Permitting Specialist (Data Centers)

About the role

We are seeking an exceptional Permitting Specialist with deep experience in data center permitting in Texas to lead regulatory approvals for xAI’s large-scale AI supercomputing facilities and associated power infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Navigate complex local, state, and federal regulatory processes — with particular emphasis on Texas requirements (TDLR, TCEQ, ERCOT, local municipalities) — while supporting our primary Memphis operations and potential future expansions.
• Lead preparation, submission, and tracking of all permitting applications for data center construction, expansion, and power systems, including TDLR project registrations, TCEQ air/water permits, zoning/SUP approvals, and building permits.
• Manage Texas-specific permitting processes such as qualifying data center certifications for tax incentives, ERCOT interconnection support, and environmental compliance (NSR, Title V, stormwater, etc.).
• Cook up technical documentation, drawings, and studies required for permit applications.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies, municipalities, consultants, and stakeholders in Texas and Tennessee to expedite reviews and resolve issues.
• Conduct regulatory due diligence for new sites, perform gap analyses, and develop permitting strategies and timelines aligned with aggressive project schedules.
• Track permit conditions, compliance obligations, and renewal requirements; support audits, reporting, and ongoing operational permits.
• Monitor evolving regulations (e.g., Texas Senate Bill 6, air quality rules, water usage) and advise leadership on risks and mitigation strategies.
• Prepare presentations, respond to public comments, and support hearings or variance requests as needed.

Basic qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Engineering, Law, or a related field.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience supporting hyper-scale AI or HPC data center developments in Texas.
• Familiarity with on-site natural gas generation permitting, air emissions modeling, and power infrastructure approvals.
• Knowledge of federal regulations (EPA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act) as they apply to data centers.
• Experience with environmental consultants, traffic studies, noise assessments, and community engagement.
• Experience in permitting for large-scale data centers, power generation, or industrial facilities, with direct, hands-on experience in Texas.
• Strong knowledge of Texas regulatory landscape: TDLR, TCEQ air/water permitting, local zoning/SUP processes, ERCOT, and data center-specific incentives.
• Proven track record managing complex, multi-agency permit packages under tight deadlines in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple work streams simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and agency interactions.

Additional requirements

• Willingness to travel to other project locations as needed.
• Ability to work extended hours during critical permitting phases.
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset in high-ambiguity settings.