About the Role
AI is seeking an experienced and strategic Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Lead to design, implement, and oversee our GRC framework particularly as we expand into government and public sector applications of AI. This critical role will ensure that xAI operates within regulatory, ethical, operational, and federal boundaries while fostering a culture of integrity and resilience. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to safeguard our mission-driven work in AI development and deployment, including support for sensitive and classified environments.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and maintain a robust governance framework to support xAI's strategic objectives and ensure alignment with industry best practices, including federal and DoD standards. • Establish policies, procedures, and controls to guide ethical AI development, data usage, corporate decision-making, and security configurations. • Partner with leadership, product, engineering, security, operations, people operations, and legal teams to integrate governance principles into product development, operational processes, and the implementation of new technical, administrative, and operational controls. • Lead security compliance implementation and audits (e.g., ISO 27001/42001, SOC2, FedRAMP HIGH, DoD Cloud Computing SRG IL5/IL6, NIST 800-53 rev 5, NIST 800-171/CMMC, Risk Management Framework). • Work with 3PAOs (Third-Party Assessment Organizations) and federal government Authorizing Officials (AOs) to achieve compliance certifications, reports, and Authorized to Operate (ATO) status. • Identify, assess, and prioritize risks related to AI operations, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and cloud deployments. • Design and implement risk mitigation strategies, including monitoring systems, contingency plans, vulnerability scans, Plan of Action and Milestones (POAMs), and STIGs. • Ensure the implementation, oversight, monitoring, and maintenance of security configurations, practices, and procedures throughout the project lifecycle. • Serve as a liaison between system owners, security personnel, and cross-functional teams to facilitate effective communication, collaboration, and control implementation. • Lead Risk Management Assessment and Authorization (A&A) processes, cloud system risk assessments, compliance reviews for new products/changes/features, and process enhancements. • Conduct regular risk assessments, scenario analyses, and proactive evaluations of emerging threats, certifications, requirements, and technologies in the AI landscape. • Monitor regulatory developments and advise leadership on their impact on xAI's operations and product roadmap. • Oversee audits, certifications, third-party assessments, and vulnerability management to maintain compliance and operational credibility. • Act as a subject matter expert, providing guidance on risk, compliance, and cybersecurity matters; translate business and technical risks for leadership. • Create and present regular reports on GRC performance, risks, and compliance status to senior leadership and stakeholders.
Qualifications
Previous systems engineering experience strongly preferred. Must have the ability to evaluate control objectives with IT configurations. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Cybersecurity, or a related field. Certifications like CISA, CRISC, CGEIT, Security+, CASP+, or similar preferred. 3+ years of experience in governance, risk management, compliance, or technology audit roles. Proven expertise in regulatory frameworks, data privacy, cybersecurity, and federal compliance standards, preferably in a technology, cloud, or AI-driven environment.
Preferred Skills
Experience in the tech or AI industry, particularly with startups, innovative organizations, or government/public sector engagements. Deep expertise implementing and maintaining frameworks such as FedRAMP, DoD Cloud Computing SRG, NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53, CMMC, and STIG/RMF policies (including validation via ACAS and similar tools). Familiarity with ISO 27001, ISO 42001, NIST, SOC 2, or similar compliance frameworks. Background in managing third-party risk, vendor compliance programs, or federal assessments. Understanding of cybersecurity controls for cloud service providers. Knowledge of government cloud services and evolving certification programs. Active security clearance with IAT Level 2 certification (e.g., Security+, CASP+). 5+ years of security compliance or technology audit-related.
Benefits
Annual Salary Range: $180,000 - $440,000 USD Base salary is just one part of our total rewards package at xAI, which also includes equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks.