Facilities Operations Manager

OpenaiOpenai·Remote(Remote - US)
Operations
Excel

WFA Digital Insight

As the demand for artificial intelligence continues to skyrocket, with the global AI market projected to reach

90 billion by 2027, companies like Openai are racing to build and operate the infrastructure that powers the next generation of AI. With a 25% increase in data center construction over the past year, the need for skilled facilities operations managers has never been more pressing. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to work at the forefront of AI innovation, overseeing the day-to-day operations of Openai's data center campuses and ensuring their reliable and efficient performance. To succeed, you'll need a strong blend of technical expertise, operational leadership, and collaborative skills, as well as experience with electrical distribution systems, generators, and building controls. Before applying, consider how your skills and experience align with the rapidly evolving AI landscape and the growing importance of data center operations.

Job Description

## About the Role The Facilities Operations Manager will play a critical role in supporting the commissioning, operational readiness, and long-term operation of Openai's next-generation AI data center campuses. This involves leading the day-to-day operations of mission-critical facility infrastructure, partnering with commissioning teams to transition facilities into steady-state operations, and developing and implementing operating procedures and maintenance programs. As a key member of the Infrastructure Operations team, you will work closely with hardware deployment, networking, and engineering teams to coordinate infrastructure changes and maintenance activities, ensuring the reliable and efficient performance of Openai's data center campuses. The role requires a unique blend of technical depth, operational leadership, and cross-functional execution, with a strong focus on ensuring the safety, reliability, and availability of critical infrastructure systems. You will be responsible for managing vendors, contractors, and service providers, as well as supporting the development of facilities operations personnel and ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards. Openai's data center campuses are designed to support the development and deployment of cutting-edge AI technologies, and the Facilities Operations Manager will play a key role in ensuring that these facilities are operated and maintained to the highest standards of reliability and efficiency. With the company's rapid growth and expanding infrastructure footprint, this role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of AI innovation and contribute to the development of the next generation of AI technologies. ## What You Will Do - Lead day-to-day operations of mission-critical facility infrastructure across AI compute campuses - Own operational readiness activities supporting new campus deployments and infrastructure expansion - Partner with commissioning teams to transition facilities from construction and startup into steady-state operations - Develop, implement, and continuously improve operating procedures, maintenance programs, and response plans - Lead infrastructure incident response efforts and coordinate recovery activities during critical events - Drive root cause analysis investigations and corrective action programs to improve reliability and operational performance - Manage vendors, contractors, and service providers supporting facility operations - Partner with hardware deployment, networking, and engineering teams to coordinate infrastructure changes and maintenance activities - Monitor facility performance, operational risk, and capacity utilization across critical systems - Support staffing, training, and development of facilities operations personnel - Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards - Establish operational processes that scale alongside Openai's rapidly growing infrastructure footprint ## What We Are Looking For - 8+ years of experience operating mission-critical facilities, data centers, industrial infrastructure, or large-scale technical operations environments - Strong knowledge of electrical distribution systems, generators, UPS systems, cooling systems, and building controls - Experience supporting commissioning, operational readiness, or infrastructure turnover programs - Experience leading facility operations teams, contractors, and third-party vendors - Ability to respond to incidents and make decisions in high-pressure operational environments - Experience developing maintenance strategies, operating procedures, and reliability programs - Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across technical and non-technical stakeholders - Experience operating in fast-paced environments with significant ambiguity and rapid growth - Familiarity with Excel and other data analysis tools ## Nice to Have - Experience supporting hyperscale, cloud, AI, HPC, or mission-critical data center environments - Experience with data center design, construction, and commissioning - Knowledge of safety and environmental regulations, such as OSHA and EPA standards - Experience with facilities management software and systems - Certification in a relevant field, such as data center operations or facilities management ## Benefits and Perks - Competitive salary and benefits package - Opportunities for professional growth and development in a rapidly expanding company - Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced professionals - Flexible working hours and remote work options - Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools - Comprehensive health and wellness programs - Generous PTO and vacation policies - Employee recognition and reward programs

How to Stand Out

- Develop a strong understanding of electrical distribution systems, generators, and building controls to succeed in this role - Highlight your experience with data center operations, commissioning, and infrastructure turnover programs in your application - Be prepared to discuss your approach to incident response and decision-making in high-pressure operational environments - Emphasize your ability to work effectively across technical and non-technical stakeholders, including vendors, contractors, and engineering teams - Consider obtaining certification in a relevant field, such as data center operations or facilities management, to demonstrate your expertise - Research Openai's company culture and values to understand their approach to innovation, collaboration, and employee development - Prepare examples of your experience with maintenance strategies, operating procedures, and reliability programs to discuss during the interview process

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