HPC Mechanical Lead

Job Type: Full-Time | Location: Childress, TX | Department: Operations | Reporting to: HPC Mechanical Manager | Work Location Type: Onsite IREN is a leading AI cloud service provider delivering large-scale GPU clusters for AI training and inference. Our vertically integrated platform is underpinned by a portfolio of grid‑connected land and data centers located in renewable‑rich regions across the U.S. and Canada. We operate our data centers on 100% renewable energy and are committed to sustainable high‑performance compute. The HPC Mechanical Lead supports safe, reliable 24/7 operation of the Central Utility Plant (CUP) and critical cooling infrastructure at a hyperscale AI/ML data center in West Texas. Job Responsibilities CUP & Cooling Systems Operate, monitor, and optimize the CUP and site cooling systems in a 24/7 mission‑critical environment. Perform operating rounds; record readings, trends, and equipment status for chillers, pumps, cooling towers, heat exchangers, expansion tanks, strainers, and hydronic distribution. Support liquid‑cooled HPC infrastructure (CDUs, manifolds, filtration, leak detection) and coordinate thermal alignment with IT load requirements. Support air‑cooled data halls (CRAH/CRAC, AHUs/MAUs, humidity and temperature control). Use BMS/SCADA/PLC systems to monitor equipment, trend performance, and adjust setpoints within approved operating envelopes. Water Chemistry & Environmental Compliance Monitor and support water treatment/chemistry programs for condenser water, glycol/hydronic loops, and DLC circuits; coordinate sampling and corrective actions. Follow safe chemical handling and storage procedures; support spill prevention and HSE compliance. Contribute to environmental incident reporting, near‑miss documentation, and corrective action closure. Alarm Response & Incident Management Respond to alarms and abnormal conditions; troubleshoot root cause and execute corrective actions to prevent downtime or thermal excursions. Execute alarm response and plant upset recovery per approved EOPs/SOPs/MOPs; escape quickly to shift lead/manager with clear risk status. Maintain accurate operating logs, work orders, incident reports, and high‑quality shift turnover notes; participate in RCAs and continuous improvement. Maintenance & Contractor Coordination Execute and improve preventive maintenance (PM) programs; coordinate contractors and verify work quality, documentation, and safe return‑to‑service. Support vendor site access, JHA/method statement compliance, and quality checks during planned maintenance windows. Qualifications Valid 3rd Class Power Engineering License (or ability to obtain/maintain per site/authority requirements). 5+ years operating and maintaining industrial or mission‑critical utility systems (data centers, central utility plants, hospitals, heavy industrial, or oil & gas). Strong familiarity with CUP fundamentals: chillers, condenser water systems, hydronic/glycol loops, pumps, heat exchangers, VFDs, and mechanical refrigeration. Experience with HPC liquid cooling (CDUs, manifolds, filtration, leak detection, pressure/flow control). Proficiency with BMS/SCADA/PLC systems; ability to interpret alarms and make safe setpoint changes within approved procedures. Ability to read one‑lines, MEP drawings, and P&IDs; strong documentation and shift turnover communication. Strong troubleshooting skills across rotating equipment, hydronic systems, and mechanical refrigeration. Must lift 50 lbs., climb ladders, and work in varied environments; on‑call rotation required. Preferred Qualifications EPA 608 Universal (or ability to obtain); OSHA 10/30; NFPA 70E or equivalent electrical safety training. Cooling tower and closed‑loop water treatment knowledge or certification. CMMS proficiency: work order creation, PM tracking, outage coordination, and closeout documentation. Experience with hydronic balancing and data center thermal operations. Background in hyperscale data center, heavy industrial, or oil & gas processing environments. Compensation & Benefits Hourly Rate: $50.00–$59.00 USD (actual rate based on experience and qualifications). Overtime compensation for non‑exempt workers for hours worked over 40 per week. Health & Wellness 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. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) – when combined with the high‑deductible health plan. Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources. Retirement & Financial Wealth 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Paid professional development and access to financial planning and legal services. Time Off & Leave Programs Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays. Growth & Development Professional development to support certifications, continuing education, or role‑related training. Community & Culture Company events and team‑building activities. We value diverse perspectives and believe that skills can be developed. If you’re passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply, whether you meet every criterion or not. Your unique experiences might be exactly what we need! IE US Operations Inc., the employing entity and proud member of the IREN group, is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We evaluate qualified applicants and do not discriminate against protected characteristics under applicable legislation. IE US Operations, Inc. “IREN” participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. By applying for this position and submitting your resume and application materials, you consent to the processing of your personal information in accordance with our Job Applicant Privacy Statement available on our website at #J-18808-Ljbffr Iris Energy