DIRECTOR, DATACENTER OPERATIONSWe are seeking an exceptional Director, Datacenter Operations to lead both the engineering and operations of xAI's hyperscale AI compute facilities. This role will own the full lifecycle of mission-critical infrastructure - from design and development through construction, commissioning, and ongoing operations - including structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, liquid cooling, power generation, power distribution, controls, and high-capacity fiber optic networks.
You will build and lead high-performing multidisciplinary engineering and operations teams, drive technical strategy and operational excellence, and ensure world-class reliability, efficiency, and scalability for the infrastructure powering xAI's AI training clusters. This high-impact position requires deep expertise in hyperscale data center or industrial infrastructure, strong leadership across both engineering and operations disciplines, and the ability to deliver at unprecedented speed and scale. This is a full-time, primarily onsite role with significant travel to project sites and vendor locations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:- Own the operations and performance of the physical infrastructure for xAI's data centers and compute facilities, including electrical systems, mechanical systems, liquid cooling, power generation, power distribution, controls, and fiber networks.
- Build and lead operations teams across electrical, mechanical, controls, power generation, and critical infrastructure areas.
- Set and maintain operational standards and procedures for power usage, cooling performance, uptime, efficiency, and reliability.
- Run day-to-day facility operations, including power generation, electrical and mechanical systems, preventive maintenance, and response to issues.
- Improve facility operations over time by focusing on better reliability, efficiency, and cost control.
- Work with construction, hardware, and procurement teams to bring new facilities from construction into steady operations.
- Identify and implement improvements to cooling systems, power delivery, controls, and maintenance practices to support large AI clusters.
- Manage operational budgets, vendor relationships, and resource planning.
- Maintain safety, quality, and compliance standards across all operations.
- Report on facility performance and provide updates and recommendations to leadership.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or 8+ years of experience in a production/military/industrial/data center environment.
- 4+ years of direct people leadership experience managing engineering and/or operations teams.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:- Deep knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and power systems, liquid cooling, controls/BMS, fiber optic networks, and 24/7 critical facilities operations.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver high reliability and operational excellence under aggressive growth timelines.
- Direct experience in AI or hyperscale data center environments, including liquid cooling systems and high-power GPU/accelerator infrastructure.
- Strong background in both design/engineering and operations of power generation assets (gas turbines, reciprocating engines, etc.).
- Experience building or scaling fiber infrastructure for low-latency, high-bandwidth interconnects between compute clusters.
- Track record of leading multidisciplinary teams through the full project lifecycle (design through operations) on fast-track schedules.
- Familiarity with Uptime Institute Tier standards, ASHRAE guidelines, IEEE, NFPA, IBC, TIA-942, and relevant power generation standards.
- Experience with automation, predictive maintenance, and data-driven operational improvements.
- Master's degree in engineering or related field; Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus.
- Hands-on experience with relevant tools and platforms (AutoCAD, Revit, ETAP, BIM, CMMS, monitoring systems).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:- This role is primarily onsite at key project locations (e.g., Memphis area) and will require relocation if not local.
- Willingness to travel to other sites and vendor locations as needed (up to 20%).
- Ability to work in industrial/data center environments and lead teams during high-pressure phases, including extended hours when required.
- Must be comfortable with on-call responsibilities for critical infrastructure.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
