Software Engineer - Platform Security

Xai; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 258,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical coverage

401(k) plan

Job summary

xAI is seeking a talented Software Engineer to join the Platform Security team. You will build AI-powered security tools for a Kubernetes-based platform, identifying vulnerabilities and championing secure engineering practices across the org.

The role emphasizes clean, efficient code, rapid iteration, and impact. You will work in a fast-paced environment contributing directly to a trusted, secure digital platform.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in fast-paced, high-impact environments (startups or tech).
• Expertise in Python, Rust, or Go with clean, efficient code.
• Certifications like CISA, CRISC, CGEIT, Security+, CASP+ or similar preferred.
• Proven experience building tools or systems from scratch for scalable solutions.
• Proficiency in designing scalable backend architectures for secure systems.
• Familiarity with security testing frameworks (Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, SAST/DAST).
• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes for deploying and securing containers.
• Knowledge of SBOM management and dependency scanning.

Responsibilities

• Design and build AI-driven security tooling and agents to identify, analyze, and mitigate vulnerabilities in the platform infrastructure and customer-facing apps.
• Proactively identify security problems to solve and own the design and implementation end-to-end.
• Collaborate and be a security champion while driving technical decisions across the organization.

Skills

Python

Rust

Go

Security best practices

Problem solving

Code quality

Communication

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Burp Suite

OWASP ZAP

Job description

xAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands‑on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a talented and driven Software Engineer to join Platform Security team, where you will build cutting‑edge security solutions to protect our Kubernetes‑based infrastructure and advance secure AI‑driven systems. In this role, you will design and implement AI‑powered security tools, proactively address vulnerabilities, and champion secure engineering practices across the organization. Ideal candidates are passionate about impactful innovation, excel at writing clean, efficient code, and thrive in fast‑paced environments to support xAI’s mission of creating a trusted and secure global digital platform.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and build AI‑driven security tooling and agents using Grok to identify, analyze, and mitigate vulnerabilities in the platform infrastructure and customer‑facing application(s).
• Proactively identify security problems to solve and own the design and implementation end‑to‑end.
• Collaborate and be a security champion while driving technical decisions across the organization.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years of experience in fast‑paced, high‑impact environments, ideally at startups or tech‑driven companies.
• Expertise in Python, Rust, or Go, with strong problem‑solving skills and a focus on clean, efficient code.
• Certifications like CISA, CRISC, CGEIT, Security+, CASP+, or similar preferred.
• Proven experience building tools or systems from scratch, with a focus on scalable solutions.
• Proficiency in designing scalable backend architectures to support secure systems.
• Familiarity with security testing frameworks (e.g., Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, SAST/DAST).
• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes for deploying and securing containerized applications.
• Knowledge of software supply chain tools, including SBOM management and dependency scanning.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience developing AI‑driven security tools or integrating AI into security workflows.
• Familiarity with Kubernetes‑based environments and securing cloud‑native infrastructure.
• Proven ability to drive technical decisions and influence security practices across teams.
• A passion for challenging the status quo and building transformative security solutions.
• Strong collaboration skills, with experience working in dynamic, cross‑functional teams.
• A sense of humor and adaptability to thrive in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$100,000 - $258,000 USD

Base salary is just one part of our total rewards package at xAI, which also includes equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks.