Sr. Manager, Power Plant Operations - Memphis

xAI is building a full artificial intelligence stack from supercomputers to models and applications, with the goal of advancing humanity's understanding of the universe. The company operates Colossus data centers that require dedicated, reliable power infrastructure to support intensive AI training workloads. As Senior Manager of Memphis Power Plant Operations, you will lead the gas turbine power generation facility that supplies electrical power to xAI's data center campus in Memphis, Tennessee and the surrounding region.

What you'll do

• Direct all aspects of the gas turbine power plant including 24/7 operations, maintenance, commissioning, and ongoing construction and capacity expansion projects

• Ensure end-to-end delivery of reliable, high-quality electrical power to data center sites with industry-leading availability, redundancy, and power quality standards

• Lead multidisciplinary teams of operators, maintenance technicians, engineers, contractors, and support staff across operations and construction in a 24/7 environment

• Develop and execute comprehensive operations and maintenance strategies covering preventative and predictive maintenance, outage planning, turbine performance management, generator systems, electrical infrastructure, and vendor coordination

• Manage concurrent construction activities, equipment installation, civil works, and phased capacity expansions while maintaining safe and reliable operation of existing systems

• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, air permits, emissions controls, OSHA, EPA, and state requirements; coordinate with TDEC and local authorities

• Build and manage annual operating budgets, fuel procurement strategies, capital projects, and maintenance spending while driving cost efficiency and operational performance improvements

What you'll bring

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 8 years of experience in power generation operations, plant management, or related industrial or aerospace operations

• At least 3 years of leadership experience managing teams of operators, technicians, and engineers in technical environments

• Hands-on operational or managerial experience with gas turbine power plants, whether simple or combined cycle configurations

• Preferred experience managing large-scale gas turbine facilities of 100 megawatts or larger, particularly those supporting high-availability critical power applications such as data centers or industrial facilities

• Deep understanding of gas turbine technology, performance optimization, emissions control systems, and balance of plant operations

• Knowledge of high-voltage electrical systems, generators, switchgear, protection systems, and industrial interconnection standards

• Proven ability to achieve and sustain high plant availability and low forced outage rates in demanding operational environments

• Experience managing construction, commissioning, and start-up phases while continuing concurrent operations and expansion activities

• Familiarity with environmental permitting, air quality compliance, and regulatory reporting for combustion turbines

• Strong budget management, fuel procurement, and contractor oversight capabilities

• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders

• Comfort with rapid strategic changes, aggressive timelines, and autonomous decision-making in start-up settings

Nice to have

• Experience in fast-paced, high-growth environments requiring simultaneous large-scale operations and construction

• Background in aerospace or defense operations

What they offer

• Full-time employment with a growing organization at the forefront of AI infrastructure development

• On-site role based in the Memphis and Southaven area with flexibility to support plant operations and construction activities including nights, weekends, and on-call response

• Opportunity to build and lead high-performing teams in a mission-driven environment focused on operational excellence and rapid scaling