Program Manager (Data Center Construction)

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 Program Manager (Data Center Construction) to lead our growing portfolio of data center and infrastructure construction programs. In this leadership role, you will oversee multiple Construction Project Managers and ensure the successful delivery of complex, mission-critical facilities that support xAI’s AI supercomputing goals. You will serve as a key bridge between field execution, engineering, and executive leadership, driving program-level strategy, risk management, and operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.

This is a full-time, primarily onsite role based in the Memphis, TN area, with flexibility for travel to support additional project sites across the US.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic leadership and direct management to a team of Construction Project Managers
• Oversee end-to-end execution of multiple large-scale construction programs, including pre-construction planning, site development, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover for data centers and supporting infrastructure.
• Align program deliverables with xAI’s broader infrastructure roadmap, AI compute requirements, and aggressive timelines through close collaboration with engineering, design, commissioning, operations, and executive teams.
• Manage program-level budgets, schedules, resources, and risks; develop and maintain master schedules, forecasts, and contingency plans to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Act as a senior owner’s representative, managing relationships with general contractors, subcontractors, vendors, permitting authorities, and internal stakeholders.
• Drive standardized processes, best practices, and performance metrics (KPIs, dashboards, reporting) across projects while identifying and implementing value engineering, cost-saving opportunities, and innovations in construction means and methods.
• Ensure rigorous safety, quality, and compliance standards, including adherence to relevant codes, environmental regulations, and xAI’s high-reliability requirements for mission-critical facilities.
• Proactively identify and resolve cross-project issues, escalate appropriately, and lead recovery efforts when needed.
• Support continuous improvement by mentoring teams, conducting lessons-learned reviews, and contributing to the evolution of xAI’s construction program management framework.
• Adapt flexibly to evolving priorities in a dynamic, high-growth organization.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in construction project/program management, with a strong focus on data centers, hyperscale facilities, mission-critical infrastructure, or large industrial projects.
• 5+ years of direct people management experience, successfully leading teams of Project Managers, Superintendents, or similar roles.
• Proven track record delivering complex programs on aggressive schedules and within budget in fast-paced environments.
• Strong technical knowledge across multiple disciplines (civil/site, structural, MEP, controls, commissioning) with the ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with experience presenting to executive audiences.
• Proficiency with construction management tools (e.g., Procore, Primavera P6, Bluebeam, MS Project) and data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to travel as needed and work flexible hours to support site operations.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with data center or hyperscale construction (ground-up builds, MEP-intensive facilities, liquid cooling, power infrastructure).
• Professional certifications such as PMP, CCM, PE, or LEED.
• Familiarity with Memphis/Shelby County or similar regional permitting, codes, and construction practices.
• Background in high-growth tech or industrial environments with a focus on speed, innovation, and operational readiness.
• Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams and implement program governance in matrixed organizations.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Subject to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing, background checks.
• Comfortable in active construction site environments (noise, outdoor exposure, ability to lift 25+ lbs).
• Flexibility for evenings/weekends as project needs dictate.
• xAI is an equal opportunity employer.

xAI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.