Manager, Engineering (Power Generation & Utilities) - Memphis
About this role
The team at xAI builds artificial intelligence systems to understand the universe and aid humanity, supported by dedicated infrastructure including a power generation facility in Southaven. This organization focuses on engineering excellence with a flat structure where all employees contribute directly to the core mission.
This role involves leading the design, build-out, commissioning, and continuous improvement of automation, controls, and electrical systems for mission-critical power generation and supporting utilities. The individual selected will manage a team of engineers while remaining deeply technical, diving into DCS and PLC architecture, electrical protection schemes, and commissioning details rather than purely managing a roadmap.
Candidates who thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy hands-on technical challenges will find success here. Strong prioritization skills, a high standard of work ethic, and clear communication are essential for collaborating across internal teams, contractors, and original equipment manufacturers.
What you will do
- Own the automation, controls, and electrical scope for power generation assets and plant electrical systems from control philosophy through commissioning.
- Manage the controls scope for mechanical and electrical balance-of-plant and supporting utilities including fuel gas, water systems, and HVAC.
- Build, mentor, and scale a team of automation and controls engineers and technicians to match growing AI supercomputer demand.
- Review and approve engineering documents such as control narratives, single-line diagrams, and schematic drawings.
- Collaborate with internal engineering, construction teams, and external contractors to keep scope integrated and on schedule.
- Drive field commissioning activities including loop checks, functional testing, protection testing, and root-cause reliability investigations.
What you need
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
- Bring at least 8 years of experience in automation and controls engineering on industrial power generation projects or critical power infrastructure.
- Demonstrate a minimum of 3 years of experience directly managing or leading a team of engineers and technicians.
- Possess working knowledge of utility-scale and low-voltage electrical power systems, switchgear, protection, and metering.
- Demonstrate willingness to perform hands-on work in diverse environments wearing personal protective equipment.
- Maintain the ability to work extended hours, weekends, and provide 24/7 on-call support for operational emergencies.
Nice to have
- Hands-on experience with DCS, PLC, HMI, and SCADA platforms such as Emerson, ABB, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or SEL
- Direct experience with gas turbine or combined-cycle plant controls and balance-of-plant integration
- Experience designing industrial control panels and electrical schematics using tools like EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical
- Professional Engineer license in Electrical or Controls Engineering
- Familiarity with industrial control system cybersecurity frameworks such as NERC CIP
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What are the location and on-site requirements for this position?
Candidates must be able to work on-site at the Southaven power generation facility, with potential travel to other company sites. The role requires willingness to perform hands-on work in all environments and provide 24/7 on-call support.
What level of hands-on technical work is expected from this management role?
This is a hands-on technical leadership position where you will review P&IDs, challenge control philosophies, and dive into DCS/PLC architecture and electrical protection schemes. You are expected to be hands-on and contribute directly to the company's mission.
What type of infrastructure does this team support?
The team designs, specifies, commissions, and maintains critical infrastructure for AI supercomputers, including gas turbine simple cycle, combined cycle, and steam turbine systems, switchgear, and supporting utility systems.