Network Engineer - ML Infrastructure (High-Speed Interconnects)
xAI is seeking a Network Engineer to join our Machine Learning Infrastructure team, focusing on high-speed interconnects. In this role, you will design, build, and optimize the network fabric that powers large-scale AI training and inference clusters. This position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge compute and switching hardware, contributing directly to our mission of creating AI systems that understand the universe.
As a Network Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and validating high-speed copper and optical connectivity solutions for AI clusters at a scale exceeding 100,000 GPUs. Your duties will include conducting vendor due diligence for new 1.6T products, evaluating co-packaged and near-packaged engines for switches and GPUs, and exploring new interconnect modalities to enhance network performance and reliability. Collaboration with vendors and internal teams will be essential to influence roadmaps and ensure the timely delivery of next-generation solutions.
The ideal candidate will possess at least 8 years of hands-on experience in designing, deploying, and operating high-speed copper and optical interconnects, preferably within a hyperscale datacenter environment. A Master's or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or Physics is required. Deep knowledge of PAM4 SerDes performance, optical link budget analysis, and expertise in transceiver components are essential. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous setting are also critical.
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $180,000 to $440,000 USD. In addition to the base salary, xAI offers equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks.
At xAI, we operate with a flat organizational structure where all employees are expected to be hands-on and contribute directly to the company's mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. We value strong communication skills, work ethic, and prioritization abilities. Joining our team offers the opportunity to work on the interconnect fabric of the world's largest and most advanced AI systems, influencing the physical-layer design of multi-billion-dollar-scale compute clusters.