Project Manager, Construction

About the role

We’re seeking an experienced Construction Project Manager with a strong engineering background to lead mission-critical build efforts for our data center in Memphis, Tennessee. As a key on-site leader, you’ll bring technical credibility, engineering expertise, and steady leadership to fast-paced, high-impact projects. You’ll own site relationships, collaborate closely with technical, design, and construction teams, and report to central construction leadership, with potential shifts in reporting lines as projects evolve.

Responsibilities

• Act as the senior construction representative for the Memphis data center, managing relationships with contractors, partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Oversee end-to-end project execution, from pre-construction and site development through commissioning and handover.
• Cook up multiple vendors and trade partners, ensuring seamless communication between field teams, engineering disciplines, and technical stakeholders.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks to ensure high-quality delivery, safety, schedule adherence, and operational readiness.
• Drive project progress, resolving roadblocks and keeping complex, multi-phase timelines on track.
• Create and align construction schedules and deliverables with xAI’s broader infrastructure and AI supercomputing goals through cross-functional collaboration.
• Partner with engineering and commissioning teams to guide technical integration and resolve issues efficiently.
• Deliver regular updates using well-designed KPIs, dashboards, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure the project meets technical, quality, and engineering standards outlined in the base design.
• Perform quantity take-offs, field verifications, and progress monitoring to support accurate forecasting and reporting.
• Manage change orders, identifying value-engineered solutions to minimize unnecessary changes and control costs.
• Lead site safety initiatives, fostering a consistent and effective safety culture.
• Adapt to evolving needs, supporting cross-functional partners as required, regardless of original job scope.

Basic qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience managing large-scale construction projects, with a focus on data centers, mission-critical facilities, or industrial infrastructure.
• Strong engineering background with proven ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and technical requirements across multiple disciplines.
• Demonstrated success leading on-site construction teams with authority and building trust with vendors, partners, and technical stakeholders.
• Experience managing large programs involving multiple vendors, dynamic priorities, and complex coordination.
• Excellent communication skills across disciplines, from field-level updates to technical escalations with engineering teams.
• Thrives in solving complex, real-time problems with adaptability, composure, and data-driven decision making.
• Ability to travel as needed.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience in data center or hyperscale construction projects.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or advanced engineering credentials.
• Familiarity with Memphis/Shelby County building codes, regulations, and permitting processes.
• Experience with commissioning, MEP systems, structural works, or site development for technical facilities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex construction and engineering challenges.
• Proficiency with construction management tools (Procore, Primavera P6, Bluebeam, etc.).

Additional requirements

• Position is subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing.
• Position is subject to pre-employment and annual post-employment background checks.
• Comfortable working in an environment requiring exposure to noise and construction.
• Available to work evenings and weekends, as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required.
• Ability to lift 25+ pounds.