# Software Engineer, Intern

**Company:** [Exa](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/exa)
**Location:** San Francisco, CA
**Role:** Backend Engineering
**Salary:** $100k – $150k/yr
**Skills:** C++, Rust, Machine Learning, web crawling, Vector Databases, information retrieval, high-performance computing
**Posted:** 2026-08-13

> Build large-scale search infrastructure, crawling systems, and vector databases as an engineering intern. The role requires current technical study, full-time in-person availability in San Francisco, and experience with a high-performance language such as C++ or Rust.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Build massive-scale machine learning systems for web search.
- Recreate Google-level keyword search over 10 billion pages.
- Build a high-performance crawling system optimized for any website.
- Build a custom vector database capable of running over a billion vectors in under 100ms.
- Contribute to engineering projects based on your skills and interests.

## Requirements
- Currently pursuing a degree in **Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field**.
- Willing to take a semester off to work full time in San Francisco.
- Experience with a high-performance programming language such as **C++** or **Rust**.
- Interest in technically difficult or challenging projects.
- Interest in finding high-quality information.

## Compensation
- Annual salary range: **$100,000–$150,000**.
- International candidates may be sponsored, including STEM OPT, OPT, H1B, O1, and E3.

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**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/a2809f8f-2962-4b3b-9a0e-09c543d89f60
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/a2809f8f-2962-4b3b-9a0e-09c543d89f60