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Power Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

xAI

Power Generation Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

As a Power Generation Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in powering this groundbreaking infrastructure. You will be responsible for the reliable operation and optimization of our natural gas ...

xAI

Power Generation Engineer

Memphis, TN

As a Power Generation Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in powering this groundbreaking infrastructure. You will be responsible for the reliable operation and optimization of our natural gas ...

EnerNex, LLC

Power Systems Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Conducting engineering studies on utility power systems. Education: Electrical Engineering degree from an accredited ABET university with emphasis on power systems. Required Skills: * Six months of ...

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All JobsPower Engineer JobsPower Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Power Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$20.4K

$88.3K

$155.2K

How much do power engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for power engineer in Tennessee is $88,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,200.00 and $121,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Power engineers and electrical engineers can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in large companies or specialized industries. High salaries are often associated with senior positions, project management, or working in high-demand sectors such as energy or utilities. However, such earnings are not typical for entry-level or mid-career roles.

What are Power Engineers?

Power Engineers are professionals who design, operate, maintain, and manage systems that generate, transmit, and distribute electrical power. They work with equipment like generators, transformers, circuit breakers, and power grids to ensure reliable and efficient delivery of electricity. Power Engineers are employed in various industries, including utilities, manufacturing, and large facilities, and play a key role in troubleshooting and optimizing energy systems. Their responsibilities also include ensuring compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Power Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering or a related field, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with power system analysis software (such as ETAP or PSCAD), SCADA systems, and grid management tools is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork skills help you collaborate on complex projects and convey technical information clearly. These competencies are essential for ensuring the reliable design, operation, and maintenance of power systems critical to modern infrastructure.

What is the difference between Power Engineer vs Mechanical Technician?

AspectPower EngineerMechanical Technician
CredentialsCertification (e.g., 4th or 3rd Class Power Engineer)Trade certification or diploma in mechanical technology
Work EnvironmentPower plants, industrial facilities, HVAC systemsManufacturing, maintenance, equipment repair
Industry UsageEnergy, utilities, industrial operationsManufacturing, maintenance services

Power Engineers and Mechanical Technicians often work in similar industrial environments, but Power Engineers focus on operating and maintaining energy systems and boilers, requiring specific certifications. Mechanical Technicians handle equipment repairs and maintenance, often with different certifications. Both roles are essential in industrial settings, but Power Engineers typically have more responsibility for system operation and safety.

What engineers make $500,000?

Power engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles or specialized fields like petroleum engineering, software engineering, or investment banking. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership responsibilities in large organizations may approach or exceed this level, especially with bonuses and stock options.

Can I make 200K as an electrical engineer?

Power engineers and electrical engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in areas like power systems or renewable energy can potentially earn salaries around or above $200,000 annually, especially in senior or managerial roles. Salary levels depend on factors such as location, industry, company size, and years of experience.

What do you do as a power engineer?

A power engineer designs, operates, and maintains electrical power systems, including generators, transformers, and distribution equipment. They ensure the reliable and efficient supply of electricity, often working with control systems, safety protocols, and industry standards. Certification and technical skills in electrical engineering are typically required for this role.

What are some typical challenges Power Engineers face when working on large-scale energy projects?

Power Engineers working on large-scale energy projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with evolving safety and environmental regulations, and managing complex project timelines. Additionally, they must troubleshoot unexpected technical issues in power generation, transmission, or distribution systems while maintaining system reliability. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate these challenges and deliver successful project outcomes.

What Do Power Engineers Do?

Power engineers monitor power and utility systems in an industrial or commercial facility. As a power engineer, your duties include following all processes, performing equipment repairs and maintenance, and adhering to safe operating procedures. You are in charge of the facility’s entire electrical grid, including the lighting, air conditioning, water treatment, and all other power generation systems. To ensure the smooth operation of your facility’s boiler systems, electrical systems, and other systems of power transmission, you communicate and work closely with the other engineers in your company.

More about Power Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Engineer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Power Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Power Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Power Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Power Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Power Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Power Engineer jobs in TN? For Power Engineer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Power Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,315 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Power Generation Engineer

xAI

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

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:
xAI is building Colossus, the world's largest AI supercomputer, right here in Memphis. As a Power Generation Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in powering this groundbreaking infrastructure. You will be responsible for the reliable operation and optimization of our natural gas power generation plants, ensuring uninterrupted, high-efficiency power delivery to our state-of-the-art AI datacenter. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of energy engineering and cutting-edge AI technology, contributing to advancements that push the boundaries of human knowledge. If you thrive in a dynamic, high-stakes environment where your expertise directly impacts global innovation, this role is for you.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Oversee the daily operations of natural gas turbines and associated power generation equipment, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with safety and environmental standards.
  • Monitor and analyze power generation systems to detect and resolve issues proactively, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency for the datacenter's massive computational demands.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers and datacenter operations, to integrate power systems seamlessly with AI infrastructure needs.
  • Conduct regular maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrades on turbines, generators, and control systems to support scalable power requirements.
  • Develop and implement strategies for energy efficiency, cost reduction, and sustainable power generation practices.
  • Lead root cause analysis for any power-related incidents and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Ensure all operations adhere to regulatory requirements, including those from local, state, and federal agencies governing natural gas plants.
  • Mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in power management.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in power generation, with a focus on natural gas plants, turbines, or similar high-reliability energy systems.
  • Strong understanding of turbine operations, control systems, and power distribution in industrial settings.
  • Proven track record in troubleshooting complex mechanical and electrical issues in power generation environments.
  • Familiarity with safety protocols, environmental regulations, and industry standards (e.g., ASME, IEEE).
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
  • 8+ years of experience, including leadership roles in power plant operations or datacenter energy management.
  • Expertise in natural gas turbine technologies (e.g., GE, Siemens) and combined cycle power plants.
  • Knowledge of renewable energy integration or hybrid power systems.
  • Certifications such as PE (Professional Engineer) or CEM (Certified Energy Manager).
  • Prior work in high-tech or mission-critical facilities, such as datacenters or aerospace.

xAI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

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