers, design/port mapping discrepancies, sequencing changes).
• Partner with Data Center Engineering to align deployments to approved physical network infrastructure designs; verify fiber routing diversity and pathway separation; enforce installation standards for routing, labeling, and cable administration.
• Partner with Capacity Delivery / Construction / Facilities to gain site access and coordinate logistics/staging; ensure pathways, trays, penetrations, and build readiness for trunk pulls.
• Partner with Operations for handover: confirm install is complete/validated/documented; ensure as-builts, labeling, port maps, and test evidence are delivered; execute formal ownership transfer so Ops can maintain/operate the network.
• Build and manage deployment schedules, sequencing plans, and milestone tracking; forecast labor needs, vendor ramp, and critical path dependencies.
• Track cost drivers (labor, materials, change orders) and manage contract burn.
• Identify risks early and drive mitigation plans to protect turn-up dates.
• Enforce adherence to deployment standards (labeling, patching, cleanliness, cable management), ticket-driven execution/closure, escalation protocols, change management, and documentation deliverables to ensure installs are repeatable, auditable, and ready for operations at scale.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in data center network deployment / infrastructure delivery.
• Strong understanding of data center network topologies (leaf/spine, core/aggregation, etc.).
• Strong understanding of network components, BOMs, racking constraints, and deployment sequencing.
• Strong understanding of fiber/structured cabling practices (trunks, panels, terminations, cleaning, testing).
• Demonstrated vendor management experience, including SOWs and execution oversight.
• Proven ability to coordinate across engineering, construction/capacity teams, and operations.
• Strong scheduling, risk management, and delivery accountability in the field.

Preferred Skills

• Hyperscale / multi-site / high-throughput deployment experience.
• Familiarity with structured cabling standards (e.g., BICSI, TIA/EIA) and test methodologies.
• Experience working in ticket-based operational environments (change control, incident escalation).
• Exposure to network deployment validation tooling and/or automated evidence capture.

About the Team

The team defines and executes OpenAI's core infrastructure strategy from site selection through full buildout, partnering closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver production-ready infrastructure.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts.
• Pre-tax accounts: Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, commuter expenses.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid parental leave and paid medical/caregiver leave.
• Paid time off: flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees.
• 13+ paid company holidays and additional coordinated office closures.
• Mental health and wellness support; employer-paid basic life and disability coverage.
• Annual learning and development stipend.
• Daily meals in offices and meal delivery credits as eligible.
• Relocation support for eligible employees.
• Additional taxable fringe benefits (donation matching, wellness stipends).