Operations & Maintenance Lead

About xAI

xAI’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:

The O&M Lead is responsible for leading a power generation scope in the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and maintenance of a 1.2 GW behind-the-meter simple-cycle load following facility consisting of multiple LM6000 aeroderivative gas turbine generators, balance-of-plant systems, and associated electrical distribution. This is a leadership position requiring proven expertise in control room operations, mechanical maintenance, electrical, instrumentation & controls (I&C), and water treatment/chemistry for the LM6000 platform.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee Control Room Operations: Lead the team in safely starting, operating, monitoring, and shutting down LM6000 gas turbines and BOP systems. Coordinate fast-start dispatches, alarm responses, and effective communication within the facility operations team. Review and approve shift logs, LOTO records, and regulatory compliance documentation.
• Supervise Mechanical maintenance scope specific to LM6000: Direct Level 1–2 maintenance activities, borescope inspections, combustor/TBC inspections, and unit alignments. Assign tasks for replacing VBV/IGV actuators, lube oil system maintenance, and servicing starters/clutches. Ensure quality control and safety protocols are followed.
• Manage Electrical maintenance: Supervise testing and maintenance of 13.8 kV switchgear, generator breakers, and MODs. Oversee exciter and AVR testing, protective relay calibration, and black-start diesel support. Coordinate troubleshooting of 480 V MCCs, motor testing, and infrared thermography.
• Lead Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) duties: Guide calibration and troubleshooting of vibration, temperature, pressure, and speed sensors. Direct testing of fire & gas systems (Det-Tronics, etc.) and loop checks.
• Oversee Water Treatment & Chemistry duties: Manage daily operations of the Reverse Osmosis/demineralized water system for NOx water, SPRINT, fogging, and water wash systems. Supervise water purity testing (conductivity, silica, TDS, ph), chemical dosing, and resin bed regeneration.
• Administer LOTO, hot work, and confined-space permits; ensure team adherence to safety standards.
• Plan and lead scheduled LM6000 borescope, combustion, and hot section outages, including resource allocation and vendor coordination.
• Manage critical spares inventory, CMMS records, and procurement needs.
• Develop and implement maintenance schedules, procedures, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance facility reliability and efficiency.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 5–10 years of direct hands-on experience on LM6000 aeroderivative turbines (Level 1/2/3 maintenance qualified strongly preferred), with at least 2–3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Demonstrated competency in all five core disciplines: Control Room Operations, Mechanical, Electrical, I&C, and Water Treatment/Chemistry.
• Ability to read and interpret LM6000-specific P&IDs, electrical one-line diagrams; Medium-voltage experience is a plus.
• Strong computer skills, including CMMS systems.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass background check, drug screen, respiratory fit test, and physical.
• Physical Requirements: Work at heights, in confined spaces, and around high-voltage equipment. Lift 50+ lbs repeatedly, climb turbine enclosures, and wear full PPE including respirator. Tolerate high heat and humidity inside LM6000 enclosures and outdoor extreme weather conditions.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• LM6000 Level 1, 2, or 3 Maintenance Certification.
• DCS Maintenance & Troubleshooting.
• NFPA 70E Electrical Safety.
• Vibration Analyst Category II or higher.
• Leadership certifications or experience in industrial operations management.

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