What are the responsibilities and job description for the Gas Pipeline Engineer position at xai?
ABOUT xAI
xAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
We are seeking an exceptional Gas Pipeline Engineer to design, develop, and maintain high-reliability natural gas pipeline systems, fuel delivery infrastructure, and associated equipment supporting xAI’s on-site power generation for our AI supercomputing facilities. This role focuses on natural gas supply pipelines, metering stations, pressure regulation, safety systems, and integration with gas turbine power plants that provide critical, resilient power to our high-density compute clusters.
You will ensure safe, efficient, and compliant fuel gas delivery at massive scale while meeting stringent uptime, safety, and environmental requirements. This is a full-time, onsite role based in the Memphis region, with direct impact on power reliability for our Colossus supercluster.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design and optimize natural gas pipeline systems, including high-pressure supply lines, metering and regulating stations, valves, pigging facilities, and tie-ins to gas turbines and backup generation.
- Perform detailed engineering analysis (stress, hydraulic, surge, materials) using tools such as CAESAR II, Aspen, or equivalent to ensure integrity, flow capacity, and safety under varying loads.
- Develop P&IDs, specifications, construction drawings, BOMs, and test plans for gas infrastructure; support procurement, fabrication, installation, and commissioning.
- Ensure full compliance with pipeline safety regulations (PHMSA, DOT 49 CFR 192/195), ASME B31.3/B31.8, NFPA, and local environmental/air quality standards.
- Collaborate with power generation, electrical, facilities, and construction teams to integrate gas systems with turbine installations, emergency shutdown systems, and leak detection.
- Conduct risk assessments, HAZOP studies, failure mode analysis, and root cause investigations for gas-related incidents or near-misses.
- Interface with utility providers, regulators, and contractors for permitting, inspections, and ongoing integrity management programs (ILI, direct assessment, etc.).
- Drive continuous improvement in fuel gas system reliability, efficiency, and safety for current and future expansions of on-site power generation.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Pipeline Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s or PE license preferred).
- 1 years of experience in natural gas pipeline design, operation, or integrity management, preferably in power generation, industrial, or energy infrastructure projects.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Direct experience supporting natural gas turbine power plants or data center/ hyperscale backup power systems.
- Familiarity with large-scale on-site generation facilities (turbines >10 MW) and integration with AI/HPC loads.
- Experience with permitting, regulatory compliance, and environmental monitoring for gas infrastructure.
- Knowledge of leak detection systems, odorization, corrosion control, and emergency response planning.
- Track record of improving system reliability or reducing risks in mission-critical fuel gas delivery.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willingness to work extended hours and be fully onsite as needed during construction, commissioning, and critical operations phases.
- Ability to work in industrial/power plant and data center environments, including occasional climbing, lifting, and exposure to outdoor conditions.
- Strong communication skills for collaborating with internal teams, regulators, and external stakeholders.
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