Lead Engineer, Transmission & Distribution - 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 Transmission & Distribution, 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 everything from generation terminals and the point of interconnection down to the medium-voltage bus: high-voltage switchyards, collector transmission, main power transformers, and the utility relationship that determines whether the campus energizes on schedule.
- Own high-voltage switchyard architecture: bus configuration, GIS versus AIS tradeoffs, bus sectionalizing, and fault-current management.
- Lead the interconnection process with the local distributor and balancing authority, including application, system impact and facilities studies, protection philosophy alignment, telemetry and metering, and technical exhibits to the service agreement.
- Own campus protection philosophy and the settings management database served to Data Center and Battery Storage — one owner, not three models.
- Own the campus power systems studies function: the single model of record for load flow, short circuit, coordination, arc flash, and stability.
- Own the generation electrical interface: excitation and governor behavior, synchronizing, generator protection, black start, and station service.
- Own regulatory and compliance scope as assigned: service agreements, applicable NERC/SERC standards, air-permitting coordination, AHJ relationships, and compliance evidence.
- Own the campus electrical safety program: NFPA 70E, arc-flash study currency and labeling, energized work permitting, qualified-worker training, and switching authorization.
- Direct Design, Ops/Build, Protection & Controls, and Power System Engineer seats on the T&D team as those seats fill.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or another engineering discipline.
- 10+ years in transmission, substation, or generation interconnection engineering, with a focus on high-power, high-voltage systems.
- Experience carrying a project through utility or ISO interconnection to energization.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:
- Professional Engineering license or intention to actively seek a PE license.
- Working knowledge of the IEEE C37 series, IEEE 80, NESC, and applicable NERC standards.
- 161 kV, 230 kV, or 345 kV GIS or AIS experience.
- Large-load interconnection experience with TVA, MLGW, or comparable municipal or federal power arrangements.
- Experience with power systems analysis software and tools: ETAP, SKM, PSS/E, PSCAD, ASPEN, Matlab, etc.
- Experience leading a multidisciplinary engineering team.
- 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.
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