Site Reliability Engineer - Data Center

Socket.dev; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceXAI is seeking a Site Reliability Engineer focused on hardware to lead firmware analysis, hardware spec reviews, and failure diagnostics for data center operations in Memphis. You will manage RMAs, vendor relations, and contribute to real-time troubleshooting with operations technicians.

The role requires deep hardware diagnostic skills, scripting for automation, and experience with servers, GPUs, and networking gear in high-performance environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 2+ years in hardware reliability engineering or data center contexts.
• Experience with firmware analysis and release validation.
• Strong RMA/fault management and vendor negotiation skills.
• Proficient in scripting for automation; familiarity with a systems language.

Responsibilities

• Analyze firmware and hardware specs for compatibility, performance, and reliability.
• Run CVE/vulnerability analysis on firmware and components; flag safety issues.
• Investigate grey hardware failures and prove defects via testing and data.
• Manage vendor relationships and RMA processes; negotiate resolutions.
• Collaborate with Data Center Ops Technicians to troubleshoot and repair hardware.
• Develop monitoring tools and scripts to detect anomalies and reduce downtime.
• Document failure modes, RCAs, AFR models, and RMA outcomes in a team knowledge base.
• Participate in on-call rotations for hardware incidents in Memphis.

Skills

Python scripting

Bash scripting

C/C++/Rust

Firmware analysis

Hardware reliability

Data center ops

Diagnostics & troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's in Systems/EE/CS

Tools

Logic analyzers

Diagnostics software

Job description

SpaceXAI’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 Site Reliability Engineer focused on Hardware, you will serve as an expert focused on firmware, hardware specifications, vendor relations, and failure analysis. You will proactively identify and resolve hardware issues, manage RMA processes, and stay ahead of emerging hardware technologies to support SpaceXAI's data center operations. This role demands deep technical expertise in hardware diagnostics, and forward-looking hardware evaluation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze firmware packages and hardware specifications for upcoming releases for compatibility, performance, and reliability in SpaceXAI's data center environment. Run security scanning and CVE / vulnerability analysis on firmware and related components. Flag safety issues (electrical, thermal, power-protection, fail-safe behavior) before the package hits the floor.
• Investigate and diagnose hardware failures, including "grey failures" (ambiguous or intermittent issues), proving them as true hardware defects through rigorous testing and data analysis.
• Manage vendor relationships, including initiating RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) claims, negotiating beyond standard processes when necessary, and holding vendors accountable for resolutions.
• Collaborate with Data Center Operations Technicians to troubleshoot, repair, and optimize hardware systems in real-time.
• Develop and implement monitoring tools, scripts, and processes to detect hardware anomalies early and minimize downtime.
• Document failure modes, RCAs, AFR / reliability models, RMA outcomes, and hardware evaluations into a team knowledge base.
• Participate in on-call rotations and incident response for hardware-related issues in the Memphis data center

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2+ years of experience in hardware reliability engineering, preferably in high-performance computing or data center environments.
• Proven expertise in firmware analysis, hardware specifications review, and release validation.
• Strong experience with RMA processes, including filing claims, vendor negotiations, and pushing for resolutions outside standard protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and prove complex hardware failures, including grey or intermittent issues, using tools, logic analyzers, or diagnostic software.
• Familiarity with data center hardware components (e.g., servers, GPUs, networking equipment) and emerging technologies.
• Proficiency in scripting (Python, Bash) for automation and analysis, plus general experience in at least one systems language (C, C++, Java, Rust, or similar). Not required to be expert in all of them.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven approach to reliability engineering.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams, including operations technicians.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in AI/ML infrastructure or supercomputing environments.
• Knowledge of vendor ecosystems (e.g., NVIDIA, Dell, HP, Supermicro) and supply chain management.
• Certifications in hardware engineering or reliability (e.g., CRE, CompTIA Server+).
• Prior work in a fast‑paced startup or tech company like SpaceXAI.

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