System Design Specialist

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

As a Software Engineering Specialist on the Human Data team, you'll create cutting-edge datasets for training, benchmarking, and advancing large language models, collaborating closely with technical staff. You'll support xAI's mission by teaching AI models about human interactions, reactions, and problem-solving approaches through labeling and annotating data in text, voice, and video formats. This includes curating code examples, providing precise solutions, and making corrections in Python, JavaScript (including ReactJS), C/C++, Java, Rust, and Go; evaluating and refining AI-generated code for efficiency, scalability, and reliability; and working with cross-functional teams to enhance enterprise-level AI-driven coding solutions. Tasks may involve gathering or providing data, such as recording audio or video sessions, with which candidates must be comfortable to drive innovation.

Responsibilities

• AI model training initiatives by curating code examples, offering precise solutions, and meticulous corrections in Python, JavaScript (including ReactJS), C/C++, Java, Rust and Go. The System Design Specialist will focus on any and all System Design aspects, as listed in ‘Required Qualifications’ section.
• Evaluate and refine AI-generated code, ensuring it adheres to industry standards for efficiency, scalability, and reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance AI-driven coding solutions, ensuring they meet enterprise-level quality and performance benchmarks.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience working with large codebases
• 5+ years of professional experience designing, implementing, deploying, and testing distributed systems
• Strong knowledge of data structures and algorithms
• Experience integrating databases (e.g. MySQL, MongoDB)
• Experience creating and extending database schemas
• Experience with application specific frameworks (e.g. SpringBoot, ASP.NET)
• Experience with integrating with cloud services (e.g. AWS, Azure)
• Experience with integration of logging, performance monitoring, and alerting systems
• Strong understanding of application tradeoffs when choosing different technologies or implementations

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate for this role is adaptable, possesses strong logical reasoning skills, is detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced work environment.
• Experience with containerization tools (Docker or Podman)
• Proficiency in 2 or more programming languages (e.g. Python, JS, Java, C++)

Location, Hourly & Other Expectations

• US-based candidates cannot be hired in Wyoming or Illinois at this time.
• Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Team members are expected to work from 9:00am - 5:30pm PST for the first two weeks of training, and 9:00am - 5:30pm in their own timezone thereafter.
• For remote positions, candidates should have a reliable high-speed internet connection, along with a functioning camera and microphone for seamless participation in virtual meetings.

Interview Process

After submitting your application, our team will review your CV and statement of exceptional work. If your application advances, you will be invited to a 15-minute phone interview to discuss basic qualifications. Successful candidates will proceed to the main process, which includes:

1. Technical deep-dive: Discussing your legal and compliance expertise and data annotation experience.

2. A take-home challenge focused on legal or compliance data labeling or analysis.

3. A meet-and-greet with the wider team.

Our goal is to complete the main interview process within one week.

Compensation

$45/hour - $100/hour

The posted pay range is intended for U.S.-based candidates and depends on factors including relevant experience, skills, education, geographic location, and qualifications. For international candidates, our recruiting team can provide an estimated pay range for your location.

Benefits:

Hourly pay is just one part of our total rewards package at xAI. Specific benefits vary by country, depending on your country of residence you may have access to medical benefits. We do not offer benefits for part-time roles.

xAI is an equal opportunity employer.