Backend Engineer - Grok Chat (San Francisco)

About xAI

xAIs 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 companys 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 Role

Join a trailblazing team at xAI dedicated to crafting the ultimate personality and personalization engine for Grok. Were not just building an AIwere creating the most captivating, insightful, and indispensable companion for users worldwide. This is your chance to redefine how humans and AI connect, making Grok a standout presence in every users life.

As a Backend Engineer on the Grok Personalization team, youll architect state-of-the-art data systems to power personality training and personalization at scale. Youll push the boundaries of AI innovation, delivering cutting-edge capabilities through seamless, world-class user experiences. If you thrive on solving complex problems and want to leave your mark on a product that everyone loves, this is the role for you.

What Youll Do

• Design and build high-performance data systems to fuel Groks personalization and personality evolution.
• Innovate on frameworks for large-scale experimentation, ensuring Grok stays ahead of the curve.
• Collaborate with brilliant minds to deliver AI-driven features that delight and empower users.
• Own projects end-to-end, driving them from concept to production with speed and precision.

Who You Are

• A self-starter who thrives on turning ambitious ideas into reality with relentless execution.
• A coding wizard fluent in Python or Rust, with a knack for writing clean, scalable code.
• Experienced in crafting experiment frameworks for consumer-facing products at massive scale.
• A pro at building robust, large-scale data systems that power cutting-edge technology.
• Battle-tested in delivering consumer products that reach millions and make an impact.
• Passionate about AI and obsessed with creating products that users cant live without.

Tech Stack

• Python
• Rust

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 assessment in a language of your choice.
2. Systems hands-on: Demonstrate practical skills in a live problem-solving session.
3. Project deep-dive: Present your past exceptional work to a small audience.
4. Meet and greet with the wider team.

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

Annual Salary Range

$180,000 - $440,000 USD

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.