Controls Engineer

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 engineers and researchers are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

About the Role

The xAI datacenter control systems team is looking for a highly-motivated Controls Engineer to support the operation, design, and optimization of our advanced data center infrastructure. This Engineer will play a key role in maintaining the stability and efficiency of the systems that power xAI's groundbreaking AI research. The Controls Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams to monitor and improve the performance of the data center throughout its lifecycle. This individual will work closely with Operations and Maintenance to ensure the systems are running smoothly, from day-to-day management to long-term upgrades and expansions.

Responsibilities:

• 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
• Overseeing the operation of critical systems such as chillers, pumps, and power distribution, using PLCs and other industrial control technologies
• Preparing specifications for Human-machine Interface (HMI) including graphics standard for interpretation by Grok
• Implementing and maintaining automated controls for fire safety and emergency shutdown procedures (ESOP)
• 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
• Coordinating with utility providers to automate demand and operational responses to upstream grid events

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering discipline: Controls and Computer Control Systems, Computer Science, Mechatronic Engineering, Automation Engineering, etc., or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience as a hands-on Controls Engineer working with industrial control systems

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 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. Beckhoff, Omron, Siemens, B&R, Mitsubishi)
• Familiarity with Human Machine Interface (HMI / GUI) development using platforms such as AB Panelview, Ignition, Modbus, SEL, etc
• Methodical troubleshooting approach
• Strong documentation and communication skill set
• Technical project management mindset
• Team-player, takes initiative, and highly motivated

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work for extended periods of time standing, when needed
• Work is often performed in tight quarters and physical dexterity is necessary to preform job functions
• Comfortable working in an environment requiring exposure to noise
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed 
• Ability to lift or carry 10-15lbs
• Position is subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing

xAI is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, medical conditions, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. 

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act. 

For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:

xAI reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment: 

• Access to information technology systems and confidential information, including proprietary and trade secret information, and/or user data;
• Interacting with internal and/or external clients and colleagues; and
• Exercising sound judgment.

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