Lead Engineer, Battery Storage - Memphis
xAI · Memphis, United States · 1mo ago
SpaceXAI’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 employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
Join the High Power Engineering team supporting SpaceXAI to design, build, operate, and maintain electrical infrastructure for AI training campuses. As a Lead Engineer for Battery Storage, 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:
- Own the storage fleet as a power plant, not as an accessory: architecture, sizing, controls, safety case, and grid-forming behavior that lets the campus ride through compute step loads and generation contingencies.
- Own BESS architecture: pack-to-MV-transformer grouping, string composition, medium-voltage collection topology, string-level protection, and physical block layout including spacing per NFPA 855.
- Own sizing; translate compute duty cycles — step loads, training-job ramps, actual-versus-nameplate utilization — into power and energy requirements.
- Own inverter control strategy: grid-forming versus grid-following, droop and virtual inertia, fault-current contribution, ride-through, and coordination with generation governors and excitation.
- Own the plant controller and EMS functional specification: dispatch, state-of-charge management, peak shaving, spinning-reserve emulation, islanding, and black-start participation.
- Own the fire and life-safety case: UL 9540 and 9540A basis, thermal runaway propagation, deflagration venting, water supply, emergency response plan, and AHJ engagement.
- Own the OEM relationship: technical requirements, factory testing, performance guarantees, and degradation and augmentation planning.
- Direct Design, Commissioning, Ops/Build, Network, Civil, and Program Manager seats on Battery Storage as those seats fill.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another engineering discipline.
- 8+ years in power systems engineering.
- 4+ years directly on utility-scale or large commercial and industrial battery energy storage.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:
- Experience sizing storage against a real duty cycle rather than a rule of thumb.
- Working knowledge of NFPA 855, UL 9540 and 9540A, IEEE 1547, and IEEE 2800.
- Utility-scale BESS fleet experience at large pack counts.
- Deep understanding of grid-forming inverter control and its interaction with synchronous machines.
- PSCAD or other EMT modeling of inverter-based resources.
- Professional Engineering license or intention to actively seek a PE license.
- Experience building and leading an engineering team from the first hire.
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.
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