Backend Engineer

TL;DR

Backend Engineer (AI/Software): Developing and maintaining highly scalable and reliable backend production systems powering grok.com and the API with an accent on distributed systems design, service observability, and database management. Focus on building robust infrastructure using Rust or C++ and solving complex scalability and reliability challenges.

Location: London, UK

Company

xAI is focused on creating AI systems to understand the universe and aid humanity, operating with a flat structure and emphasizing engineering excellence and strong communication.

What you will do

• Develop and maintain backend infrastructure powering production systems and APIs.
• Design and implement reliable, horizontally scalable distributed systems.
• Ensure service observability and reliability best practices are followed.
• Operate and manage databases such as PostgreSQL, Clickhouse, and MongoDB.
• Collaborate closely with the team to address user pain points and improve system performance.

Requirements

• Location: Must be based in London, UK
• Expert knowledge of Rust or C++.
• Experience with distributed systems design and scalable infrastructure.
• Knowledge of service observability and reliability best practices.
• Experience operating PostgreSQL, Clickhouse, and MongoDB databases.
• Strong communication skills and ability to share knowledge concisely.

Nice to have

• Expert knowledge of Python and TypeScript.
• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and containerized applications.
• Expertise in gRPC and REST mapping.
• Hands-on experience with LLM APIs, embeddings, or RAG patterns.
• Track record of delivering user-facing software at scale.

Culture & Benefits

• Equity and comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Access to pension plan and various insurance options.
• Flat organizational structure with leadership based on initiative and delivery.
• Focus on engineering excellence and strong prioritization skills.

Hiring process

• Initial 15-minute phone interview with basic technical questions.
• Two technical interviews: coding in Rust or C++ and distributed systems design.