Water Treatment 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 are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

About This Role

xAI is seeking a Water Treatment Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced water treatment systems for our cutting-edge data center cooling infrastructure and the world’s largest sustainability-focused water membrane treatment facility. This role will play a critical part in ensuring the efficiency and environmental sustainability of xAI’s AI-driven operations, supporting our mission to accelerate human scientific discovery. The ideal candidate will combine expertise in water treatment technologies, cooling systems, and sustainable engineering practices with a passion for innovation in a high-impact, mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• System Design and Implementation: Design and oversee the deployment of advanced water treatment systems, including the world’s largest sustainability-focused water membrane facility, to support xAI’s data center cooling systems and operational needs.
• Cooling System Optimization: Develop and maintain water treatment processes for cooling towers, chillers, and other data center cooling infrastructure, ensuring maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
• Sustainability Leadership: Drive the adoption of sustainable water treatment practices, leveraging cutting-edge membrane technologies (e.g., reverse osmosis, nanofiltration) to minimize water waste and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Water Quality Management: Monitor and analyze water quality parameters, implementing treatment protocols to meet stringent standards for data center operations and sustainability goals.
• Project Management: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including data center operations, facilities, and sustainability teams, to manage the construction, commissioning, and operation of the water treatment facility.
• Innovation and Research: Stay at the forefront of water treatment technologies, researching and integrating novel solutions to enhance system performance and align with xAI’s commitment to sustainability.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure all water treatment processes comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including EPA and OSHA standards, while maintaining a safe working environment.
• Automation and Monitoring: Develop and implement automated systems for real-time monitoring and control of water treatment processes, integrating with xAI’s AI-driven infrastructure.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain detailed records of system performance, water quality metrics, and sustainability outcomes, providing regular reports to leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience:
• 5+ years of experience in water treatment engineering, with a focus on industrial or data center applications.
• Proven expertise in designing and operating membrane-based water treatment systems (e.g., RO, UF, NF).
• Experience with cooling system water treatment for large-scale facilities, preferably data centers.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in water treatment technologies, including filtration, chemical treatment, and membrane systems.
• Knowledge of cooling tower chemistry, corrosion control, and scale inhibition.
• Familiarity with automation tools and SCADA systems for process monitoring.
• Experience with CAD software or process simulation tools (e.g., AutoCAD, HYSYS) is a plus.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of environmental regulations, including EPA water quality standards and sustainability frameworks.
• Soft Skills: Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to collaborate in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in data center operations or high-performance computing environments.
• Familiarity with AI-driven process optimization or smart water management systems.
• Certification in water treatment (e.g., Certified Water Technologist, CWT) or related fields.
• Knowledge of sustainable engineering practices, such as zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) systems or water recycling technologies.

xAI is an equal opportunity employer.

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