Elon Musk’s xAI has recently begun hiring “crypto experts” specifically in roles like “Finance Expert – Crypto” to help train and enhance its AI models’ understanding of cryptocurrency markets and trading dynamics.
The job postings appear on xAI’s official careers page via Greenhouse, and the news spread quickly on X (formerly Twitter) with headlines like “Elon Musk’s xAI begins hiring ‘crypto experts’ to teach AI models how to trade.”
The positions are remote and focus on data annotation, evaluation, and expert reasoning to improve frontier AI models including Grok. Rather than having the AI directly execute live trades, the experts will teach models to: Understand real-world crypto trading behavior.
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Analyze on-chain activity using tools like Dune Analytics, Glassnode, Nansen, or DefiLlama. Handle DeFi protocols, derivatives, arbitrage opportunities, MEV (Maximal Extractable Value), quantitative strategies, and risk management in volatile 24/7 markets.
Reason like professional traders instead of just predicting prices. Requirements typically include a Master’s or PhD in quantitative fields or equivalent professional experience as a trader/analyst, deep knowledge of blockchain data platforms, and expertise in areas like on-chain analysis and quantitative finance.
Compensation is listed in the range of $45–$100 per hour for U.S. applicants, with some state restrictions noted. This aligns with xAI’s broader push to build more capable, truth-seeking AI systems by incorporating specialized domain knowledge—similar to their ongoing hiring of experts in finance, quant trading, and other areas like STEM fields.
The timing comes amid other Musk-related developments, such as reports of potential mergers or integrations involving xAI with SpaceX, and growing institutional interest in AI-crypto intersections.
While speculative chatter on X ties this to potential AI-native trading systems or on-chain execution, the job descriptions emphasize training and refinement rather than deploying autonomous trading bots. This move signals deepening integration between advanced AI and the complexities of digital asset markets.
Elon Musk’s xAI has been fully integrated into SpaceX through a major acquisition/merger announced on February 2, 2026. This marks a significant consolidation of Musk’s companies, creating what he describes as “the most ambitious, vertically-integrated innovation engine on (and off) Earth.”
SpaceX acquired xAI in an all-stock deal (xAI shares exchanged for SpaceX shares). The combined entity is valued at approximately $1.25 trillion, with SpaceX valued at around $1 trillion and xAI at $250 billion. This makes it the largest merger in history by valuation.
Confirmed by SpaceX on their website and via Musk’s posts on X. In a company memo and statement, Musk emphasized uniting AI, rockets, space-based internet (Starlink), direct-to-mobile communications, and real-time information platforms including X, which had previously merged into xAI.
The merger aims to address AI’s massive energy and compute demands by enabling space-based data centers and orbital AI infrastructure. Musk has argued that solar-powered AI satellites in space (leveraging Starlink’s constellation and Starship launches) are essential for scaling AI beyond Earth’s energy limits.
This combines xAI’s Grok models and AI expertise with SpaceX’s launch, satellite, and orbital capabilities. Talks were reported in late January 2026, with the deal closing quickly. It precedes SpaceX’s anticipated blockbuster IPO later in 2026 (potentially mid-year, targeting tens of billions raised), which could now include the full integrated entity.
The merger boosted Musk’s net worth significantly estimates put him over $850 billion shortly after, driven by his stakes in the combined company. On X (the social platform), users noted fun updates like a new “like” animation featuring a rocket launch especially on merger-related posts, symbolizing the SpaceX tie-in.
This builds on prior moves, like X merging into xAI earlier and potential synergies with Tesla Speculation continues about further integrations across Musk’s companies. Musk framed it as advancing humanity’s multi-planetary future and understanding the universe, with phrases like “scaling to make a sentient sun” and extending consciousness to the stars.
This integration positions the combined SpaceX-xAI as a powerhouse at the intersection of AI, space exploration, and global connectivity—potentially disrupting both sectors. The move has generated massive buzz, with some viewing it as Musk unifying his empire ahead of major public market events.