Ops/Build Engineer (xAI Transmission & Distribution)

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Join the High Power Engineering team supporting xAI to design, build, operate, and maintain electrical infrastructure for AI training campuses. As a Ops/Build Engineer on the Transmission & Distribution team, you will work with a small on-site team to scale high-capacity power systems on a schedule set by compute demand. The position is based in Memphis, TN, with potential travel to other sites.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Take high- and medium-voltage assets from steel in the ground to carrying load, then own their reliability in operation.
• Own the substation and transmission energization plan: pre-energization checks, phasing verification, synchronizing checks, and staged load ramp.
• Direct NETA acceptance testing on breakers, transformers, GIS, instrument transformers, arresters, and cable systems.
• Execute relay end-to-end testing, transfer trip verification, and point-to-point SCADA and telemetry checkout with the site and the utility.
• Coordinate outages and switching with the utility; write and own clearance and switching procedures.
• Execute the electrical safety program in the field: arc-flash labeling currency, energized work permitting, and switching authorization.
• After energization, own transformer oil program, breaker maintenance intervals, battery and charger program, SF6 monitoring, and fault investigation using relay event records.
• Collaborate with construction, vendors, and technicians; drive rapid, continuous improvements at the Memphis campus.
• Ensure compliance with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, NESC, and IEEE standards, prioritizing safety and engineering excellence.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another engineering discipline, or 8+ years of substation field experience in lieu of a degree.
• 5+ years in substation commissioning, testing, build, or utility operations on high-power, high-voltage systems.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience energizing high-voltage equipment and directing switching on live systems.
• Experience with relay test sets such as Doble F6150 or Omicron CMC.
• NETA Level III or IV certification.
• Experience with SEL relay families.
• NERC PRC compliance testing and evidence experience.
• Ability to quickly troubleshoot issues and support technicians hands-on.
• Proven ability to lead teams, work independently, and thrive in dynamic, high-stress environments with tight deadlines.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Perform hands-on work in all environments (heat, cold, rain), in tight quarters or at heights.
• Work extended hours and weekends as needed to support construction, energization, and operations.
• Remain focused in hazardous environments while wearing appropriate PPE.
• Lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
• Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies.
• Willing to work on-site in Memphis, TN. This is not a remote or hybrid role.
• Travel up to 25% for factory witness testing, vendor and OEM engagement, and supporting other sites.
• Valid driver's license.