OpenAI

Backend Software Engineer, Applied Foundations

OpenAI1 weeks ago
Location

San Francisco

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 185,000 – 385,000

Level

Senior

Role

Backend Software Engineer

Posted

May 7, 2026

Full TimeSenior

The role

Summary

OpenAI is seeking a Backend Software Engineer for its Applied Foundations team, responsible for building core product and platform layers that power critical AI applications like ChatGPT. The role involves designing scalable, secure backend systems that support global-scale AI product infrastructure with a focus on performance, reliability, and safety.

What you'll do

Backend System Architecture: Design and implement scalable backend systems and APIs that support OpenAI's core product infrastructure
Performance Optimization: Drive performance, reliability, and safety improvements across distributed services and platforms
Data Management: Implement robust data storage, retrieval, compute, and integration solutions for AI applications
Technical Planning: Participate in long-term architectural planning and conduct comprehensive technical design reviews
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams to design solutions that protect against adversarial attacks while maintaining optimal user experience

What we look for

Technical

Backend LanguagesProficiency in distributed systems programming languages such as Go, Python, Rust, or C++
Production ServicesExperience setting up and maintaining production backend services and data pipelines
Distributed SystemsStrong understanding of distributed systems architecture and scalable service design

Education

Computer ScienceBachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field preferred

Experience

Problem SolvingDemonstrated ability to be self-directed and solve complex technical challenges end-to-end
Collaborative SkillsTrack record of successful cross-functional collaboration and team-oriented problem-solving

Skills

Required skills

Distributed SystemsAdvanced knowledge of distributed system design and implementation
Backend ProgrammingExpertise in backend programming languages like Go, Python, Rust, or C++
System ArchitectureAbility to design scalable and resilient backend infrastructure

Nice to have

AI InfrastructureExperience with AI and machine learning infrastructure design
Security EngineeringBackground in designing secure, adversary-resistant systems

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 185,000 – 385,000 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Equity

Stock options as part of compensation package

Equal Opportunity

Commitment to diversity and inclusive workplace

Interview process

  1. 1
    Initial Screening — Review of resume and initial qualifications
  2. 2
    Technical Phone Screen — In-depth discussion of technical background and problem-solving skills
  3. 3
    Technical Interview — Comprehensive technical assessment of distributed systems and backend engineering skills
  4. 4
    System Design Interview — Evaluation of architectural design capabilities and scalable system thinking
  5. 5
    Cultural Fit Interview — Assessment of collaboration skills and alignment with OpenAI's mission
  6. 6
    Final Leadership Interview — Discussion with senior leadership about long-term potential and team fit
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OpenAI

OpenAI

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OpenAI is an American artificial intelligence research organization developing advanced AI models like GPT. Focused on ensuring AI benefits humanity, it creates tools for natural language processing and generative AI applications.

San Francisco, California, United StatesFounded 2015openai.com

Tech Stack

Languages
GoPythonRustC++
Frameworks
Distributed Systems Frameworks
Databases
Distributed Databases
Tools
Cloud Infrastructure
Other
AI Infrastructure

Interview Guides

5 guides available for OpenAI

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