Site Civil, Structural & Architectural Lead (CSLA)

About the Role

Lead OpenAI's field delivery of civil works, structures, building envelope, architectural fit-out and landscape interfaces, from site preparation through completed facilities. You will be OpenAI's accountable on-site lead for civil, structural, landscape and architectural construction, directing and overseeing the work of general contractors, specialist contractors and other service providers within your discipline.

Reporting and Scope

Report to the Site Construction Manager. Coordinate design interpretation and technical decisions with the responsible civil, structural and architectural engineers. Own day-to-day discipline execution and contractor performance within the assigned site scope and delegated authority. This is a senior site delivery role, suited to an experienced superintendent, supervisor, manager or trade lead.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate general contractors, civil and structural trades, architectural contractors and specialist service providers against the approved design, construction schedule and quality requirements.
• Oversee earthworks, grading, drainage, underground interfaces, foundations, concrete, structural steel, building envelope and architectural completion; coordinate landscape and external works.
• Review constructability, work sequencing, contractor work plans, RFIs, submittals and proposed changes; obtain design decisions from the responsible engineers and track field implementation.
• Coordinate building and underground interfaces with mechanical, electrical and network leads and hardware deployment teams, protecting access, equipment routes and installation readiness.
• Inspect work with quality teams, track nonconformances and punch lists, and verify contractor closeout, as-built records and turnover readiness.
• Set clear contractor deliverables and work priorities; review staffing, progress and quality, identify constraints early, and drive recovery actions through the Site Construction Manager.
• Provide concise progress and risk reporting, evaluate field impacts of proposed changes, and maintain accountable handoffs between construction partners and OpenAI teams.

Qualifications

• Typically 8–10 years of civil, structural or architectural construction experience, including substantial data center or comparable complex industrial site delivery and responsibility for contractors or multiple work packages.
• Ability to read and coordinate civil, structural and architectural drawings, specifications, surveys and relevant geotechnical information.
• Experience translating approved designs into buildable field packages, sequencing, temporary-work interfaces and inspection hold points.
• Experience reviewing RFIs, submittals and field changes, coordinating design decisions with the engineer of record, and verifying approved changes in the field.
• Practical knowledge of inspection and acceptance evidence for civil works, concrete, steel, building envelope and architectural completion.
• Ability to coordinate construction with permitting conditions, environmental constraints and authorities having jurisdiction.
• Demonstrated ability to lead contractors and service providers through changing site conditions and resolve performance gaps.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Sound judgment when information is incomplete.
• Relevant trade, apprenticeship, technical or degree-based preparation, or equivalent practical experience.