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

About the Role

As Supply Chain Manager for xAI's datacenters, you will oversee the end-to-end supply chain for critical components such as GPUs, servers, networking equipment, cooling systems, and power infrastructure. This role is pivotal in scaling our operations efficiently, minimizing downtime, and optimizing costs in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. You'll collaborate with engineering, procurement, and vendor teams to support the rapid expansion of our AI datacenters.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and execute supply chain strategies for datacenter hardware procurement, focusing on reliability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure timely delivery of components from global suppliers (e.g., semiconductors, custom racks, and energy-efficient systems).
• Oversee inventory management, forecasting, and logistics to support datacenter buildouts and maintenance, including handling just-in-time delivery for large-scale deployments.
• Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain, such as geopolitical disruptions, material shortages, or regulatory changes affecting tech hardware.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., hardware engineers, facilities managers) to align supply needs with AI training timelines and expansion projects.
• Implement sustainability initiatives, like sourcing eco-friendly materials and optimizing transportation to reduce carbon footprint.
• Analyze supply chain data using tools like ERP systems to drive continuous improvement and efficiency gains.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, export controls, and xAI's ethical sourcing policies.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in supply chain management, preferably in tech, datacenters, or high-performance computing environments.
• Proven track record in procuring complex hardware components (e.g., experience with NVIDIA GPUs, custom silicon, or datacenter infrastructure).
• Strong knowledge of global logistics, tariff regulations, and risk management in volatile markets.
• Proficiency in supply chain software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) and data analytics tools.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a startup-like environment with ambiguity and rapid iteration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in AI/ML hardware ecosystems or semiconductor supply chains.
• Familiarity with datacenter operations, including power, cooling, and networking requirements.
• Certification in supply chain (e.g., CSCP, CPIM) or project management (e.g., PMP).
• Understanding of sustainable sourcing and circular economy principles.

xAI is an equal opportunity employer.

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