Backend Engineer (AI)

TL;DR

Backend Engineer (AI): Building and optimizing horizontally scalable distributed systems for integrating applied AI with messy enterprise systems, orchestrating complex workflows, and transforming business operations. Focus on designing reliable architectures, working with various databases, and incorporating cutting-edge AI advancements into robust user-centric solutions.

Location: Tokyo, JP

Company

xAI's mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge, operating with a small, highly motivated team focused on engineering excellence.

What you will do

• Solve challenging problems in applied AI by integrating with messy systems and orchestrating complex workflows.
• Build full-stack solutions with end-to-end product execution, from ideation to deployment.
• Collaborate closely with the team to incorporate cutting-edge AI advancements into user-centric solutions.
• Work hand-in-hand with customers through an iterative development process to refine features and evolve products.
• Design, implement, and maintain reliable and horizontally scalable distributed systems.

Requirements

• Expert knowledge of either Rust or C++.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining reliable and horizontally scalable distributed systems.
• Knowledge of service observability and reliability best practices.
• Experience in operating commonly used databases such as PostgreSQL, Clickhouse, and CockroachDB.
• Strong communication skills to concisely and accurately share knowledge with teammates.

Nice to have

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

Culture & Benefits

• Work in a small, highly motivated team focused on engineering excellence.
• Operate with a flat organizational structure, where all employees are hands-on contributors.
• Leadership opportunities are given to those who show initiative and deliver excellence.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Short & long-term disability insurance and life insurance.
• Various other discounts and perks as part of the total rewards package, including equity.

Hiring process

• CV and statement of exceptional work review.
• 15-minute phone interview with basic technical questions.
• Main process consists of at least two technical interviews: Coding interview in Rust or C++, and Distributed systems design interview.