Controls Engineer

xAI xAI · AI Frontier · Memphis, TN · Data Center

xAI is seeking a Controls Engineer to support the operation, design, and optimization of their advanced data center infrastructure, which powers their AI research. The role involves implementing and modifying control systems (BMS, EPMS, SCADA), overseeing critical systems, preparing HMI specifications, implementing automated controls for safety, developing reporting dashboards for operational trends, and coordinating with utility providers. This is an engineering role focused on the physical infrastructure supporting AI research, not directly on AI model development or deployment.

What you'd actually do

  1. Executing the implementation and modification of Building Management System (BMS), Electrical Power Management System (EPMS), and any other SCADA systems critical for the operation of current and future data centers
  2. Overseeing the operation of critical systems such as chillers, pumps, and power distribution, using PLCs and other industrial control technologies
  3. Preparing specifications for Human-machine Interface (HMI) including graphics standard for interpretation by Grok
  4. Implementing and maintaining automated controls for fire safety and emergency shutdown procedures (ESOP)
  5. Developing a corporate-level reporting dashboard to monitor the operational trends such as power usage effectiveness (PUE) and performance/cost, and dynamically adjust the infrastructure set points for optimal performance
  6. Coordinating with utility providers to automate demand and operational responses to upstream grid events

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering discipline or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of experience as a hands-on Controls Engineer working with industrial control systems
  • Ignition SCADA Programming Experience
  • Siemens TIA Portal PLC Programming Experience

Nice to have

  • Advanced proficiency in programming industrial equipment in all IEC 61131-3 languages with a focus on structured text and ladder logic
  • Experience with industrial control hardware from leading manufacturers (e.g. Siemens, SEL, Rockwell)
  • Familiarity with Human Machine Interface (HMI / GUI) development using platforms such as Ignition, SEL, etc
  • Methodical troubleshooting approach
  • Strong documentation and communication skill set
  • Technical project management mindset
  • Team-player, takes initiative, and highly motivated