About this role
The team at xAI is building and operating large-scale networks that support training and inference infrastructure, including high-performance supercompute fabrics that link GPU clusters alongside core, edge, and datacenter networks. You will own production network design, deployment, and operations end to end, handling architecture, platform qualification, change execution, and availability as the infrastructure scales. Travel to build sites like Memphis may be needed for capacity expansions alongside participation in an on-call rotation.
This role exists to keep the underlying network estate reliable and reachable for demanding AI workloads. A strong candidate brings solid networking fundamentals, practical troubleshooting skills, and a hands-on approach to configuration and automation without needing prior specialization in network software development.
What you will do
- Design, deploy, and operate production datacenter and campus or core networks at scale.
- Own routing and switching configuration standards including BGP and an IGP such as OSPF or IS-IS.
- Qualify new network platforms, optics, and topologies while contributing to capacity planning.
- Build monitoring, alerting, and operational documentation to detect and resolve issues rapidly.
- Troubleshoot Layer 2 and Layer 3 incidents end to end to drive lasting root cause fixes.
- Automate repetitive tasks using Python, Ansible, or similar tooling.
- Partner with compute, facilities, and software teams during cluster build-outs.
What you need
- Several years of experience designing or operating production networks in datacenter, ISP, cloud, or large enterprise environments.
- Solid hands-on experience with BGP and at least one interior routing protocol.
- Working knowledge of TCP/IP, VLANs, EVPN/VXLAN or equivalent datacenter overlays, and high-speed optics.
- Demonstrated experience troubleshooting live production network incidents and participating in on-call rotations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear change documents and incident notes.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Nice to have
- Experience with modern datacenter vendors such as Arista, Cisco, Juniper, and Nvidia or Mellanox.
- Familiarity with high-performance or supercompute networking including RoCEv2, congestion control, and GPU cluster fabrics.
- Production network automation using tools like Python, Ansible, or Terraform.
- Experience with EVPN, leaf-spine, and large-scale Ethernet fabrics.
- Prior work supporting rapid datacenter or cluster capacity build-outs.
Benefits
- Equity
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
- Short and long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Various other discounts and perks
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the work location policy for this role?
Employees are required to work onsite in Palo Alto. Additionally, travel to Memphis and other build sites may be required for capacity build-outs.
What is the compensation range for the Network Engineer position?
The base salary ranges from $150,000 to $250,000 USD. This base salary is part of a total rewards package that also includes equity and benefits.
What technologies and network environments will I work with?
You will work on datacenter and campus networks using BGP, IGPs, EVPN/VXLAN, and high-speed Ethernet. The role also supports high-performance supercompute environments including Ethernet AI and HPC fabrics.
Are there operational duties like on-call or travel?
Yes, you will participate in a team on-call rotation to support the network estate. Travel to Memphis and other build sites may also be required for capacity build-outs.