AI and Agentic Engineer I

Supports Exelixis' AI initiatives by prototyping, building, and deploying agent-based applications that accelerate enterprise IT and business workflows. This role turns early ideas into spec-driven, testable, production-ready solutions using modern AI-assisted development tools while adhering to Exelixis' security, compliance, and responsible AI standards.

Responsibilities

• Build pilot AI applications and agentic workflows under the direction of senior engineers, translating ideas into working prototypes.
• Prototype rapidly using vibe-coding techniques, then evolve prototypes into maintainable code through clear specifications, structured prompts, tests, modular design, and error handling.
• Develop agents that automate multi-step IT and business tasks by connecting LLMs, prompts, tools, and APIs into practical use cases.
• Use coding agents and modern developer tools (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Codex) to accelerate delivery.
• Execute CI/CD pipeline tasks for automated testing, build validation gates, and artifact versioning.
• Write documentation and runbooks, including architecture notes, setup instructions, operational SOPs, and end-user guidance.
• Participate in prompt/spec reviews, code reviews, and pre-release testing/validation activities.
• Apply secure-by-design and responsible AI principles, including data handling, privacy, and safe prompting practices aligned to Exelixis policy.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a related field and 3 years of related experience; or
• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a related field and 1 year or related experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Up to 2 years of relevant experience in AI application, data science, automation, or related technical work, including hands-on experience building or contributing to LLM-enabled applications, agentic workflows, API integrations.

Skills

• General exposure to LLMs, prompt engineering, agent frameworks, or AI application development through coursework or projects.
• General understanding of agentic development concepts: tool use, planning/execution loops, guardrails, prompt/version management and context engineering.
• General familiarity with automated testing (unit/integration), linting, and CI pipelines.
• General communication skills, written and verbal to collaborate with cross-functional teammates.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new tools quickly, bias for action, and attention to detail regarding security, privacy, and compliance.
• General familiarity with REST APIs, Git, and software development fundamentals.
• Preferred: Exposure to AWS Cloud, AWS Bedrock, Databricks Mosaic AI, or comparable agent frameworks.
• Preferred: Exposure to AI-native engineering with Claude Code, Codex, GitHub Copilot, or equivalent coding agents.
• Preferred: General to Intermediate proficiency in Python and/or JavaScript/TypeScript.

Benefits

• 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.
• Discretionary annual bonus program, or if field sales staff, a sales-based incentive plan.
• Opportunity to purchase company stock, and receive long-term incentives.
• 15 accrued vacation days in the first year, 17 paid holidays including a company-wide winter shutdown in December, and up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year.

Pay

The base pay range for this position is $129,000 - $182,000 annually, adjusted for the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.

Schedule

• No travel is expected.
• Modern office space fostering collaboration and creativity, with necessary equipment including dual monitors and ergonomic chairs.