Manager, Mechanical Engineering

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 an exceptional Manager, Mechanical Engineering to lead our Mechanical Engineering team within xAI’s Physical Infrastructure organization in Memphis. You will own the strategy, design, and delivery of mechanical systems for our high-density AI supercomputing facilities, with a strong emphasis on liquid cooling, HVAC, fluid systems, and structural mechanical infrastructure at massive scale. In this leadership role, you will manage a team of mechanical engineers while directly contributing to technical decisions. You will collaborate closely with thermal, electrical, power, construction, commissioning, and operations teams to deliver reliable, efficient, and scalable infrastructure that supports xAI’s rapidly growing compute demands. This is a full-time, onsite role based in the Memphis region. RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead and mentor a team of Mechanical Engineers, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and professional development while driving accountability for project deliverables. Own the end-to-end mechanical design strategy for AI data center infrastructure, including liquid cooling loops, cold plates, manifolds, heat exchangers, server enclosures, structural supports, facility HVAC systems, and related MEP integration. Define and evolve mechanical standards, design guidelines, and best practices to ensure performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability across current and future facilities. Perform and oversee complex engineering analyses (thermal, fluid dynamics, structural, CFD, FEA) to optimize systems and meet extreme density, efficiency, and uptime targets. Develop and review specifications, 3D models, drawings, BOMs, test plans, and commissioning procedures; support prototyping, qualification, and continuous improvement. Lead cross-functional collaboration on new facility designs, cluster expansions, and retrofits, balancing performance, schedule, budget, and operational requirements. Interface with vendors, contractors, and suppliers for equipment selection, fabrication, installation, and successful commissioning. Conduct failure mode analysis (FMEA), root cause investigations, and reliability modeling; drive corrective actions and lessons learned into future designs. Manage project priorities, resources, and risks within the mechanical engineering scope while supporting broader infrastructure program goals. Stay current with industry advancements in data center cooling, sustainable design, and mechanical technologies to maintain xAI’s competitive edge. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline (Master’s or PE license preferred). 8+ years of experience in mechanical system design, with at least 3 years in a leadership or people-management role. Strong background in data center or industrial facility mechanical systems (liquid cooling, HVAC, fluid handling). PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Proven experience leading mechanical engineering teams in hyperscale data centers, critical facilities, or high-density compute environments. Deep expertise in liquid cooling technologies, chilled water systems, heat exchangers, airflow management, and integration