Key skills
AILeadershipCommunication
About this role
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:
As a Fiber Foreman on xAI’s traveling data center build team, you will lead crews in the installation, testing, and commissioning of high-performance fiber optic infrastructure across multiple new and expanding data center sites. You’ll bring strong leadership, technical expertise, and a safety-first mindset to fast-paced hyperscale construction projects. This role involves significant travel to support greenfield and expansion builds, ensuring reliable, high-speed network connectivity that powers xAI’s AI training clusters. You will mentor technicians, drive execution excellence, and help deliver mission-critical infrastructure on aggressive timelines.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as crew leader for traveling fiber teams, managing daily work assignments, resource allocation, and execution based on Fiber Span sheets, site surveys, path planning, and cross-functional coordination.
- Lead and mentor a team of Fiber Technicians across multiple project sites, providing on-the-job training, technical guidance, and performance feedback.
- Oversee all phases of fiber optic installation projects from planning and mobilization through execution, testing, handover, and closeout at new data center builds.
- Ensure a safe, productive, high-quality, and compliant work environment in dynamic construction settings.
- Develop and monitor sensor indicators; conduct timely inspections and quality checks to prevent system issues.
- Troubleshoot, resolve, repair, and install complex fiber optics systems in both OSP and ISP environments.
- Lead fiber splicing (fusion and mechanical), termination, labeling, and certification activities.
- Examine, replace, and optimize faulty or aging fiber optic cables and infrastructure.
- Organize scheduled maintenance, testing routines, and documentation during build phases.
- Monitor signal strength, attenuation, and overall network performance; maintain detailed system records, as-built drawings, and designs.
- Coordinate closely with superintendents, project managers, other trades (electrical, mechanical, controls), and GC teams to align with overall data center construction schedules.
- Support site mobilization/demobilization, tool/equipment management, and knowledge transfer between projects.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- 5+ years of direct experience in fiber optic installation, splicing, and testing in large-scale data center or critical infrastructure environments (Tier 3/4 or hyperscale preferred).
- 2+ years in a foreman, crew lead, or supervisory role leading fiber/cabling teams.
- Proven experience working on traveling or multi-site construction/build projects.
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
- Strong hands-on knowledge of fiber optic best practices, OTDR/power meter testing, structured cabling, and safety protocols.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Certification in fiber optics and/or cable installation (e.g., FOA, BICSI, or equivalent).
- Extensive experience with fusion splicing, high-density fiber deployments, and hyperscale/AI/HPC data center environments.
- Technical knowledge of communication networks, different fiber types (single-mode, multi-mode, etc.), and associated systems.
- Background in data center greenfield construction or rapid deployment projects.
- Experience coordinating with general contractors and multi-trade teams in fast-paced builds.
- Proficiency with project documentation, digital tools, and quality assurance processes.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively (typically 50-75% or more, depending on project needs) to xAI data center construction sites across the US, with potential for extended stays at project locations.
- Ability to work in tight quarters, at elevated heights (up to 50 feet with proper safety gear), and in active construction environments.
- Ability to lift up to 35lbs unassisted and maintain physical dexterity for installation tasks.
- Comfortable working in high-noise environments and varying weather conditions.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours as dictated by project schedules and deadlines.
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (company vehicle or travel support provided).
xAI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.