xAI· Data Center· Memphis, TN
Permitting Specialist (Power Generation)
Classified Tasks (16)
Automate 0%Augment 63%Human-Only 38%
Augment (10)
AI assists, human decides
Prepare permit applications for TCEQ New Source Review (NSR), Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD), Title V operating permits, and Permit by Rule for gas turbines and generators.
technical
Submit permit applications to Texas regulatory agencies and manage application workflows.
operational
Manage ERCOT generation resource registrations for on-site power plants.
operational
Manage interconnection studies and submit interconnection filings.
technical
Compile technical documentation for permit applications, including air emissions modeling, BACT analyses, and noise studies.
technical
Track permit conditions and enforce permit-specific requirements.
operational
Prepare and submit compliance reports and manage permit renewal processes.
administrative
Support audits related to permitting and operational compliance for running generation assets.
analytical
Monitor evolving Texas regulations on emissions, greenhouse gases, grid reliability, and energy infrastructure.
analytical
Conduct risk assessments related to regulatory changes and provide mitigation recommendations to leadership.
analytical
Human-Only (6)
Requires human judgment
Lead regulatory approvals for on-site natural gas power generation facilities in Texas.
leadership
Coordinate with engineering, construction, legal, environmental, and operations teams to gather permitting inputs and supporting materials.
communication
Build and maintain relationships with Texas regulatory agencies (TCEQ, ERCOT, RRC, local air districts, and municipalities) to expedite reviews and resolve comments.
communication
Develop permitting strategies and project-aligned timelines for new power generation builds and expansions.
leadership
Support and participate in public hearings, prepare variance requests, and engage stakeholders as needed.
communication
Secure environmental authorizations and all associated local, state, and federal permits required for large-scale turbine and generation projects.
operational
Job description
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 exceptional Permitting Specialist with deep expertise in power generation permitting in Texas to lead regulatory approvals for xAI’s on-site natural gas power generation facilities supporting our AI supercomputing infrastructure. This role focuses on securing air permits, ERCOT registrations, interconnection approvals, environmental authorizations, and all associated local, state, and federal permits required for large-scale turbine and generation projects. You will navigate complex Texas regulatory processes to enable rapid deployment of reliable, high-capacity power infrastructure. This is a full-time, onsite role based in the Memphis region, with significant focus on Texas projects, working closely with engineering, construction, legal, environmental, and operations teams. RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead preparation, submission, and management of all power generation permits in Texas, including TCEQ New Source Review (NSR), Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD), Title V operating permits, and Permit by Rule applications for gas turbines and generators. Manage ERCOT generation resource registration, interconnection studies, and all related filings for on-site power plants. Coordinate with internal teams to compile technical documentation, air emissions modeling, BACT analyses, noise studies, and other supporting materials for permit applications. Build and maintain relationships with Texas regulatory agencies (TCEQ, ERCOT, RRC, Railroad Commission, local air districts, and municipalities) to expedite reviews and resolve comments. Develop permitting strategies and timelines aligned with aggressive project schedules for new power generation builds and expansions. Track permit conditions, compliance reporting, and renewal requirements; support audits and operational compliance for running generation assets. Monitor evolving Texas regulations on emissions, greenhouse gases, grid reliability, and energy infrastructure; provide risk assessments and mitigation recommendations to leadership. Support public hearings, variance requests, and stakeholder engagement as needed. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Law, Energy Engineering, or a related field. PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Direct experience with large-scale on-site generation projects (>50 MW) supporting data centers or hyper-scale facilities in Texas. Familiarity with BACT/LAER determinations, air dispersion modeling, and emissions control technologies for gas turbines. Experience with Texas Senate Bill 6 / data center powe