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xAI is seeking a Controls Engineer to join the power generation engineering team in Memphis, TN. You will design, commission, and maintain plant control systems for a power generation facility, owning the balance-of-plant (BOP) PLC/HMI and the control-room SCADA architecture that integrates Solar, 6000, and BOP systems into a single operating view for plant operators.
Key responsibilities include:
• Own BOP PLC and HMI design, programming, and commissioning for power generation balance-of-plant systems (fuel gas, water, compressed/instrument air, HVAC, cooling, electrical auxiliaries, and related process/utility systems)
• Design and maintain the plant SCADA architecture so operators have one integrated operating picture in the control room with graphics, alarms, historian, and situational awareness on a single platform
• Develop control philosophy, control narratives, I/O lists, network drawings, cause-and-effect diagrams, and HMI/SCADA standards for reuse across the facility
• Specify PLC, HMI, SCADA, remote I/O, industrial networking, and interface hardware; define data exchange with OEM turbine/generation controllers (Solar and 6000) and with electrical protection, metering, and plant systems
• Program, test, and troubleshoot PLC logic and HMI applications using IEC 61131 standards (ladder, function block, structured text as applicable)
• Integrate OEM packages and third-party systems into plant SCADA using industrial protocols (Modbus, DNP3, OPC UA, IEC 61850, and others as required)
• Commission controls: I/O checkout, loop checks, functional testing, HMI validation, alarm rationalization, and start-up support; remain hands-on with technicians and operators
• Support day-to-day operations: troubleshooting, sequence issues, bad actors, and control changes under MOPs/MOC
• Maintain configuration management for PLC/HMI/SCADA programs, as-left files, firmware, and network documentation
• Coordinate with electrical, mechanical, fluids, protection, and operations teams so controls scope is fully integrated through construction, commissioning, and turnover
• Apply relevant standards for industrial control systems and electrical work (NFPA 70/70E, IEC 61131, and site cybersecurity/ICS practices such as NERC CIP where applicable)
The role is based in Memphis, TN, with potential travel to other xAI/SpaceX facilities. You will work in a flat organizational structure where all employees are expected to be hands-on and contribute directly to the company's mission. Strong work ethic, prioritization skills, and communication abilities are essential.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in industrial controls engineering, power generation, or similar domain
• Proficiency in PLC programming (IEC 61131-3) and HMI/SCADA design
• Experience with industrial protocols (Modbus, DNP3, OPC UA, IEC 61850)
• Knowledge of power generation systems, balance-of-plant controls, and SCADA architecture
• Familiarity with electrical standards (NFPA 70/70E) and industrial cybersecurity practices
• Professional Engineering license, or actively working toward one
• Ability to support technicians in the field and remain effective during outages, start-up, and event investigations
• Willingness to perform hands-on work in the plant and control room, including during outages and commissioning
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support power generation operations
• Must be able to work on-site in Memphis, TN, with potential travel to other SpaceX facilities
