Associate Engineer - AI and Agentic

Exelixis, Inc.; Alameda (CA); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company contributions

Health, dental and vision insurance

Discretionary annual bonus program

Stock purchase program

Up to 15 vacation days in first year

17 paid holidays including winter shut

Job summary

Exelixis, Inc. in Alameda, CA, is seeking an Associate Engineer for AI and Agentic work. The role focuses on building AI-enabled prototypes, internal tools, and workflow automations, translating requirements into small software components and tests, and contributing to code reviews and documentation.

You will learn SDLC basics, security expectations, and responsible AI standards while collaborating with senior team members on AI-assisted development tools and reviewer-guided improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS, AI, data science, software engineering, or related field.
• Experience through internships, academic projects, or personal work in software, automation, or AI.
• Foundational programming in Python, JavaScript/TS, or Java.
• Intro to AI/ML concepts and responsible AI awareness.
• Ability to learn and apply AI-assisted development tools with supervision.

Responsibilities

• Assist in building simple AI-enabled prototypes, internal tools, and workflow automations.
• Translate requirements into small software components, scripts, prompts, tests, and configs.
• Support prompt engineering, basic agent workflows, and API integrations.
• Write and execute basic unit tests and troubleshooting steps.
• Maintain documentation, runbooks, and design summaries.
• Participate in code reviews, demos, and backlog discussions.

Skills

Python

JavaScript/TypeScript

Java

Git

Testing

Education

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

Tools

REST APIs

Git

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure)

Job description

## Associate Engineer - AI and AgenticApplylocations: Alameda, CAtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: JR7031**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/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS & ABILITIES** **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#LI-EZ1### ### Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The base pay range for this position is $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.In addition to the base salary, as part of our Total Rewards program, Exelixis offers comprehensive employee benefits package, including a 401k plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Employees are also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus program, or if field sales staff, a sales-based incentive plan. Exelixis also offers employees the opportunity to purchase company stock, and receive long-term incentives, 15 accrued vacation days in their first year, 17 paid holidays including a company-wide winter shutdown in December, and 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.***