OpenAI

Backend Software Engineer, ChatGPT ImageGen

OpenAI4 days ago
Location

San Francisco

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 185,000 – 305,000

Level

Senior

Role

Backend Software Engineer

Posted

Jun 9, 2026

Full TimeSenior

The role

Summary

OpenAI is seeking an experienced Backend Software Engineer for the ChatGPT Image Generation team to develop scalable infrastructure that powers advanced AI-driven image creation and editing systems. The ideal candidate will design robust backend services, optimize distributed systems, and collaborate across research and product teams to bring cutting-edge multimodal AI capabilities to millions of users worldwide.

What you'll do

System Architecture: Design and implement backend systems for image generation and editing at global scale
API Development: Create scalable APIs and services supporting multimodal AI workflows
Performance Optimization: Improve system reliability, reduce latency, and optimize infrastructure costs
Cross-Team Collaboration: Partner with researchers to productionize new AI capabilities rapidly and safely
Technical Leadership: Drive architectural decisions and contribute to engineering culture and mentorship

What we look for

Technical

Backend SystemsExtensive experience in large-scale distributed systems architecture
Cloud TechnologiesProficiency in cloud-native architectures and scalable infrastructure

Education

Computer ScienceBachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field
Advanced DegreeAdvanced degree preferred for complex AI infrastructure roles

Experience

Backend Engineering5+ years of experience in backend or distributed systems engineering
AI InfrastructureExperience with AI/ML infrastructure and productionizing research models

Skills

Required skills

Distributed SystemsExperience building and operating large-scale backend infrastructure
Cloud ArchitectureProficiency in cloud-native architectures and scalable service design
API DevelopmentExpertise in designing robust, performant service-oriented architectures
Backend TechnologiesStrong skills in modern backend development and system optimization

Nice to have

Multimodal AIUnderstanding of AI research and product translation
System PerformanceExperience in optimizing latency, throughput, and cost across distributed systems
Cross-team CollaborationAbility to work effectively with research, product, and engineering teams

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 185,000 – 305,000 (annual)

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Comprehensive salary package with significant equity component

Health Insurance

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement Plans

401(k) with company matching

Professional Development

Continuous learning opportunities, conference attendance, and technical workshops

AI Research Exposure

Unique opportunity to work at the forefront of AI technology and innovation

Interview process

  1. 1
    Initial Screening — Resume and background review by recruiting team
  2. 2
    Technical Phone Screen — Detailed discussion of technical background and system design skills
  3. 3
    Technical Interviews — Multiple rounds of in-depth technical interviews focusing on backend systems, architecture, and problem-solving
  4. 4
    Systems Design Challenge — Comprehensive evaluation of candidate's ability to design scalable, efficient backend infrastructure
  5. 5
    Final Leadership Interview — Discussion with senior engineering leadership about technical vision and collaboration
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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
PythonGo
Frameworks
gRPCFastAPI
Databases
PostgreSQLRedis
Tools
KubernetesTerraformDocker
Other
Cloud PlatformsMachine Learning Infrastructure

Interview Guides

5 guides available for OpenAI

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