xAI· Data Center· Memphis, TN
Mechanical Engineer (Physical Infrastructure)
Classified Tasks (44)
Automate 0%Augment 73%Human-Only 27%
Augment (32)
AI assists, human decides
Design mechanical infrastructure for high-density AI supercomputing facilities
technical
Optimize mechanical infrastructure for high-density AI supercomputing facilities
technical
Design liquid cooling loops
technical
Design cold plates
technical
Design manifolds
technical
Design heat exchangers
technical
Perform CFD analysis
analytical
Perform thermal analysis
analytical
Perform fluid dynamics analysis
analytical
Design server enclosures
technical
Design structural supports
technical
Design structural assemblies
technical
Design facility HVAC systems
technical
Design facility air systems
technical
Design CRAC/CRAH systems
technical
Manage airflow and airflow management for facilities
operational
Perform structural analysis using FEA and other simulation tools
analytical
Perform airflow analysis using simulation tools
analytical
Perform heat transfer analysis using simulation tools
analytical
Develop engineering specifications
administrative
Create 3D models
technical
Produce engineering drawings
administrative
Create bills of materials (BOMs)
administrative
Develop test plans
administrative
Implement iterative improvements to mechanical designs
technical
Integrate mechanical systems with power generation systems
technical
Integrate mechanical systems with electrical infrastructure
technical
Integrate mechanical systems with liquid cooling systems
technical
Integrate mechanical systems with building MEP systems
technical
Conduct failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)
analytical
Perform root cause investigations
analytical
Perform reliability modeling to meet uptime and efficiency targets
analytical
Human-Only (12)
Requires human judgment
Build mechanical infrastructure for high-density AI supercomputing facilities
operational
Support prototyping activities
operational
Support qualification activities
operational
Collaborate with cross-functional teams on new facility designs
communication
Collaborate with cross-functional teams on cluster expansions
communication
Drive continuous improvement of mechanical standards
leadership
Interface with vendors and contractors for equipment selection
communication
Interface with vendors and contractors for fabrication
communication
Interface with vendors and contractors for installation
communication
Interface with vendors and contractors for commissioning
communication
Drive design decisions that balance performance, manufacturability, cost, and scalability
leadership
Collaborate across thermal, mechanical, electrical, power, and construction teams to improve performance, efficiency, and reliability at scale
communication
Job description
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: We are seeking exceptional Mechanical Engineers to join our growing team in Memphis and help design, build, and optimize the mechanical infrastructure for xAI’s high-density AI supercomputing facilities. This is a broad Mechanical Engineer requisition covering three critical focus areas: Thermal Mechanical Engineering (liquid cooling, heat exchangers, CFD analysis) Systems Component Mechanical Engineering (enclosures, manifolds, structural assemblies, fluid handling) HVAC Design Mechanical Engineering (facility air systems, CRAC/CRAH, airflow management) You will work on one or more of these areas depending on your expertise and business needs, collaborating across thermal, mechanical, electrical, power, and construction teams to push the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and reliability at massive scale. This is a full-time, onsite role based in the Memphis region. RESPONSIBILITIES: Design and optimize mechanical systems for high-density AI data centers, including liquid cooling loops, cold plates, manifolds, heat exchangers, server enclosures, structural supports, and facility HVAC systems. Perform detailed engineering analysis — thermal, fluid dynamics, structural, airflow, and heat transfer — using CFD, FEA, and other simulation tools. Develop specifications, 3D models, drawings, BOMs, and test plans; support prototyping, qualification, and iterative improvements. Integrate mechanical systems with power generation, electrical infrastructure, liquid cooling, and building MEP systems. Conduct failure mode analysis (FMEA), root cause investigations, and reliability modeling to meet extreme uptime and efficiency targets. Collaborate with cross-functional teams on new facility designs, cluster expansions, and continuous improvement of mechanical standards. Interface with vendors and contractors for equipment selection, fabrication, installation, and commissioning. Drive design decisions that balance performance, manufacturability, cost, and scalability. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Previous experience in designing and maintaining industrial HVAC, plumbing, mechanical systems Proven track record in clean-room design and maintenance, underscoring an understanding of stringent environmental control requirements Proficiency in implementing maintenance solutions with minimal operational impact Demonstrated ability to assist technicians with troubleshooting