Environmental Engineer

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:

The Environmental Engineer will support the operations and continued expansion of xAI’s large-scale AI infrastructure and supercomputing facilities in the Memphis area. This role is critical in ensuring environmental compliance while enabling rapid scaling of compute capacity to meet aggressive deployment timelines. The ideal candidate will serve as a subject matter expert to mitigate environmental risks, optimize resource use (especially water and energy), and maintain full regulatory compliance in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop, implement, and continuously improve environmental programs at xAI’s Memphis-area facilities.

Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations established by the EPA, TDEC (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation), Shelby County Health Department, and other relevant agencies.

Track, review, and interpret new and proposed environmental laws and regulations, providing clear guidance to leadership and engineering teams.

Perform regular environmental audits and inspections to ensure ongoing compliance.

Manage the hazardous materials and waste management program, including recordkeeping, tracking software, Tier II, TRI, and other required reporting.

Maintain site operational compliance plans, including Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC), industrial wastewater discharge permits, and air emissions permits.

Support planning for facility expansions, new equipment installations, and modifications to ensure they meet all permitting and regulatory requirements.

Coordinate and manage environmental contractors for permitting, testing, monitoring, and reporting. Review and maintain all associated documentation.

Collaborate closely with engineering, construction, operations, and facilities teams across the site to integrate environmental considerations into design and daily operations.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, environmental science, or a related field.

2+ years of experience in the design, development, and execution of environmental and regulatory compliance programs (internship and project experience count).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering or a closely related discipline.

Experience in dynamic, high-growth industrial or data center environments.

Strong knowledge of Tennessee and federal environmental regulations, particularly air permitting (including combustion turbines and stationary sources), water usage and wastewater, stormwater management, and hazardous waste.

Experience developing and maintaining air emissions permits, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Title V or synthetic minor permits.

Hands-on experience with SWPPPs, Best Management Practices (BMPs), industrial wastewater permitting, and SPCC plans.

Proficiency handling technical data, emissions calculations, and regulatory interpretation to deliver practical, actionable solutions.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a high-pressure, fast-moving environment while driving continuous improvement.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is an on-site position based in Memphis, TN. Relocation support is available for candidates not already local.

Position may occasionally require extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases or audits.

Ability to obtain and maintain any required background checks or site access credentials.