Ops/Build Engineer (Transmission & Distribution) - Memphis
xAI is hiring an Ops/Build Engineer (Transmission & Distribution) - Memphis. Level rates it ; you can apply on xAI.
Level's read on this job
- Works on AI ●●●○ is how Level rates this role: the daily work is on AI products, without building the model.
- The posting mentions substations, electrical engineering and commissioning among its tools and skills.
- Level classes it as a mid-level role.
- xAI has 297 other open roles on Level.
AI in this role
Manage high-voltage electrical assets, testing, and reliability operations for AI training data center infrastructure.
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:
Join the High Power Engineering team supporting SpaceXSI 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.
SpaceXSI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.
How we rate this
Ops/Build Engineer (Transmission & Distribution) - Memphis at xAI rates 65 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Works on AI (AI Level 3 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.
Works on AI. The daily work is on AI products, without building the model.
- ●●●● 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.
Prepare for this job
Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.
Skills and AI tools this role asks for
Questions you could be asked
- Tell me about a project where substations 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 commissioning was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where safety compliance was part of your work. What did you do?
- Describe a typical day in a role like this one: which parts run through AI directly?
Adapt your resume
- List these exact terms on your resume: Substations, Electrical Engineering, Commissioning, and Safety Compliance. 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.
- Show where AI is part of your daily process, not a one-off project. This role expects it to be a running habit.
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