Associate Engineer - DevSecOps

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

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan with company contributions

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Life and disability insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Discretionary annual bonus program

Employee stock purchase plan

15 accrued vacation days in first year

17 paid holidays including winter shut

Job summary

Exelixis, Inc. is seeking an Associate Engineer - DevSecOps to protect AI infrastructure, data, and systems from cyber threats. You will implement and continuously improve security practices, tools, and operations focused on AI, cloud applications, and infrastructure.

The role emphasizes developing AI-assisted security automation, secure software delivery, and contributing to code reviews, tests, and documentation while collaborating with a skilled team.

Qualifications

• Foundational programming ability in Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, or a similar language.
• Basic understanding of software development fundamentals: data structures, APIs, Git, debugging, testing, and documentation.
• Introductory knowledge of AI, machine learning, generative AI, LLMs, prompt engineering, or data science concepts.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing AI-assisted security automation, secure software delivery pipelines, and operational DevSecOps capabilities.
• Translate requirements into small software components, scripts, prompts, test cases, and configuration changes.
• Use approved AI-assisted development tools to learn, prototype, document, and improve code with review.

Skills

Python

JavaScript/TypeScript

Java

Git

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Equivalent education & experience

Tools

Copilot

Agentic coding tools

Job description

SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE

The Associate Engineer - DevSecOps is responsible for protecting the organization's AI infrastructure, data, and systems from internal and external cybersecurity threats by implementing, managing, and continuously improving security practices, tools, and operations with a focus on AI, cloud applications, and infrastructure.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in developing AI-assisted security automation, secure software delivery pipelines, and operational DevSecOps capabilities
• Translate clearly defined requirements into small software components, scripts, prompts, test cases, and configuration changes.
• Use approved AI-assisted development tools, such as coding copilots or agentic coding tools, to learn, prototype, document, and improve code with appropriate review.
• Support internal staff by researching, documenting, and resolving routine security questions and issues under guidance; elevate complex matters to senior team members.
• Support prompt engineering, basic agent workflows, retrieval-assisted use cases, and API integrations to ensure security controls and observability.
• Write and execute basic unit tests, validation checks, and troubleshooting steps to confirm expected behaviour.
• 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.
• 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 related discipline; 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

• 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.

Travel Requirements

0% No Travel Required

Compensation & Benefits

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 a 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.

Accommodation

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.