Electrical Commissioning Lead

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 experienced Electrical Commissioning Lead to lead the energization, commissioning, and handover of critical electrical systems for xAI’s high-performance data centers. In this senior hands-on leadership role, you will direct commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and turnover of medium/low voltage power distribution, backup power, and protection systems that support next-generation AI supercomputing infrastructure. You will lead a team of electrical commissioning technicians while working closely with construction, engineering, operations, EPC contractors, and OEM vendors to deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality electrical systems. This is a full-time, onsite role with extensive travel to xAI data center construction sites across the United States. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Lead and execute full electrical commissioning activities for medium and low voltage power distribution, switchgear, transformers, UPS systems, generators, PDUs, busway, ATS, and associated controls in hyperscale data center environments. • Direct point-to-point verification, functional testing, relay calibration, protective device coordination, system integration, and integrated systems testing (IST). • Oversee troubleshooting and resolution of complex electrical, controls, and power quality issues during pre-commissioning, commissioning, and startup phases. • Develop, review, and approve detailed commissioning test procedures, scripts, checklists, and documentation in accordance with project specifications, NETA standards, and xAI requirements. • Lead coordination with EPC contractors, OEM vendors, utility providers, and xAI engineers for safe system energization, startup sequences, and integrated system validation. • Mentor, supervise, and provide technical direction to Electrical Commissioning Technicians and other field personnel; conduct performance feedback and support their development. • Champion safety by enforcing strict adherence to LOTO, NFPA 70E, arc flash safety, and xAI protocols; lead daily safety briefings and job hazard analyses. • Maintain comprehensive as-built documentation, test records, issue logs, and final commissioning reports; present system readiness reports to senior leadership. • Support and deliver training programs for operations and maintenance teams on commissioned electrical systems. • Participate in constructability reviews, design feedback sessions, and lessons-learned meetings to continuously improve installation quality and future projects. • Manage electrical commissioning schedules, resources, and punch-list resolution to meet aggressive project timelines. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: • 7+ years of progressive hands-on electrical commissioning experience in data centers, power plants, semiconductor facilities, or mission-critical environments, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory capacity. • Deep expertise in data center electrical infrastructure up to 480V (medium voltage experience strongly preferred), including switchgear, UPS, generators, PDUs, busway, and protective relaying. • Strong working knowledge of commissioning test equipment (meggers, relay test sets, power quality analyzers, hi-pot, ductors, oscilloscopes, etc.). • Thorough familiarity with relevant codes and standards (NEC, NFPA 70E, IEEE, NETA, ANSI, UL). • Proven ability to read, interpret, and redline electrical drawings, one-lines, schematics, and coordination studies. • Demonstrated leadership experience coordinating multi-discipline teams and managing contractors/vendors in fast-paced construction environments. • Current OSHA 30 certification and strong safety leadership track record. • Willingness to travel extensively and work extended hours, nights, and weekends during critical commissioning and startup windows. PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: • Prior leadership on multiple hyperscale data center or mission-critical commissioning projects (100+ MW scale preferred). • NETA Certification (Level III or higher) or equivalent (Journeyman Electrician license, NICET, etc.). • Experience with redundant power systems, paralleling switchgear, and mission-critical UPS/generator plants. • Knowledge of PLC/SCADA controls troubleshooting and integration. • Proficiency with commissioning management platforms (CxPro, Procore, PlanGrid, or similar). • Technical degree or trade school certification in Electrical Engineering Technology or related field. • Experience with arc flash studies, short circuit coordination, and ETAP/SKM modeling review. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: • Ability to travel extensively to xAI construction sites and remain onsite for extended periods during peak commissioning phases. • Capability to work in industrial environments, climb ladders/stairs, lift moderate loads (up to 50 lbs), and wear full PPE for long durations. • Valid driver’s license and ability to meet xAI’s driver eligibility requirements. xAI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice .