Manager, Critical Facilities Operations - Memphis
About this role
Managing the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of critical data center infrastructure forms the core of daily operations for this position. Professionals in this role oversee power, cooling, and environmental systems while leading a team of Facilities Operations Supervisors and Technicians through hands-on technical guidance, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration.
xAI builds AI systems designed to understand the universe and aid humanity, operating through a small, highly motivated, and flat organizational structure. Candidates who thrive here possess strong prioritization skills, a hands-on work ethic, and the ability to maintain maximum site uptime, safety, and efficiency.
What you will do
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Facilities Operations Supervisors and Technicians while fostering a collaborative and accountable culture.
- Oversee the maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting of data center infrastructure such as HVAC, power distribution, generators, and environmental systems.
- Develop and optimize preventive maintenance programs, equipment calibration strategies, and system performance key performance indicators.
- Enforce standard operating procedures, emergency response plans, and change management processes to maintain operational consistency.
- Partner with engineering, procurement, construction, and operations teams to streamline equipment installation, commissioning, and lifecycle management.
- Manage vendor relationships, service contracts, operational budgets, forecasts, and capital projects for critical facilities support.
- Provide 24/7 on-call leadership to ensure rapid response to critical facilities incidents.
What you need
- Hold a bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or a related engineering field, or possess equivalent relevant experience.
- Bring at least 7 years of experience managing critical facilities systems like power, cooling, and environmental controls in data center or mission-critical environments.
- Demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of people leadership experience, including direct management of supervisors or technical teams.
- Possess in-depth knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and HVAC systems in data centers.
- Show proficiency with building management systems, environmental monitoring tools, and computerized maintenance management systems.
- Meet physical requirements including lifting up to 35 pounds, working at heights up to 50 feet, and navigating confined spaces or environments with noise.
- Maintain a valid driver's license and the availability to work evenings, weekends, and provide on-call support as needed.
Nice to have
- Experience programming or deeply configuring PLC-based control systems and advanced Building Management Systems.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
- EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification (EPA 608 Technician).
- Experience managing operational budgets and capital expenditure projects in a data center environment.
- Prior experience scaling facilities operations in a high-growth technology or mission-critical setting.
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What locations is this role based in?
The position is located in Southaven, MS, and Memphis, TN.
What are the physical and availability requirements for the position?
Candidates must be able to lift up to 35 lbs unassisted, work at heights up to 50 feet, and navigate confined spaces or noisy environments. Availability to work evenings, weekends, and provide 24/7 on-call leadership is required based on site operational needs.
What background checks are required for employment?
Applicants must pass pre-employment and annual post-employment background checks.