2026 Summer PhD / Master's Residency - Machine Learning / Software Engineering, Bellwether

How you will make 10x impact: 

1. Design and implement robust Python-based systems to process and analyze geospatial datasets.
2. Extend and deploy ML models from initial development into high-performance production environments.
3. Architect and code sophisticated monitoring tools to ensure backend reliability and performance.
4. Partner with cross-functional teams to run cutting-edge experiments and define the next generation of developer tools in the geospatial-AI domain.

This project aims to push the limits of science and modeling as we know them and to prove how ML can radically accelerate our understanding of the world

• Location: X's headquarters in Mountain View, CA
• Start Date(s): Year-round rolling basis
• Duration: a flexible 4 mo. to 1 year program based on project team needs and your availability. You must remain actively enrolled in your academic program throughout the residency.

Throughout your AI Residency you can expect:

• To be embedded into one of our confidential or public X projects
• To get paid competitively and receive benefits
• To be a part of a lively community of AI and ML Residents
• To attend tech-talks with AI leaders from across X

What you should have: 

• Actively enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program in a STEM field (CS, Physics, Engineering, Math/Stats)
• Strong experience in Python and a deep interest in scalable architectures.
• Experience with Git, Terraform, and cloud deployment (GCP or AWS).
• Familiarity with software design patterns (e.g., Observer, Decorator, Producer/Consumer).
• Be willing and excited to learn new concepts and tactics across the full stack.

It’d be great if you also had these: 

• Experience with LLMs, agentic design patterns, and frameworks like LangChain, MCP, or Google Vertex AI.
• Proven track record working with large-scale distributed backends.
• Experience writing and maintaining production-level code in a cloud-native environment.

Additional public information:

https://www.wired.com/video/watch/astro-teller-captain-of-moonshots-at-x-speaks-at-wired25

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2019-10-10/alphabet-x-s-astro-teller-on-bloomberg-studio-1-0-video

The US base salary range for this position is $109,000 - $157,000 + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include benefits.