Archive · 31 Jul 2025
Musk Eliminates "Researcher" at xAI, Citing Pretentiousness
Elon Musk, the boss of xAI and SpaceX, is getting rid of the "researcher" job title.
He thinks it's too fancy and creates levels that aren't needed.
He wants everyone to be called an engineer, even if they're doing research.
His rocket company, SpaceX, does the same.
Musk believes his companies' research is more important than what universities do, so he doesn't use the term "researcher."
Elon Musk is eliminating the "researcher" title at xAI.
Musk states the term "researcher" is "pretentious" and from academia.
xAI will only have "engineers" in all roles.
SpaceX, also led by Musk, does not use the "researcher" title despite significant research.
Musk believes SpaceX does more meaningful research than academic labs.
- Who
- Elon Musk.
- What
- Elon Musk is eliminating the "researcher" title at xAI.
- When
- Recently.
- Where
- xAI and SpaceX.
- Why
- Musk views the term "researcher" as pretentious and from academia.
Traditional Research Roles
Modern Approach
Job Title Nomenclature
Traditional Research Roles
Researchers hold a specific role in tech.
Modern Approach
Musk believes the term is pretentious and dismisses the distinction.
- Company
- xAI
- Founder
- Elon Musk
- Previous Title
- Researcher
- New Title
- Engineer
- Reason
- Eliminating "pretentious" term
