AI and Agentic Engineer Associate

Biopharma Careers; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 103,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan

Group medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life and disability insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Discretionary annual bonus program

Stock purchase plan

Long-term incentives

Vacation days (15 in first year)

Holidays (17)

Sick days (up to 10)

Company stock option program

Job summary

Exelixis is seeking an Associate Engineer - AI and Agentics to build foundational AI-enabled applications, prototypes, prompts, and agentic automations while learning SDLC best practices and responsible AI standards.

The role focuses on translating requirements into modular components, supporting AI-assisted development tools, and writing tests with thorough documentation. Collaboration with the team and adherence to security policies are essential.

Qualifications

• Foundational programming ability in Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, or Java as demonstrated via coursework or projects.
• Basic understanding of software development fundamentals with APIs, Git, debugging, testing, and documentation.
• Introductory knowledge of AI, machine learning, or data science concepts.

Responsibilities

• Assist in building AI-enabled prototypes, internal tools, and workflow automations.
• Translate requirements into small software components, scripts, prompts, test cases, and configuration changes.
• Support prompt engineering, basic agent workflows, and API integrations.
• Write and execute basic unit tests, validation checks, and troubleshooting steps.
• Maintain clear documentation including setup notes, design summaries, prompt/spec notes, and runbooks.
• Participate in code reviews, demos, testing sessions, and backlog discussions.
• Follow data privacy, information security, compliance, and responsible use of AI policies.

Skills

Python

JavaScript/TypeScript

Java

APIs

Git

Testing

Documentation

Critical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / AI / Data Science / Software Engineering or related field

Tools

Cloud platforms

Databases

REST APIs

Notebooks

Data tools

Job description

SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE

The Associate Engineer - AI and Agentics is responsible for building foundational AI-enabled applications, prototypes, prompts, tests, documentation, and agentic automations while learning SDLC best practices, security expectations, and responsible AI standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in building simple AI-enabled prototypes, internal tools, and workflow automations.
• Translate clearly defined requirements into small software components, scripts, prompts, test cases, and configuration changes.
• Support prompt engineering, basic agent workflows, retrieval-assisted use cases, and API integrations.
• Use approved AI-assisted development tools, such as coding copilots or agentic coding tools, to learn, prototype, document, and improve code with appropriate review.
• Write and execute basic unit tests, validation checks, and troubleshooting steps to confirm expected behavior.
• Maintain clear documentation, including setup notes, design summaries, prompt/spec notes, user instructions, and operational runbooks.
• Participate in code reviews, demos, testing sessions, backlog discussions, and team learning activities.
• Follow company policies for data privacy, information security, access control, compliance, and responsible use of AI.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a related field; or

Equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE

Candidates with early experience of software engineering, data science, automation, or related technical work gained through internships, academic projects, research assignments, open-source contributions, hackathons, or personal portfolio work.

Portfolio, GitHub repository, class project, internship deliverable, or capstone project that demonstrates coding, automation, AI, data, or problem-solving skills.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED)

• Foundational programming ability in Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, or a similar language, demonstrated through coursework or projects.
• Basic understanding of software development fundamentals, including data structures, APIs, Git, debugging, testing, and documentation.
• Introductory knowledge of AI, machine learning, generative AI, LLMs, prompt engineering, or data science concepts through coursework, projects, or self-directed learning.
• Ability to learn and apply approved AI-assisted development tools responsibly, with review and coaching from senior team members.
• Ability to quickly acquire new knowledge, apply critical thinking, maintain attention to detail, and ask insightful questions to resolve uncertainty in requirements or technical approaches.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain work, document decisions, and collaborate with technical and non-technical teammates.
• Ability to apply principles of responsible AI, data privacy, information security, and ethical technology practices in day-to-day work.

PREFERRED

Basic familiarity with cloud platforms, databases, REST APIs, notebooks, or data tools is preferred.

Travel Requirements

0% No travel is expected of this position

Compensation

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across severalU.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The base pay range for this positionis $103,000 - $145,000 annually. The base pay range may take into account the candidate’s geographic region, which will adjust the pay depending on the specific work location. The base pay offered will take into account the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, experience and internal equity, among other factors.

Benefits

• 401k plan with generous company contributions
• group medical coverage
• dental coverage
• vision coverage
• life and disability insurance
• flexible spending accounts
• discretionary annual bonus program
• sales-based incentive plan (for field sales staff)
• opportunity to purchase company stock
• long-term incentives
• 15 accrued vacation days in their first year
• 17 paid holidays including a company-wide winter shutdown in December
• up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the recruiting process, please email us at: [e-mail] .

WORKING CONDITIONS

Our office is a modern space that fosters collaboration and creativity. Teams work closely together, sharing ideas and solutions in a supportive atmosphere. We provide all necessary equipment, including dual monitors and ergonomic chairs, to ensure a comfortable workspace.

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.