Backend Engineering Specialist

Company: xAI
Location: Palo Alto
Posted on: February 20, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description 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 employees 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 Back-End Specialist will focus on any and all Enterprise 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 back-end development experience. Proficient in multiple server-side languages (Python, Node.js). Strong experience designing and implementing RESTful APIs and GraphQL endpoints. Hands-on experience with both relational (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and non-relational (MongoDB, Redis) databases. Understanding of database optimization, indexing strategies and query performance. Deep understanding of web security principles, including authentication, authorization and data protection. Experience with asynchronous processing and background job systems. Experience with testing frameworks for unit, integration and end-to-end testing. 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 technologies (Docker). Familiarity with front-end technologies (TypeScript, React) to enable effective cross-functional collaboration. Interview Process Technical hands-on live coding round Hiring Manager / Final interview round Location & Other Expectations Tutor roles may be offered as full-time, part-time, or contractor positions, depending on role needs and candidate fit. They may be performed remotely from any location worldwide, subject to legal eligibility, time-zone compatibility, and role specific needs. For US based candidates, please note we are unable to hire in the states of Wyoming and Illinois at this time. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship. For those who will be working from a personal device, your computer must be a Chromebook, Mac with MacOS 11.0 or later, or Windows 10 or later. Compensation US based candidates: $35/hour - $100/hour depending on factors including relevant experience, skills, education, geographic location, and qualifications. International candidates: Information will be provided to you during the recruitment process. Benefits Benefits vary based on employment type, location and jurisdiction. Benefits for eligible U.S. based positions include health insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid sick leave. Specific details and role specific information will be provided to you during the interview process. xAI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

Keywords: xAI, Manteca , Backend Engineering Specialist, IT / Software / Systems , Palo Alto, California