Associate AI and Agentic Engineer
About The Position
The Associate Engineer - AI and Agentics builds foundational AI-enabled applications, prototypes, prompts, tests, documentation, and agentic automations while learning software development lifecycle (SDLC) best practices, security expectations, and responsible AI standards. The role supports the creation of simple AI-enabled prototypes, internal tools, and workflow automations, and translates clearly defined requirements into small software components, scripts, prompts, test cases, and configuration changes. The Associate Engineer supports prompt engineering, basic agent workflows, retrieval-assisted use cases, and API integrations. The role uses approved AI-assisted development tools to learn, prototype, document, and improve code with appropriate review. It also involves writing and executing basic unit tests, validation checks, and troubleshooting steps; maintaining documentation; and participating in code reviews, demos, testing sessions, backlog discussions, and team learning activities. The employee follows company policies for data privacy, information security, access control, compliance, and responsible AI use. Other duties may be assigned, and the employee must comply with all policies and standards. This position has no supervisory responsibilities. It is based in Alameda, California, with no travel expected. The office is described as a modern, collaborative space equipped with dual monitors and ergonomic chairs. The stated base salary range is $115,000–$145,000. Exelixis offers a benefits package that includes retirement, insurance, time-off, bonus, and stock-related programs.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Early experience in software engineering, data science, automation, or related technical work gained through internships, academic projects, research assignments, open-source contributions, hackathons, or personal portfolio work.
- A portfolio, GitHub repository, class project, internship deliverable, or capstone project demonstrating coding, automation, AI, data, or problem-solving skills.
- 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, large language models, 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 acquire new knowledge quickly, 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 responsible AI, data privacy, information security, and ethical technology principles in day-to-day work.
Nice To Haves
- Basic familiarity with cloud platforms, databases, REST APIs, notebooks, or data tools.
Responsibilities
- Assist 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 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 setup notes, design summaries, prompt/specification 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 AI use.
- Perform other duties as assigned and comply with company policies and standards.
Benefits
- 401(k) plan with generous company contributions
- Group medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Life and disability insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus program, or a sales-based incentive plan for field sales staff
- Opportunity to purchase company stock
- Long-term incentives
- 15 accrued vacation days in the first year
- 17 paid holidays, including a company-wide winter shutdown in December
- Up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
