Site Reliability Engineer - Data Center

Pantera Capital; Southaven (MS); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceXAI in Memphis is seeking a Site Reliability Engineer focused on hardware to own firmware analysis, hardware specs, vendor relations, and failure analysis. You will anticipate issues, manage RMA processes, and stay ahead of new hardware technologies to support data center operations.

This role requires deep technical expertise in hardware diagnostics, strong scripting in Python or Bash, and the ability to work hands-on in a small, fast-moving startup environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 2+ years of hardware reliability engineering experience in data centers or HPC.
• Proven expertise in firmware analysis, hardware specifications review, and release validation.
• Strong experience with RMA processes, vendor negotiations, and resolution pursuit.
• Ability to diagnose complex hardware failures including grey or intermittent issues using tools and data.
• Familiarity with data center hardware components and emerging technologies.
• Proficiency in Python and Bash for automation; experience in C/C++ or Java/Rust is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze firmware packages and hardware specs for compatibility, performance, and reliability; run CVE scans and flag safety issues.
• Investigate and diagnose hardware failures, incl. grey failures, via rigorous testing and data analysis.
• Manage vendor relationships, initiate RMAs, negotiate resolutions beyond standard processes.
• Collaborate with Data Center Operations Technicians to troubleshoot and optimize hardware systems.
• Develop monitoring tools, scripts, and processes to detect hardware anomalies early.
• Document failure modes, RCAs, AFR models, and RMA outcomes into a team knowledge base.
• Participate in on-call rotations and incident response for hardware issues in the Memphis data center.

Skills

Firmware analysis

Hardware reliability

RMA processes

Vendor negotiations

Data-driven analysis

Python scripting

C/C++/Java/Rust

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field

Tools

Python

Bash

C

C++

Java

Rust

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.

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