Controls Engineer, Supercomputer Infrastructure - Memphis
About this role
The Supercomputer Physical Infrastructure team at xAI builds and activates control systems for advanced AI training campuses. Engineers on this team develop automated solutions to support cooling plants, electrical distribution, liquid-cooling loops, and data halls as compute demand scales.
Daily responsibilities include designing industrial electrical control panels, writing and debugging PLC code, and deploying automated processes into live campus operations such as BMS, EPMS, SCADA, and PLC systems. The group maintains a flat organizational structure where every member operates in a hands-on capacity and contributes directly to the overarching mission of creating AI systems that understand the universe.
Candidates who succeed here possess strong prioritization skills, a relentless work ethic, and the ability to communicate concisely with teammates. The role is suited for practitioners with a background in critical infrastructure who thrive in fast-paced, iterative environments and enjoy solving complex problems with minimal supervision.
What you will do
- Participate in initial equipment conceptual development while balancing product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits.
- Lay out compliant industrial electrical control panels and produce detailed electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics.
- Simulate processes to evaluate the conceptual viability of automation proposals for cooling plants, electrical distribution, and liquid-cooling loops.
- Architect, write, and debug structured PLC code to support critical infrastructure applications.
- Create clean HMI screens that provide adequate feedback for troubleshooting complex plant and facility systems.
- Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and fluid plumbing while deploying automated processes into live campus operations.
- Establish and maintain project schedules and budgets to ensure timely completion.
What you need
- Hold a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
- Bring at least one year of professional experience in the design and commissioning of automation and control systems for industrial applications.
- Communicate effectively with teammates through clear written and verbal exchanges of technical knowledge.
- Demonstrate the ability to solve complex problems independently or within an integrated team with minimal supervision.
- Commit to working onsite in the Memphis, Tennessee and Southaven, Mississippi area, with willingness to travel and work extended hours or weekends as needed.
Nice to have
- Knowledge in building automation systems for critical infrastructure and mechanical HVAC controls
- PLC programming experience using Siemens TIA Portal and Beckhoff TwinCAT 3
- HMI and SCADA programming experience with a preference for Ignition
- Familiarity with C#, .NET, Python, SQL, and electrical schematic CAD tools like EPlan
- Hands-on experience in data centers, power generation, semiconductor, or other high-reliability industrial environments
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
Where is this job located?
This position is based in Memphis, TN, with work across the Memphis and Southaven campus. Candidates must be able to work onsite in the Memphis, TN / Southaven, MS area.
What are the travel and schedule expectations?
Employees must be willing to travel to other locations as required. Additionally, individuals must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.
What kind of team will I be working with?
You will be working as a member of the Supercomputer Physical Infrastructure team. The organization is small, highly motivated, focused on engineering excellence, and operates with a flat organizational structure.