Associate Engineer- AI and Agentics

Exelixis; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan with company contributions

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Life and disability insurance

Stock options

Job summary

Exelixis in Alameda, CA is seeking an Associate Engineer - AI and Agentics to help build foundational AI-enabled applications and prototypes. You will translate requirements into small software components, scripts, prompts, tests, and configuration changes while learning SDLC, security, and responsible AI practices.

You will collaborate with teammates, write unit tests, review code, and maintain clear documentation.

Qualifications

• Foundational programming ability in Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Java.
• Introductory knowledge of AI, ML, generative AI, LLMs, or data science concepts.
• Ability to learn AI-assisted development tools with guidance from seniors.
• Clear written and verbal communication for technical and non-technical teammates.
• Commitment to responsible AI, data privacy, and security practices.

Responsibilities

• Build foundational AI-enabled prototypes and internal tools.
• Translate requirements into small software components, scripts, and prompts.
• Support prompt engineering, agent workflows, and API integrations.
• Write unit tests, validation checks, and troubleshooting steps.
• Maintain clear documentation, runbooks, and design summaries.
• Participate in code reviews, demos, and backlog discussions.

Skills

Python

JavaScript/TypeScript

Java

APIs

Git

Testing

Documentation

Prompt engineering

AI concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Git

REST APIs

Notebooks

Job description

SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSEThe 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/RESPONSIBILITIESAssist 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 assignedComplies with all policies and standardsSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESNo supervisory responsibilities.EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS & ABILITIESEducationBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a related field; orEquivalent combination of education and experience.ExperienceCandidates 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 AbilitiesRequired: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 Requirements0% No travel is expected of this position#LI-EZ1Location: Alameda, CA Range for this position: $115,000 - $145,000 The base pay offered will take into account 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] 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.