Hardcore Engineer - Infrastructure/Supercomputing
@ XAI

Palo Alto, California, United States
On Site
Posted 17 days ago

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Job Details

About xAI

xAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity. Our small, highly motivated team values engineering excellence and hands-on contribution in a flat organizational structure.

About the Role

Join our cutting-edge team at xAI as a Hardcore Engineer - Infrastructure & Supercomputing. You will design and build the backbone of next-generation AI infrastructure, tackling complex challenges in large-scale distributed systems, GPU optimization, and machine learning frameworks to accelerate human scientific discovery.

Location

This role is based in the Bay Area (San Francisco and Palo Alto). Candidates should be local or open to relocation.

What You’ll Do

  • Design and implement a large-scale distributed system for a supercomputing cluster.
  • Profile, debug, and optimize performance across GPUs, Linux kernel, networking, and filesystems.
  • Collaborate on hardware, software, and algorithm co-design for AI training.
  • Maintain and innovate the codebase for scalability and reliability.
  • Develop tools to boost team productivity and streamline workflows.

Tech Stack

Languages: Rust, C++, Golang

Ideal Experiences

  • Experience with scalable containerized applications in Rust.
  • Managing compute fleets using Pulumi, Terraform, Ansible, or similar automation tools.
  • Collaboration in a fast-paced, open environment to design and ship features.

Interview Process

  • Application Review: Submit your CV and statement of exceptional work.
  • Phone Interview (45 minutes): Discuss background, accomplishments, and motivation.
  • Main Interview Process including coding assessments, a systems hands-on session, and a project deep-dive.

Salary & Benefits

Annual Salary Range: $180,000 - $440,000 USD. Benefits include equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, disability and life insurance, plus various discounts and perks.

Equal Opportunity

xAI is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

Key skills/competency

Hardcore Engineer - Infrastructure & Supercomputing: distributed, Rust, C++, Golang, optimization, supercomputing, containerization, automation, debugging, scalability

How to Get Hired at XAI

🎯 Tips for Getting Hired

  • Research xAI's culture: Understand their mission and team dynamics.
  • Customize your resume: Highlight distributed systems and Rust experience.
  • Showcase coding skills: Prepare samples in C++, Rust, or Golang.
  • Practice technical interviews: Focus on debugging and optimization problems.

📝 Interview Preparation Advice

Technical Preparation

Practice coding in Rust, C++, Golang.
Study distributed system design fundamentals.
Refine debugging and profiling skills.
Review GPU and Linux kernel performance tuning.

Behavioral Questions

Describe handling complex system challenges.
Explain your teamwork and collaboration approach.
Discuss prioritization under pressure.
Share a past difficult project experience.

Frequently Asked Questions