Staff Mechanical Engineer
Graphcore · Austin
About Graphcore
Graphcore is a leading innovator in artificial intelligence computing. We develop hardware, software, and data center infrastructure that provide the specialized processing and systems capabilities needed to advance AI while improving the efficiency required for broad adoption.
As part of SoftBank Group, Graphcore works alongside companies developing advanced technologies. Our teams bring together AI researchers, silicon designers, hardware and software engineers, and systems architects to solve complex technical problems across the computing stack.
The Opportunity
As Staff Mechanical Engineer, you will provide technical leadership for the mechanical infrastructure that supports Graphcore's advanced machine learning and high-capacity computing environments. You will shape design standards, review critical systems, and coordinate with data center developers, consultants, and project partners.
You will work across mechanical, electrical, controls, facilities, and IT infrastructure teams to deliver reliable and efficient data center systems. This Austin-based role includes approximately 10% to 20% travel for site visits, inspections, commissioning, and factory acceptance testing.
What You Will Do
- Own and maintain mechanical design standards, specifications, and owner requirements for data center projects.
- Review mechanical system builds, computations, blueprints, technical requirements, equipment choices, and control sequences for technical quality and operational fit.
- Translate AI and high-performance computing rack requirements into scalable cooling, airflow, hydronic, piping, and heat-rejection solutions.
- Provide technical direction to external consultants, developers, equipment suppliers, and engineering partners.
- Evaluate design options for reliability, maintainability, energy and water performance, capacity, and future expansion.
- Coordinate mechanical interfaces with electrical systems, building controls, fire protection, IT infrastructure, and site operations.
- Lead design reviews, resolve technical issues, and document decisions, risks, and required follow-up actions.
- Support site inspections, equipment submittal reviews, factory acceptance tests, commissioning, and operational-readiness activities.
- Verify that projects meet approved requirements, applicable codes, safety expectations, and commissioning criteria before handover.
- Guide engineers, share technical knowledge, and assess emerging mechanical technologies for future data center deployments.
What You Will Bring
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in mechanical engineering or a related discipline.
- Experience crafting or reviewing mechanical systems for data centers, critically important facilities, or comparable infrastructure.
- Knowledge of HVAC systems and equipment, including chillers, pumps, air-handling equipment, ductwork, piping, hydronic systems, and sequences of operation.
- Experience reviewing design calculations, drawings, specifications, equipment submittals, and control strategies.
- Experience coordinating mechanical requirements with IT, infrastructure, facilities, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Experience supporting commissioning, inspections, acceptance testing, issue resolution, and operational handover.
- The ability to provide clear technical direction and communicate decisions through concise documentation and collaborative reviews.
Preferred Qualifications
These qualifications are helpful, not required. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification.
- Experience with hyperscale data centers, colocation facilities, or Tier III or Tier IV environments.
- A Professional Engineer license or comparable international credential.
- Experience with high-density AI or high-performance computing infrastructure.
- Knowledge of direct liquid cooling, high-capacity chilled-water systems, building automation, or advanced heat-rejection technologies.
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United States Benefits Overview
Graphcore offers compensation and benefits designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, work-life needs, and professional growth. Benefits and programs for eligible U.S. employees may include:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with options that may extend to eligible dependents.
- Mental health, wellness, and employee assistance resources.
- Retirement savings benefits and company contributions where applicable.
- Paid vacation, sick time, company holidays, and parental or family leave in accordance with applicable plans and policies.
- Life insurance and short-term or long-term disability coverage.
- Flexible working hours and hybrid working arrangements where compatible with the role and team requirements.
- Professional development resources, learning programs, office amenities, and team-led activities.
Benefits vary by work location, employment status, scheduled hours, and plan eligibility and are subject to the terms of the applicable plans and company policies. This overview is not a contract or guarantee of benefits.
Equal Opportunity and Accommodations
Graphcore is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Graphcore is committed to an inclusive and accessible hiring process. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please let the recruiting team know.
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