Elon Musk’s new AI startup, xAI, is making waves in the tech industry by attracting top talent from the financial services sector. The company recently raised $6 billion at an impressive valuation of $18 billion, drawing attention away from competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic.
One notable hire is Ivan Smirnov, who brings a wealth of experience from his time at private trading firms in Dublin and high-frequency-trading firm Susquehanna. Another key addition to the team is Nathan Ziebart, who previously held senior roles at Robinhood and Palantir Technologies.
With 18 open job listings, xAI is on the lookout for top-tier professionals to join its ranks. The hiring process includes four technical interviews, including a requirement to present on challenging technical problems solved in the past. This rigorous approach reflects Musk’s commitment to building a highly skilled team.
In addition to a competitive recruitment process, xAI offers attractive compensation packages. Salaries for product engineering roles can reach up to $500,000, with equity offers of up to 1% in the company, potentially leading to nine-figure total compensation for some employees.
Overall, xAI’s rapid growth and emphasis on technical excellence make it a compelling option for engineers and quants looking to make an impact in the AI industry. With Musk’s ambitious vision and the company’s significant financial backing, xAI is poised to disrupt the tech landscape in the coming years.
