Outside Plant (OSP) 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 engineers and researchers 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 Outside Plant (OSP) Engineer to join our Fiber Team. This role is essential for designing, implementing, and maintaining fiber optic networks that support xAI’s data center infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fiber network design and associated outside plant infrastructure, permitting, and construction management. As an OSP Engineer, you will collaborate with internal teams, external contractors, private and public regulatory agencies to ensure the successful deployment of high-performance fiber networks.

Responsibilities

• Fiber Network Design: Develop detailed engineering plans for fiber optic infrastructure, including route planning for aerial and underground installations.
• Permitting and Compliance: Coordinate with permitting specialists to ensure all designs comply with local, state, federal regulations as well as private industry review boards.
• Field Surveys: Conduct site walkouts to assess existing infrastructure and identify optimal routes for fiber deployment.
• Construction Oversight: Manage contractors during the installation of conduits, cables, splicing, and terminations while ensuring adherence to project specifications.
• Documentation: Create and maintain accurate records of network designs, as-built documentation, splicing plans, and route maps using GIS or CAD-based tools.
• Network Maintenance: Monitor network performance, address outages or damage (e.g., environmental or accidental), and oversee repairs such as splicing or rerouting.
• Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams (e.g., permitting specialists and data center operations) and external stakeholders to meet project timelines and technical requirements.
• Problem-Solving: Identify potential challenges during design or construction phases and develop solutions to mitigate delays or risks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology, telecommunications, or a related field preferred; equivalent work experience will be considered.
• 3–5+ years of experience in OSP engineering and fiber network design.
• Hands-on experience with Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP), Fiber-to-the-Business (FTTB), or similar projects is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in GIS systems (e.g., ArcGIS) and CAD software for network design and Google Earth Pro for fiber route design.
• Expertise in fiber optic technologies, including splicing techniques, power loss budgets, and testing tools like OTDR.
• Hands-on experience with permitting processes and escalations, rights-of-way regulations in particular railway, and construction standards for aerial/underground installations.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with stakeholders at all levels.
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving abilities to address challenges effectively.

Additional Requirements

• Position is subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
• Position is subject to pre-employment and annual post-employment background checks 
• Comfortable working in an environment requiring exposure to noise
• Available to work evenings and weekends, as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required

xAI is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, medical conditions, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. 

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act. 

For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:

xAI reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment: 

• Access to information technology systems and confidential information, including proprietary and trade secret information, and/or user data;
• Interacting with internal and/or external clients and colleagues; and
• Exercising sound judgment.

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