Permitting Specialist (Power Generation)

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 power incentives and related energy infrastructure approvals.

• Background supporting both construction and operational phases of power plants.

• Prior work with consultants on noise, traffic, cultural resources, and endangered species assessments.

• Direct experience in power generation permitting, with strong hands-on expertise in Texas.

• Proven success securing major air permits (NSR/PSD/Title V), ERCOT approvals, and related authorizations for natural gas-fired turbines or similar generation projects.

• Deep knowledge of TCEQ air permitting rules, ERCOT processes, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulations, and federal CAA requirements.

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle multiple complex permit applications simultaneously under tight deadlines.

• Strong technical writing and communication skills for regulatory filings and agency interactions.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to travel frequently to Texas for agency meetings, hearings, and site visits as needed.

• Ability to work extended hours during critical permitting and comment response periods.

• Detail-oriented, proactive, and solutions-focused mindset in a fast-moving, high-ambiguity environment.

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