What are the responsibilities and job description for the Power Generation 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 engineers are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.
About the Role
xAI is building Colossus, the world’s largest AI supercomputer, right here in Memphis. As a Power Generation Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in powering this groundbreaking infrastructure. You will be responsible for the reliable operation and optimization of our natural gas power generation plants, ensuring uninterrupted, high-efficiency power delivery to our state-of-the-art AI datacenter. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of energy engineering and cutting-edge AI technology, contributing to advancements that push the boundaries of human knowledge. If you thrive in a dynamic, high-stakes environment where your expertise directly impacts global innovation, this role is for you.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the daily operations of natural gas turbines and associated power generation equipment, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with safety and environmental standards.
- Monitor and analyze power generation systems to detect and resolve issues proactively, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency for the datacenter's massive computational demands.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers and datacenter operations, to integrate power systems seamlessly with AI infrastructure needs.
- Conduct regular maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrades on turbines, generators, and control systems to support scalable power requirements.
- Develop and implement strategies for energy efficiency, cost reduction, and sustainable power generation practices.
- Lead root cause analysis for any power-related incidents and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure all operations adhere to regulatory requirements, including those from local, state, and federal agencies governing natural gas plants.
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in power management.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- 5 years of experience in power generation, with a focus on natural gas plants, turbines, or similar high-reliability energy systems.
- Strong understanding of turbine operations, control systems, and power distribution in industrial settings.
- Proven track record in troubleshooting complex mechanical and electrical issues in power generation environments.
- Familiarity with safety protocols, environmental regulations, and industry standards (e.g., ASME, IEEE).
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
- 8 years of experience, including leadership roles in power plant operations or datacenter energy management.
- Expertise in natural gas turbine technologies (e.g., GE, Siemens) and combined cycle power plants.
- Knowledge of renewable energy integration or hybrid power systems.
- Certifications such as PE (Professional Engineer) or CEM (Certified Energy Manager).
- Prior work in high-tech or mission-critical facilities, such as datacenters or aerospace.
xAI is an equal opportunity employer.
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