Program Manager, Data Center Construction - Memphis
xAI is hiring a Program Manager, Data Center Construction - Memphis . Level rates it ; you can apply on xAI.
Level's read on this job
- Level rates this role Works on AI ●●●○: the daily work is on AI products, without building the model.
- The posting mentions program management, data center construction and risk management among its tools and skills.
- Level classes it as a senior role.
- xAI has 296 other open roles on Level.
AI in this role
Manage data center and infrastructure construction programs supporting AI supercomputing facilities.
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:
We are seeking an experienced Program Manager (Data Center Construction) to lead our growing portfolio of data center and infrastructure construction programs. In this leadership role, you will oversee multiple Construction Project Managers and ensure the successful delivery of complex, mission-critical facilities that support SpaceXSI's AI supercomputing goals. You will serve as a key bridge between field execution, engineering, and executive leadership, driving program-level strategy, risk management, and operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.
This is a full-time, primarily onsite role based in the Memphis, TN area, with flexibility for travel to support additional project sites across the US.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide strategic leadership and direct management to a team of Construction Project Managers
- Oversee end-to-end execution of multiple large-scale construction programs, including pre-construction planning, site development, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover for data centers and supporting infrastructure.
- Align program deliverables with SpaceXSI's broader infrastructure roadmap, AI compute requirements, and aggressive timelines through close collaboration with engineering, design, commissioning, operations, and executive teams.
- Manage program-level budgets, schedules, resources, and risks; develop and maintain master schedules, forecasts, and contingency plans to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
- Act as a senior owner’s representative, managing relationships with general contractors, subcontractors, vendors, permitting authorities, and internal stakeholders.
- Drive standardized processes, best practices, and performance metrics (KPIs, dashboards, reporting) across projects while identifying and implementing value engineering, cost-saving opportunities, and innovations in construction means and methods.
- Ensure rigorous safety, quality, and compliance standards, including adherence to relevant codes, environmental regulations, and SpaceXSI's high-reliability requirements for mission-critical facilities.
- Proactively identify and resolve cross-project issues, escalate appropriately, and lead recovery efforts when needed.
- Support continuous improvement by mentoring teams, conducting lessons-learned reviews, and contributing to the evolution of SpaceXSI's construction program management framework.
- Adapt flexibly to evolving priorities in a dynamic, high-growth organization.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 10+ years of progressive experience in construction project/program management, with a strong focus on data centers, hyperscale facilities, mission-critical infrastructure, or large industrial projects.
- 5+ years of direct people management experience, successfully leading teams of Project Managers, Superintendents, or similar roles.
- Proven track record delivering complex programs on aggressive schedules and within budget in fast-paced environments.
- Strong technical knowledge across multiple disciplines (civil/site, structural, MEP, controls, commissioning) with the ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with experience presenting to executive audiences.
- Proficiency with construction management tools (e.g., Procore, Primavera P6, Bluebeam, MS Project) and data-driven decision-making.
- Ability to travel as needed and work flexible hours to support site operations.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience with data center or hyperscale construction (ground-up builds, MEP-intensive facilities, liquid cooling, power infrastructure).
- Professional certifications such as PMP, CCM, PE, or LEED.
- Familiarity with Memphis/Shelby County or similar regional permitting, codes, and construction practices.
- Background in high-growth tech or industrial environments with a focus on speed, innovation, and operational readiness.
- Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams and implement program governance in matrixed organizations.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Subject to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing, background checks.
- Comfortable in active construction site environments (noise, outdoor exposure, ability to lift 25+ lbs).
- Flexibility for evenings/weekends as project needs dictate.
SpaceXSI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.
How we rate this
Program Manager, Data Center Construction - Memphis at xAI rates 70 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 program management was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where data center construction was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where risk management was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where budget management 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: Program Management, Data Center Construction, Risk Management, and Budget Management. 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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