HPC Mechanical Manager

Job Type: Full-Time l Location: Childress, TX l Department: Operations l Reporting to: Senior Operations Manager HPC | Work Location Type: #onsite

IREN is a leading AI Cloud Service Provider, delivering large-scale GPU clusters for AI training and inference. IREN’s vertically integrated platform is underpinned by its expansive portfolio of grid-connected land and data centers in renewable-rich regions across the U.S. and Canada.

With 100% renewable energy, we build, own and operate our data centers and take pride in being at the forefront of sustainable solutions for the ever-evolving applications of high-performance compute. We believe that human progress is invaluable, but it should be done in the right way – responsibly, sustainably and having a positive impact on the communities we operate in.

The HPC Mechanical Manager is the senior operations authority for the Central Utility Plant (CUP) at a hyperscale AI/ML data center in West Texas. This role holds full accountability for the safe, continuous 24x7 operation of all thermal, water, and mechanical systems enabling high-density GPU compute — including direct liquid-to-chip (DLC) cooling, chilled water plants, and air-side infrastructure. It combines deep technical authority with hands-on people leadership in a Tier III/IV-equivalent, mission-critical environment.

We have grown substantially since 2019, from our inception in Australia to now having several facilities across North America and being listed on NASDAQ… and we are just getting started! By joining us, you will be contributing to the future of sustainable high-performance compute and the local communities we strive to have a positive impact on.

• Valid 2nd Class Power Engineering License (or ability to obtain/maintain per site authority)
• 5 years operating mission-critical or industrial utility systems with progressive leadership responsibility
• Strong CUP fundamentals: chillers, hydronic/glycol loops, pumps, heat exchangers, VFDs, mechanical refrigeration
• Hands-on experience with HPC liquid cooling (CDUs, manifolds, filtration, leak detection)
• Ability to read one-lines, P&IDs, and MEP drawings; proficient with BMS/SCADA/PLC systems
• Proven ability to lead teams in high-availability, high-consequence environments
• Must lift 50 lbs., climb ladders, work in varied environments; on-call rotation required

• Boilers, steam systems, large-frame gas or steam turbines; hyperscale data center or heavy industrial background
• EPA 608 Universal; OSHA 10/30; NFPA 70E; cooling tower water treatment certification
• CMMS proficiency; hydronic balancing and data center thermal operations experience

• Own end-to-end CUP operation targeting 99.999% availability of cooling, water, and thermal services
• Operate, monitor, and optimize chillers, pumps, cooling towers, dry coolers, heat exchangers, CDUs, hydronic distribution, and expansion systems
• Oversee demineralized water treatment; ensure ultrapure make-up water quality for DLC loops, secondary cooling, closed-loop circuits, and buffer tanks
• Support liquid-cooled HPC (CDUs, manifolds, filtration, leak detection) and air-cooled data halls (CRAH/CRAC, AHUs, humidity and temperature control)
• Operate BMS/SCADA/PLC systems; interpret alarms, trend performance, and adjust setpoints within approved operating envelopes

• Control chemistry for chilled water, condenser water, glycol/hydronic loops, and DLC circuits; manage scaling, corrosion, fouling, and biological risk
• Oversee safe handling and storage of bulk chemicals (acids, caustics, biocides); ensure HSE and spill prevention compliance
• Act as site authority for environmental incidents, near misses, RCAs, and corrective action closure

• Lead Control Room and Field Operations: alarm management, trend-based fault detection, and rapid response to abnormal conditions and thermal excursions
• Execute EOPs during plant upsets; communicate status and recovery actions to stakeholders; coordinate during maintenance windows and commissioning
• Maintain accurate operating logs, shift turnover documentation, incident reports, and work orders

• Govern Permit-to-Work and LOTO; enforce procedural discipline and exercise stop-work authority
• Champion a “safety first, always” culture.
• Own MOPs/SOPs/EOPs — draft, validate during execution, and incorporate lessons learned
• Coordinate with maintenance and engineering teams for safe return-to-service without impact to live loads

• Lead a multi-disciplinary CUP team: Power/Stationary Engineers, Control Room Operators, and Field Technicians
• Manage 24x7 shift coverage, staffing, overtime, and on-call rotations
• Conduct performance management, coaching, and development; drive training in DLC cooling, water chemistry, and emergency operations
• Lead recurring drills: alarm response, thermal excursion, and leak events

• Track KPIs: utility availability, chemistry compliance, incident metrics, PM completion, backlog health, and energy/water performance
• Lead RCAs; drive corrective actions and optimization of plant efficiency, WUE, and thermal performance
• Maintain Tier III/IV design intent compliance and regulatory readiness

• The salary range will start at $145,000.
  • Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, qualifications.
• Overtime compensation for non-exempt workers for hours worked over 40 per week.

• 100% company paid health insurance premiums (medical, dental, and vision) for employees, 75% company paid coverage for dependents
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary life, critical illness, and accident coverage available

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