Software Engineer - Distributed Data Systems at xAI

Location: Palo Alto Employment Type: Full-time Salary: Not specified

About the Role

About the Role As a Software Engineer for Distributed Data Systems on the X product engineering team, you will play a key role in delivering comprehensive data solutions that empower a wide range of stakeholders, from end-users to internal teams like Product, AI, Marketing, Ads, and Sales. Our work leverages AI, distributed computing, and hybrid storage technologies, while tackling challenges beyond pure data problems to unlock the full potential of data for our diverse user base. Ideal candidates are passionate about scalable systems, thrive in fast-paced environments, and are eager to drive innovation at the intersection of data and product impact. Responsibilities You will contribute to the distributed data system that manages hundreds of real-time and batch pipelines, processing billions of events daily. Our team operates like an internal startup, owning projects that fuel engineering innovation and experimentation. This includes: Rapidly prototyping and building software to improve, automate, or accelerate various internal processes and products. Passionately transforming large-scale data into meaningful value for users and the business. Iterating quickly based on feedback, with a strong focus on delivering efficient, accurate, and reliable data solutions. Adapting swiftly to different toolings, infrastructures, and environments, adjusting solutions as needed. Required Qualifications We are looking for an engineer with 2+ years of professional software engineering experience, ideally in data engineering or distributed systems. Hands-on expertise in Python, Rust, Scala, or Java, along with data pipeline tools and distributed systems. Knowledge of real-time and batch data processing tools such as Spark, Kafka, Flink, SQL, and various storage systems including RDBMS and NoSQL. Experience solving large-scale problems, with comfort in incremental quality improvements while building entirely new systems to enable future enhancements. Proven track record of translating product requirements into engineering implementation plans, and effectively communicating across groups (e.g., AI, product, marketing/sales, and engineering). Interview Process After submitting your application, the team will review your CV and statement of exceptional work. If selected, you'll proceed to a 15-minute initial interview ("phone interview") with basic questions from a team member. Clearing this leads to the main process: 2-3 in-person technical interviews focused on coding and system design. A meet-and-greet with the wider team. Our goal is to complete the main process within one week. Annual Salary Range $180,000 - $440,000 USD Benefits 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.

About xAI:

xAI's mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge.

• 🚀 Building Grok - advanced AI assistant
• 💻 Operating world-class AI supercomputing clusters
• 🎯 Small, highly motivated team focused on engineering excellence
• 🏢 Flat organizational structure with hands-on leadership

Founded by Elon Musk

Contact

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Apply: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/xai/jobs/4929854007