Software Engineer (Backend & Data processing) London, UK Apply now
Software Engineer (Backend & Data processing) London, UK

Software Engineer (Backend & Data processing) London, UK

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.)
Apply now
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to build reliable distributed systems and tackle complex software challenges.
  • Company: xAI is a dynamic startup focused on innovative software solutions in London.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, equity options, private health insurance, and unlimited time off.
  • Why this job: Work in a collaborative environment with cutting-edge technology and impactful projects.
  • Qualifications: Expertise in Rust, C++, Python, and experience in distributed systems and API design required.
  • Other info: Expect occasional business trips to California and flexible work-from-home days.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.

About the team

The xAI London team is a team of software engineers with a focus on large-scale, highly-reliable distributed systems. We work on many different levels of the stack ranging from build systems, to production backend infrastructure, and frontend development. For example, we built large parts of the Grok production stack. We focus on building high-quality software and aren’t afraid to delve into technically complex topics to solve problems the right way.

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced and versatile software engineer who can thrive in a dynamic start-up environment. An ideal candidate meets at least the following requirements:

  • Expert in at least one programming language that compiles to machine code such as Rust, C++, or Go. Rust or C++ experience is preferred,
  • Expert in Python and writing Python bindings in a compiled language such as C (using the Python API), C++ (pybind11, SWIG, CLIF), or Rust (pyo3),
  • Experience in designing reliable and horizontally scalable distributed systems,
  • Experience in API design.

Additionally, experience in any of the following technologies may help a candidate stand out:

  • TypeScript and React or Angular
  • gRPC
  • Kubernetes
  • JAX
  • CUDA
  • MLIR
  • Triton
  • XLA

Location

The role is based in our London office close to Piccadilly Circus underground station. We usually work from the office 5 days a week but allow for work-from-home days when required. Candidates must be willing to attend late meetings at least twice a week to coordinate with the rest of our team, which is based in California. This role includes semi-regular business trips to California.

Interview process

After submitting your application, the team reviews your CV and statement of exceptional work. If your application passes this stage, you will be invited to a 15 minute interview (“phone interview”) during which a member of our team will ask some basic questions. If you clear the initial phone interview, you will enter the main process, which consists of four technical interviews:

  1. Coding interview in Rust, C++ or Go,
  2. Coding interview in Python,
  3. Distributed systems design interview,
  4. Meet the wider team and give a 20 minute presentation about the most difficult technical problems you have solved.

Our goal is to finish the process within one week. We don’t rely on recruiters for assessments. Every application is reviewed by a member of our technical team. All interviews will be conducted via Google Meet.

Benefits

  • Competitive cash-based compensation
  • xAI equity
  • Private health and dental insurance
  • Unlimited time off subject to prior approval

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Software Engineer (Backend & Data processing) London, UK employer: x.ai

At xAI, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in the heart of London. Our team is dedicated to fostering employee growth through challenging projects and opportunities for innovation, while also providing competitive compensation, equity options, and comprehensive health benefits. With a culture that values high-quality software development and technical excellence, we empower our engineers to tackle complex problems and thrive in their careers.
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Contact Detail:

x.ai Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Software Engineer (Backend & Data processing) London, UK

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarize yourself with the specific programming languages mentioned in the job description, especially Rust and C++. Consider working on personal projects or contributing to open-source projects that utilize these languages to showcase your expertise.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the technical interviews by practicing coding challenges in Rust, C++, and Python. Websites like LeetCode or HackerRank can be great resources to sharpen your skills and get comfortable with the types of questions you might face.

✨Tip Number 3

Since the role involves designing distributed systems, brush up on your knowledge of system design principles. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how you approached complex problems in this area during the interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

As the role requires collaboration with a team based in California, be prepared to discuss your experience working in remote or distributed teams. Highlight any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively across time zones.

We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer (Backend & Data processing) London, UK

Expertise in Rust, C++, or Go
Proficiency in Python and writing Python bindings
Experience in designing reliable distributed systems
API design skills
Familiarity with TypeScript and React or Angular
Knowledge of gRPC
Experience with Kubernetes
Understanding of JAX, CUDA, MLIR, Triton, XLA
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to work in a dynamic start-up environment
Excellent communication skills
Experience with technical presentations
Adaptability to changing requirements
Collaboration skills for working with remote teams

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your expertise in programming languages like Rust, C++, and Python. Include specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to design reliable distributed systems and API design.

Craft a Strong Statement of Work: Write a compelling statement that showcases your exceptional work. Focus on your experience with large-scale systems and any relevant technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Kubernetes or gRPC.

Prepare for Technical Interviews: Review key concepts related to coding in Rust, C++, and Python. Be ready to discuss your approach to distributed systems design and prepare examples of complex technical problems you've solved.

Highlight Team Collaboration Skills: Since the role involves coordination with a team based in California, emphasize your experience working in dynamic environments and your ability to communicate effectively across time zones.

How to prepare for a job interview at x.ai

✨Master the Basics of Your Preferred Language

Make sure you have a solid understanding of Rust, C++, or Go, as these are crucial for the coding interviews. Brush up on syntax, common libraries, and best practices to demonstrate your expertise.

✨Prepare for Distributed Systems Design

Since the role involves designing reliable and scalable distributed systems, review key concepts such as microservices architecture, load balancing, and fault tolerance. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in this area.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

During the presentation segment, focus on the most challenging technical problems you've faced. Explain your thought process, the solutions you implemented, and the impact of your work to impress the team.

✨Familiarize Yourself with the Team's Tech Stack

While not mandatory, having knowledge of TypeScript, React, Kubernetes, or gRPC can set you apart. Research these technologies and think about how they relate to your previous work to discuss during the interview.

Software Engineer (Backend & Data processing) London, UK
x.ai Apply now
X
  • Software Engineer (Backend & Data processing) London, UK

    London
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.)
    Apply now

    Application deadline: 2026-12-14

  • X

    x.ai

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