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xAI

Software Engineer (Backend & Data processing)

Posted 2 Days Ago
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London, Greater London, England
Mid level
London, Greater London, England
Mid level
The Software Engineer will design and develop high-quality distributed systems, focusing on backend infrastructure and processing data. Key responsibilities include writing Python bindings, API design, and working with a range of technologies to ensure system reliability and scalability in a dynamic startup environment.
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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 engineers and researchers are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

About the team

The xAI London team is a team of software engineers with a focus on large-scale, highly-reliable distributed systems. We work on many different levels of the stack ranging from build systems, to production backend infrastructure, and frontend development. For example, we built large parts of the Grok production stack. We focus on building high-quality software and aren’t afraid to delve into technically complex topics to solve problems the right way.

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced and versatile software engineer who can thrive in a dynamic start-up environment. An ideal candidate meets at least the following requirements:

  • Expert in at least one programming language that compiles to machine code such as Rust, C++, or Go. Rust or C++ experience is preferred,
  • Expert in Python and writing Python bindings in a compiled language such as C (using the Python API), C++ (pybind11, SWIG,  CLIF), or Rust (pyo3),
  • Experience in designing reliable and horizontally scalable distributed systems,
  • Experience in API design.

Additionally, experience in any of the following technologies may help a candidate stand out:

  • TypeScript and React or Angular
  • gRPC
  • Kubernetes
  • JAX
  • CUDA
  • MLIR
  • Triton
  • XLA

Location

The role is based in our London office close to Piccadilly Circus underground station. We usually work from the office 5 days a week but allow for work-from-home days when required. Candidates must be willing to attend late meetings at least twice a week to coordinate with the rest of our team, which is based in California. This role includes semi-regular business trips to California.

Interview process

After submitting your application, the team reviews your CV and statement of exceptional work. If your application passes this stage, you will be invited to a 15 minute interview (“phone interview”) during which a member of our team will ask some basic questions. If you clear the initial phone interview, you will enter the main process, which consists of four technical interviews:

  1. Coding interview in Rust, C++ or Go,
  2. Coding interview in Python,
  3. Distributed systems design interview,
  4. Meet the wider team and give a 20 minute presentation about the most difficult technical problems you have solved.

Our goal is to finish the process within one week. All interviews will be conducted via Google Meet.

Benefits

  • Competitive cash-based compensation
  • xAI equity
  • Private health and dental insurance
  • Unlimited time off subject to prior approval

xAI is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, medical conditions, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. 

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act. 

For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:

xAI reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment: 

  • Access to information technology systems and confidential information, including proprietary and trade secret information, and/or user data;
  • Interacting with internal and/or external clients and colleagues; and
  • Exercising sound judgment.

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Notice

Top Skills

C++
Go
Python
Rust

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