Datacenter Networking Technician, AI Compute Deployment - Stargate

Details

OpenAI's Stargate program develops and deploys massive, state-of-the-art data center campuses in partnership with industry leaders. We design for scale, speed, and reliability, and are seeking a senior datacenter networking technician to translate network blueprints into physical reality during active datacenter deployments.

About the Role

The initial assignment focuses on the physical bring-up of network infrastructure at a large partner-operated campus. You will collaborate with partner teams and 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.

Candidates must be able to sit onsite in Abilene, Texas 5 days per week and travel to future OpenAI data center projects as needed. The role is full-time and part of the Scaling / Compute / Datacenter Design teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as OpenAI’s technical lead technician during the 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 and termination, 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 a clean, reliable handoff to network operations.
• Contribute practical field feedback to engineering teams through design discussions and peer reviews for structured cabling and physical network layouts.
• 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 data center expansions, owning physical-layer deployment from design through commissioning.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in large-scale datacenter network deployment, structured cabling, or physical-layer installation.
• Deep knowledge of fiber and copper plant design, cabling standards, and hyperscale network best practices.
• Hands-on experience with fiber testing (OTDR, power level measurements, continuity) and cable routing/termination.
• Proven ability to perform field work in datacenter environments and apply technical judgment to solve complex installation and testing issues.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing build conditions and learn emerging networking technologies.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with construction, engineering, and operations teams.
• Willingness to be based at a partner campus during the initial build phase and travel to future OpenAI data center projects.

Preferred

• 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, or CCNP.

Benefits

The base pay range for this role is $164,000–$268,000 per year (base pay may vary depending on factors including market location, knowledge, skills, and experience). Total compensation may also include generous equity, performance-related bonus(es) for eligible employees, and benefits such as:

• 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
• Flexible PTO (exempt) 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

OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Background checks will be conducted consistent with applicable law.