Controls Engineer, Supercomputer Infrastructure - Memphis

xAI is hiring a Controls Engineer, Supercomputer Infrastructure - Memphis. Level rates it ; you can apply on xAI.

Level's read on this job

Level rates this role Builds AI ●●●●: the job is building AI systems.
Tools and skills the posting cites include PLC, HMI and controls engineering.
Level classifies it as a junior role.
Level lists 296 other open roles at xAI.

AI in this role

Design and build physical control systems and infrastructure for large-scale AI training supercomputers.

plchmi

controls-engineeringautomationelectrical-engineeringinfrastructure

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today, SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary and expanding consciousness to the stars.

SpaceXSI is building Super Intelligence to help humanity understand the universe. Our teams are building the full Super Intelligence stack: from our Colossus supercomputers, to Grok models, to our suite of applications, including Grok Bot, Grok Build, Grok Imagine, Grok Voice, and X. We're creating a powerful flywheel where more compute trains better models, better models power more useful products, and what we learn from people using those products shapes what we build next.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As a member of the Supercomputer Physical Infrastructure team, you will design, build, and activate control systems for some of the world’s most technically advanced AI training campuses. As a Controls Engineer, you will develop and commission automated solutions that keep cooling plants, electrical distribution, liquid-cooling loops, and data halls running at the pace of compute demand. The automation and controls team designs, builds, and commissions complete control systems from the ground up. We are looking for talent with a proven track record in developing, troubleshooting, and maintaining control systems for production and critical infrastructure. This position is based in Memphis, TN, with work across the Memphis / Southaven campus.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, process requirements, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time limits
Lay out new industrial electrical control panels which are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant, and create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics
Simulate processes to inform design engineers of the conceptual viability of automation proposals for cooling plants, electrical distribution, and liquid-cooling loops
Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for critical infrastructure applications
Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex plant and facility systems while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting
Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatic, and fluid plumbing
Select and size electrical and electromechanical components such as VFDs, servo motors, and controllers
Deploy automated processes and equipment into live campus operations, including BMS, EPMS, SCADA, and PLC systems serving chillers, CDUs, pumps, and power distribution
Set, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completion

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
1+ years of professional experience in the design and commissioning of automation and controls systems for industrial applications

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Knowledge in building automation systems for critical infrastructure
Mechanical (HVAC) controls and wiring, Delta controls
Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience
Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan
C#, .NET, Python, and/or SQL experience
PLC programming experience, preferably Siemens TIA Portal and Beckhoff TwinCAT 3
HMI and SCADA programming experience (Ignition preferred)
Field bus networks, serial communication, and Ethernet communication
Hands-on experience building and commissioning high-quality electrical control panels and electro-mechanical systems
Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, UL508A codes
Exposure to industrial sensors and equipment used in cooling plants and electrical distribution (temperature, flow, pressure, leak detection, VFDs, chillers, CDUs, switchgear)
Experience in data centers, power generation, semiconductor, or other high-reliability industrial environments
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Experience in fast-paced iterative design and commissioning environments
Experience solving complex problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
Must be willing to travel to other locations
Ability to work onsite in the Memphis, TN / Southaven, MS area

SpaceXSI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

How we rate this

Controls Engineer, Supercomputer Infrastructure - Memphis at xAI rates 80 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Builds AI (AI Level 4 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Builds AI. The job is building AI systems.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Controls Engineer, Supercomputer Infrastructure - Memphis is an open job at xAI.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The role is based in Southaven, MS; Memphis, TN.
The job was posted on September 3, 2026.
Seniority: junior.
Applications are handled by xAI. Apply on xAI

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Controls EngineeringAutomationElectrical EngineeringInfrastructurePLCHMI

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where controls engineering was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where automation was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where electrical engineering was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where infrastructure was part of your work. What did you do?
Walk me through how you've used PLC in your day-to-day work.

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Controls Engineering, Automation, Electrical Engineering, Infrastructure, and PLC. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
Lead with what you built, trained or shipped. This role is judged on the AI system itself, not the tools around it.

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