Special Projects Lead

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

About the Role

We are seeking a driven and operationally savvy Strategic Project Lead to join xAI’s Human Data team, where you will orchestrate high-impact data operations to advance our mission of building a trusted global digital public square. In this hands-on role, you will manage the end-to-end lifecycle of data creation projects, collaborating with top AI researchers and overseeing thousands of contributors to deliver high-quality datasets that power cutting-edge AI models. Ideal candidates thrive in high-intensity environments, excel at process optimization, and are passionate about building strong client relationships while ensuring flawless execution under tight timelines.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage end-to-end data pipelines, from customer specifications to final delivery, ensuring alignment with xAI’s objectives.
• Diagnose bottlenecks, restructure workflows, and implement solutions to enhance quality, throughput, and cost-efficiency (e.g., creating incentive systems, re-sequencing workflows, refining instructions, and scaling review processes).
• Act as the primary point of contact for leading AI researchers, delivering clear reporting and proactively anticipating client needs to build long-term trust and identify expansion opportunities.
• Orchestrate the work of 1,000+ distributed contributors in Slack-based workspaces, managing sourcing, vetting, training, and performance to maintain high execution standards.
• Lead daily internal syncs (“war rooms”) to stay ahead of issues and provide regular, transparent progress updates to customers.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience in consulting, finance, startups, or other operationally intense environments.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with a track record of managing complex, high-stakes projects.
• Experience working directly with high-profile clients, building trust and delivering exceptional results.
• A gritty, hands-on mindset, with a passion for process optimization and large-scale execution.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with demanding timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing large-scale, distributed teams or workflows, ideally in data operations or AI-related projects.
• Familiarity with AI model development or data pipeline management for machine learning applications.
• Proven ability to identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and quality.
• A passion for xAI’s mission to advance AI and foster open public discourse.
• A proactive, problem-solving approach with a touch of humor to thrive in a high-intensity, mission-driven environment.

Location, Hourly, and Other Expectations

• This position is based in Palo Alto, CA in-office 5 days per week
• We are unable to provide visa sponsorship.
• Team members are expected to work from 9:00am - 5:30pm PST
• You must own and have reliable access to a smartphone.

Annual Salary Range

$150,000 - $230,000 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.

xAI is an equal opportunity employer.

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