# Permitting Specialist (Data Centers)

**Company**: xAI
**Location**: Memphis, TN
**Work arrangement**: onsite
**Experience**: senior
**Job type**: full-time
**Category**: Engineering
**Industry**: Technology
**Wikidata**: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q120599684

**Apply**: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/xai/jobs/5136156007?utm_source=yubhub.co&utm_medium=jobs_feed&utm_campaign=apply
**Canonical**: https://yubhub.co/jobs/job_84281043-355

## Description

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking an exceptional Permitting Specialist with deep experience in data center permitting in Texas to lead regulatory approvals for xAI's large-scale AI supercomputing facilities and associated power infrastructure.

You will navigate complex local, state, and federal regulatory processes , with particular emphasis on Texas requirements (TDLR, TCEQ, ERCOT, local municipalities) , while supporting our primary Memphis operations and potential future expansions.

Responsibilities:

- Lead preparation, submission, and tracking of all permitting applications for data center construction, expansion, and power systems, including TDLR project registrations, TCEQ air/water permits, zoning/SUP approvals, and building permits.

- Manage Texas-specific permitting processes such as qualifying data center certifications for tax incentives, ERCOT interconnection support, and environmental compliance (NSR, Title V, stormwater, etc.).

- Coordinate with internal teams (mechanical, electrical, thermal, gas pipeline) to compile technical documentation, drawings, and studies required for permit applications.

- Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies, municipalities, consultants, and stakeholders in Texas and Tennessee to expedite reviews and resolve issues.

- Conduct regulatory due diligence for new sites, perform gap analyses, and develop permitting strategies and timelines aligned with aggressive project schedules.

- Track permit conditions, compliance obligations, and renewal requirements; support audits, reporting, and ongoing operational permits.

- Monitor evolving regulations (e.g., Texas Senate Bill 6, air quality rules, water usage) and advise leadership on risks and mitigation strategies.

- Prepare presentations, respond to public comments, and support hearings or variance requests as needed.

Basic Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Engineering, Law, or a related field.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

- Experience supporting hyper-scale AI or HPC data center developments in Texas.

- Familiarity with on-site natural gas generation permitting, air emissions modeling, and power infrastructure approvals.

- Knowledge of federal regulations (EPA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act) as they apply to data centers.

- Experience with environmental consultants, traffic studies, noise assessments, and community engagement.

- Experience in permitting for large-scale data centers, power generation, or industrial facilities, with direct, hands-on experience in Texas.

- Strong knowledge of Texas regulatory landscape: TDLR, TCEQ air/water permitting, local zoning/SUP processes, ERCOT, and data center-specific incentives.

- Proven track record managing complex, multi-agency permit packages under tight deadlines in fast-paced environments.

- Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple work streams simultaneously.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and agency interactions.

Additional Requirements:

- Willingness to travel to other project locations as needed.

- Ability to work extended hours during critical permitting phases.

- Strong attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset in high-ambiguity settings.

## Skills

### Required
- data center permitting
- regulatory approvals
- Texas requirements
- TDLR
- TCEQ
- ERCOT
- local municipalities
- environmental compliance
- NSR
- Title V
- stormwater
- project management
- organizational skills
- written communication
- verbal communication

### Nice to have
- hyper-scale AI
- HPC data center developments
- on-site natural gas generation permitting
- air emissions modeling
- power infrastructure approvals
- federal regulations
- EPA
- Clean Air Act
- Clean Water Act
- environmental consultants
- traffic studies
- noise assessments
- community engagement
- large-scale data centers
- power generation
- industrial facilities
- Texas regulatory landscape
- local zoning
- SUP processes
- data center-specific incentives

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Source: [Apply at job-boards.greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/xai/jobs/5136156007?utm_source=yubhub.co&utm_medium=jobs_feed&utm_campaign=apply)