Sous Chef

About xAI

xAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All engineers are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

About xAI

xAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge.

Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. Engineers are encouraged to work across multiple areas of the company, and as a result, all engineers and researchers share the title "Member of Technical Staff."

We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important.

All engineers and researchers are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

Role Summary

We are seeking a talented and creative Sous Chef to lead culinary operations at xAI’s Palo Alto office. This role involves designing and preparing high-quality, nutritious meals, managing kitchen operations, and ensuring a delightful dining experience for employees. The Sous Chef will collaborate with facilities teams and leadership to develop menus that cater to diverse dietary needs while maintaining high standards of food safety and quality. This position requires culinary expertise, organizational skills, and a passion for enhancing the workplace environment in a fast-paced, innovative setting.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, prepare, and serve a variety of high-quality meals and snacks, including breakfast, lunch, and occasional special events, tailored to employee preferences and dietary needs
• Develop creative and nutritious menus that reflect seasonal ingredients and align with xAI’s commitment to employee well-being
• Manage daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and cleanup, ensuring a clean and safe work environment
• Maintain compliance with food safety and sanitation standards, including Palo Alto and California health regulations (e.g., possession of or willingness to obtain a CA Food Handler Card)
• Inventory, order, and manage food supplies and kitchen equipment, optimizing costs and minimizing waste
• Collaborate with facilities and leadership to plan catering for meetings, events, or special occasions
• Train and oversee any kitchen support staff, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards
• Provide excellent customer service by engaging with employees, gathering feedback, and adjusting offerings to enhance satisfaction
• Maintain accurate records for inventory, budgets, and compliance using basic computer tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Excel)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of professional culinary experience in a food service environment, such as corporate dining, restaurants, or catering
• Proficiency in preparing a variety of cuisines and accommodating dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Culinary degree or certificate from an accredited culinary school
• 5+ years of culinary experience, including 1+ year in a lead chef or kitchen manager role
• Experience in corporate or high-tech dining environments
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices (e.g., ServSafe certification or equivalent)
• Possession of or willingness to obtain a CA Food Handler Card
• Ability to design creative, health-focused menus with an emphasis on local, sustainable ingredients
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, Excel, and Outlook primarily)
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for collaborating with staff and engaging with employees
• High level of professionalism and adaptability in a dynamic, flat organizational structure
• Experience managing kitchen budgets and inventory systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to carry heavy items, such as food supplies or kitchen equipment, unassisted (up to 25 lbs.)
• Ability to stand for long periods of time – up to 8 hours a day
• Ability to perform frequent bending, stooping, and lifting of objects

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

• Pay Range: $97,000 - $135,000 per year 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Benefits

Base salary is just one part of our total rewards package at xAI, which also includes equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks.

xAI is an equal opportunity employer.

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