Manager, Operations Engineering (Physical Infrastructure)

Job Overview

As a Manager, Operations Engineering (Physical Infrastructure) on the xAI infrastructure team, you will lead the design, build, activation, and continuous optimization of technically advanced data centers and AI compute facilities. You will own end-to-end operational excellence for physical infrastructure, driving process improvements, metrics-driven decision making, and cross-functional alignment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Operations Engineers and analysts focused on physical infrastructure optimization for xAI's hyperscale data centers
• Define and own department-level visual standards, JIRA workflows, PowerBI dashboards, and operational processes
• Champion department-wide continuous improvement projects, including new process rollouts, standardization, and lean/six sigma initiatives
• Partner with all levels of the business to map current workflows, identify systemic gaps, and implement scalable solutions
• Establish and evolve department-level metrics and dashboards that quantify operational health
• Conduct in-depth analyses using SQL, Python, Excel, and other tools to uncover trends and recommend optimizations
• Develop and implement automation, tools, and reports that reduce business risk and improve efficiencies
• Lead department-wide operations audits to streamline repair, maintenance, and construction engineering workflows
• Own maintenance program enhancements, focusing resources on critical hardware health
• Evaluate, select, and implement construction management, maintenance, and facilities tools
• Perform site services analysis for contracts and negotiate improvements
• Standardize material libraries and procurement processes to reduce lead times
• Drive alignment and best-practice sharing with maintenance and construction teams

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, operations research, industrial engineering, management science, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in operations, process improvement, or facilities management
• Demonstrated experience with Excel, SQL, Python, Power BI, JIRA, or similar tools
• Proven track record leading cross-functional initiatives in fast-paced environments

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in data centers, hyperscale infrastructure, manufacturing, supply chain, or production environments
• Strong proficiency in statistics, data analysis, data visualization, cost-benefit analysis, and operational excellence frameworks
• Hands-on experience with CAD, ArcGIS, Archibus, BMS/SCADA, ERP systems, inventory/capacity planning, or critical infrastructure
• Experience contributing to or leading multi-disciplinary teams in construction, commissioning, or facilities operations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed, including occasional short-notice domestic travel