xAI· Engineering· Palo Alto, CA
Member of Technical Staff - X Search
Comp$180,000 – $440,000
Classified Tasks (12)
Automate 0%Augment 75%Human-Only 25%
Augment (9)
AI assists, human decides
Build search and retrieval algorithms that scale to millions of users
technical
Build large-scale search engine and search infrastructure
technical
Train state-of-the-art ML ranking models
technical
Integrate Grok into search systems and products
technical
Implement real-time retrieval systems
technical
Implement and maintain search indexing pipelines
technical
Develop ranking components of the search stack
technical
Design and optimize the end-user search experience to be fast and relevant
creative
Combine state-of-the-art information retrieval systems with Grok’s reasoning capabilities
technical
Human-Only (3)
Requires human judgment
Operate large-scale search engine and search infrastructure
operational
Own the full end-to-end search stack, including real-time retrieval, indexing, ranking, and the end-user search experience
leadership
Operate the core search engine that powers discovery on X
operational
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: The X Search team is responsible for building and operating the core search engine that powers discovery on X. We own the full end-to-end search stack — from real-time retrieval and indexing to ranking and the end-user search experience. Our goal is to create the most relevant, fast, and intelligent search experience on the internet by combining state-of-the-art information retrieval systems with Grok’s reasoning capabilities. RESPONSIBILITIES: Build search and retrieval algorithms that scale to millions of users Build and operate large scale search engine and search infrastructure Train state of the art ML ranking models Integrate Grok in search systems and products BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Tech Stack: Python, Go, Rust Have worked with vector databases, search indices, or similar data stores for search applications Have worked on large-scale search systems Have deep experience building or working with production ML systems Take full ownership of problems and learn whatever you need to solve them Can move quickly in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS $180,000 - $440,000 USD 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. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice .