Gas Pipeline Engineer
Job description
About the role
SpaceXAI is actively searching for a Gas Pipeline Engineer to join our critical infrastructure team and design the natural gas systems that fuel our AI supercomputing operations. In this position, you will own the end to end safety and efficiency of fuel delivery to our Colossus supercluster, ensuring uninterrupted power for complex AI workloads. You will analyze and engineer high pressure gas delivery pathways, integrating mechanical integrity with operational reliability in demanding data center settings. The role requires a commitment to strict regulatory adherence and a focus on protecting both personnel and the environment through robust system design. You will work closely with power generation specialists to align gas infrastructure with the unique demands of hyperscale computing. Success in this role means contributing directly to the uptime and resilience of the systems that drive our mission to understand the universe through advanced AI. You will be responsible for translating technical standards into practical solutions that keep our fuel systems reliable, efficient, and compliant.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Design high-pressure natural gas pipelines, including metering stations, valves, and connections to gas turbines, ensuring optimal flow and safety.
- Conduct detailed engineering analysis for stress, hydraulics, and materials selection using CAESAR II and Aspen tools to model system behavior.
- Create and revise Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams, technical specifications, and construction drawings while supporting the project lifecycle from procurement to commissioning.
- Ensure all designs and operational procedures strictly comply with PHMSA regulations, DOT 49 CFR 192 and 195, ASME B31.3 and B31.8 standards, NFPA codes, and local environmental requirements.
- Collaborate with power generation, electrical, and construction teams to seamlessly integrate gas systems with turbine installations, controls, and safety systems.
- Perform comprehensive risk assessments, HAZOP studies, and root cause analysis to identify and mitigate issues related to gas system failures or anomalies.
- Interface with utility providers and regulatory bodies to manage permitting, schedule inspections, and maintain ongoing integrity management programs for gas infrastructure.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance the reliability, efficiency, and safety of fuel gas systems in support of current operations and future power expansion.
- Develop detailed engineering calculations and reports that document design decisions, verification methods, and compliance justification for internal and external review.
- Support the implementation of leak detection technologies, odorization programs, and corrosion control strategies to maintain long term system integrity.
- Coordinate maintenance planning and reliability assessments to minimize downtime and ensure that gas systems meet the availability needs of AI and HPC loads.
- Contribute to the development of emergency response procedures and participate in drills to validate the performance of gas infrastructure under abnormal conditions.
- Evaluate new materials, technologies, and construction practices that can improve safety, reduce emissions, and optimize lifecycle costs for gas delivery systems.
- Document all engineering deliverables in a clear, organized manner to facilitate knowledge transfer and future system upgrades.
Requirements
- Hold a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Pipeline Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
- Possess 1 or more years of professional experience in natural gas pipeline design, operation, or integrity management, preferably within power generation or industrial project environments.
- Demonstrate the ability to work extended hours and remain fully onsite during critical project phases, including emergencies or startup activities.
- Show capability to operate effectively in industrial and data center settings, including performing occasional physical tasks such as climbing ladders and lifting equipment.
- Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with internal engineering teams, regulators, and external partners.
- Maintain a strong commitment to safety protocols and the ability to follow complex procedures in high consequence environments.
- Be comfortable working with detailed engineering drawings, technical specifications, and calculation reports in a fast paced setting.
- Possess problem solving skills that allow for rapid analysis of system issues and the development of practical corrective actions.
Nice to have
- Hold a Master's degree in Engineering or a related discipline or possess a Professional Engineer license.
- Bring direct experience with natural gas turbine power plants, including familiarity with turbine fuel systems and emissions controls.
- Have background in hyperscale data center backup power systems, particularly those interfacing with gas distribution networks.
- Understand the engineering and operational aspects of large scale on site generation facilities, especially turbines exceeding 10 MW integrated with AI and HPC loads.
- Have experience managing permitting processes, regulatory compliance, and environmental monitoring for gas infrastructure projects.
- Knowledge of advanced leak detection systems, odorization practices, corrosion control methods, and emergency response planning.
- Demonstrated history of improving system reliability or reducing risk in mission critical fuel gas delivery environments.
Practical notes
- This role directly impacts the power reliability for our Colossus supercluster, requiring consistent onsite presence during normal operations and critical maintenance windows.
- Candidates must be available to work extended hours when project milestones or operational incidents demand additional support.
- Travel is generally limited to the Memphis, TN region, although site visits to external facilities may be required to ensure system integration and compliance.
- This position is full-time and onsite, and successful candidates are expected to adhere to all project timelines and regulatory deadlines without exception.