Backend Engineer - Grok Imagine

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 are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

About the Role

Join the innovative team at xAI, where we're redefining AI-driven media experiences for Grok users worldwide. As a Backend Engineer, you'll build and scale robust systems that power immersive, multi-modal media interactions, leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies. Your work will drive seamless, engaging user experiences, harnessing the potential of advanced models to captivate and delight millions. If you're passionate about tackling complex challenges and creating innovative backend solutions for AI-powered media, this is your chance to shape the future.

What You’ll Do

• Design and implement scalable backend systems to support Grok's AI-driven media experiences, ensuring high performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including frontend engineers and AI researchers, to deliver captivating, media-rich features.
• Build and optimize large-scale data pipelines to process and analyze multi-modal data, fueling continuous improvement of Grok's media capabilities.
• Architect robust infrastructure to handle real-time media interactions, enabling seamless user experiences at a global scale.
• Own end-to-end development of backend solutions, from system design to deployment and monitoring, delivering production-ready code with precision.

Who You Are

• A driven problem-solver who thrives on turning innovative ideas into scalable, high-impact solutions.
• Proficient in Python or Rust, with a knack for writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code.
• Experienced in building backend systems for consumer-facing products, with a focus on performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Skilled in designing and managing large-scale data infrastructure to support AI-driven applications, particularly in media or multi-modal contexts.
• Passionate about AI and media technologies, with a commitment to creating user-focused products that inspire and engage.
• Proven ability to deliver production-ready solutions to millions of users, ensuring robustness and seamless performance.

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

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.

xAI is an equal opportunity employer.

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