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Sr. Physical Security Systems Engineer

San Francisco & Palo Alto, CA

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 engineers and researchers are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

About the Role

The CorpSec Tech Team engineers systems and infrastructure that collaborate with internal CorpSec teams to protect our people and facilities. The team is responsible for supporting and managing several mission critical applications used by Corporate Security. You will help manage and grow these systems in collaboration with the xAI global team.

We’re looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to join our high functioning Physical Security team. You should understand how to manage vendors across multiple sites/regions, prioritize inbound work requests, keep costs down and evaluate technology solutions. You should be able to build effective, trust-based relationships with key partners inside and outside the company. In this role you will have the opportunity to  be creative and dig deeply into problems, identify root causes, and recommend sustainable solutions.    

xAI’s highly visible role in the world means we need to operate at a very high level in a high threat environment.  

This is an in-person role based in the San Francisco Bay Area and requires regular travel to all xAI sites.

Responsibilities

  • Thinking critically about our physical security risks to our employees' and facilities and design and implement and manage security that mitigate those risks.
  • Working with xAI's Corporate Security team to find, implement and maintain technology based solutions to our very dynamic set of physical security challenges.
  • Triaging and coordinating service calls and repair, and creating closing reports for each service ticket.
  • Coordinating cost effective vendor service calls and managing technicians until issues are resolved, including remote testing all hardware fixes with on-site technicians or service partners
  • Supporting the testing, commissioning, and configuration of security devices for small projects.
  • Keeping accurate and up to date records of job status, costs, job changes, and other control records necessary for on-going service calls or projects.
  • Managing SOPs and other documentation for system architecture and security system standards.
  • Assisting with physical security audits
  • Working with xAI Team members to find confidential technology or security engineering solutions to address their physical security challenges.
  • Mentoring others (in your work or outside of it) and help colleagues learn and grow through constructive and supportive feedback sessions.
  • Looking for opportunities to grow and learn.

Basic Qualifications

  • 8+ years in Access Control and Video Surveillance systems administration.
  • 5+ years experience in Project or Service Coordinator role desirable or relevant experience with other technical support teams.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; or equivalent experience in security systems.
  • Prior experience as an in-field technician or security systems integrator.
  • Solid understanding of networking as applied to IP cameras, network video recorders, access control panels and IT troubleshooting.
  • Ability to learn how to, or past experience with, analyzing and visualizing data to create useful metrics for the corporate security team.
  • Experience using CAD software and reading architectural drawings is highly desirable.
  • Familiarity with Genetec software is a plus.
  • Proficiency in hardware troubleshooting and system diagnostics.
  • Experience configuring security and network architecture in integrated security systems.
  • Familiarity with current security technology trends and innovations.
  • Certifications such as CPP (Certified Protection Professional) or PSP (Physical Security Professional) are highly desirable.
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication skills for effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders.
  • Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment on highly condensed timelines.

 Additional Requirements: 

  • Regular sitting at a desk or computer for extended periods, typing and writing. Occasionally walking, around the facility and standing.
  • You’re willing to be periodically part of an out-of-hours on-call schedule (we’re flexible if you need to change times, but it’s about collectively supporting and owning services we create).
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Annual Salary Range

  • $180,000 - $240,000 USD

xAI is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, medical conditions, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. 

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act. 

For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:

xAI reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment: 

  • Access to information technology systems and confidential information, including proprietary and trade secret information, and/or user data;
  • Interacting with internal and/or external clients and colleagues; and
  • Exercising sound judgment.

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