Build Infrastructure Engineer

at Anthropic
📍 San Francisco, United States
📍 Seattle, United States
USD 315,000-405,000 per year
MIDDLE
✅ Hybrid

SCRAPED

Used Tools & Technologies

Not specified

Required Skills & Competences ?

C @ 3 C++ @ 3 Machine Learning @ 3 Communication @ 3 Debugging @ 6 API @ 3 PyTorch @ 3

Details

Anthropic’s mission is to create reliable, interpretable, and steerable AI systems. The team includes researchers, engineers, policy experts, and business leaders working together to build beneficial AI systems.

Role summary

A systems-level engineer specializing in build infrastructure and low-level systems optimization, responsible for maintaining and improving complex C/C++ builds and other host-level systems. The role requires deep technical knowledge of compilation processes, hardware-software interfaces, build systems, and the ability to debug and optimize at the system level.

Responsibilities

  • Build Systems & Toolchains

    • Expert-level proficiency with build/packaging systems (Nix, pip, uv, CMake, Bazel, Make, etc.).
    • Nix experience in particular is a huge plus.
    • Manage complex builds and interact with CI systems.
    • Diagnose and resolve linking issues, symbol resolution problems, and toolchain/ABI incompatibilities.

  • Low-Level Systems / Embedded Programming

    • Strong C/C++ debugging skills, especially for embedded systems or cross-compiling/linking scenarios.
    • Work with system calls, POSIX APIs, and kernel interfaces.
    • Use toolchain debugging tools such as readelf, bloaty, c++filt, nm, etc.

  • Compiler & Toolchain Experience

    • Basic knowledge of compilers (understanding passes, IR levels, and typical compiler operations).
    • Experience with cross-compilers and compiling code for target devices.
    • Configure and optimize compiler flags and custom toolchains.
    • Understand linking, object file formats (ELF, DWARF), and ABI compatibility.

Strong candidate pluses (optional/beneficial)

  • Machine Learning Infrastructure
    • Basic understanding of deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, Jax) from a systems perspective.
    • Understanding of tensor operations.
    • Experience with distributed training infrastructure is a plus.

Requirements

  • 5+ years of experience in systems programming or infrastructure roles.
  • Backgrounds that commonly fit this profile: HPC, game engine development, embedded systems, OS, or compiler teams.
  • Strong debugging mindset and patience for complex, multi-layered issues.
  • Self-directed problem solver capable of navigating large, legacy codebases.
  • Education: At least a Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.

Compensation

  • Expected base compensation: $315,000 - $405,000 USD (total compensation includes equity, benefits, and may include incentive compensation).

Logistics & Other Details

  • Location: San Francisco, CA or Seattle, WA.
  • Location-based hybrid policy: staff are expected to be in one of the offices at least 25% of the time; some roles may require more office time.
  • Visa sponsorship: Anthropic does sponsor visas for roles they hire for and retains immigration counsel to assist when applicable.
  • Deadline to apply: None (applications reviewed on a rolling basis).

How we're different

Anthropic focuses on large-scale, high-impact AI research and values collaboration, communication, and diverse perspectives. The team works on research directions related to interpretability, scaling laws, safety, and learning from human preferences.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation and benefits, optional equity donation matching, generous vacation and parental leave, flexible working hours, and an office in which to collaborate with colleagues.