OpenAI

Backend Software Engineer, Growth

OpenAI1 months ago
Location

San Francisco

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 185,000 – 385,000

Level

Senior

Role

Backend Engineer

Posted

Jan 30, 2026

Full TimeSenior

The role

Summary

Join OpenAI's ChatGPT Growth team as a Backend Software Engineer to drive user growth through data-driven experimentation, backend system development, and cross-functional collaboration. This role focuses on optimizing user funnels, implementing A/B testing infrastructure, and scaling backend systems to support ChatGPT's global expansion.

What you'll do

Growth Strategy Implementation: Drive long-term ChatGPT growth through data analysis, product ideation, and systematic experimentation to optimize user acquisition and conversion funnels
Backend System Development: Design, implement, and deploy scalable backend systems to power growth-focused product experiences and user engagement features
Cross-Platform Collaboration: Partner with iOS, Android, and fullstack engineers to ensure seamless integration and consistent user experiences across all platforms
A/B Testing Infrastructure: Build and maintain robust experimentation frameworks to support data-driven decision making and feature optimization
Product Development Partnership: Collaborate closely with research, product, design, and data science teams to execute high-impact projects aligned with business objectives
Data-Driven Optimization: Analyze user behavior patterns and conversion metrics to identify optimization opportunities and implement targeted improvements
System Performance Monitoring: Monitor and optimize backend system performance, ensuring high availability and scalability for millions of ChatGPT users
Team Culture Development: Foster an inclusive, collaborative team environment that encourages innovation, constructive feedback, and challenging conventional thinking

What we look for

Technical

Backend Development Expertise5+ years of experience building scalable backend systems using modern programming languages (Python, Go, Node.js)
Growth Engineering ExperienceProven track record of shipping features that optimize user funnels, including landing pages, purchase flows, and conversion optimization
Database ProficiencyStrong experience with both SQL and NoSQL databases, including query optimization and data modeling for analytics
A/B Testing ImplementationHands-on experience designing, implementing, and analyzing A/B tests with statistical rigor and proper experimental methodology
API DevelopmentExpertise in designing and building RESTful APIs and microservices architecture for high-traffic applications
Cloud Platform KnowledgeExperience with AWS, GCP, or Azure for deploying and managing cloud-based backend infrastructure
Analytics and MetricsProficiency in tracking business metrics, KPIs, and user behavior analytics using tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or similar platforms

Education

Technical DegreeBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience
Continuous LearningDemonstrated commitment to staying current with emerging technologies and growth engineering best practices

Experience

Senior Backend Experience5-8 years of backend software engineering experience with focus on user growth, conversion optimization, or high-scale consumer applications
Growth Team ExperiencePrevious experience working on growth, acquisition, or monetization teams at technology companies
Cross-Functional CollaborationProven ability to work effectively with product managers, designers, data scientists, and other engineering teams
Startup or Fast-Growth EnvironmentExperience working in dynamic, rapidly evolving environments with changing priorities and ambiguous requirements

Skills

Required skills

Python/Go ProgrammingExpert-level proficiency in at least one modern backend programming language with focus on performance and scalability
Database ManagementAdvanced knowledge of database design, optimization, and analytics for both operational and analytical workloads
A/B Testing & AnalyticsStrong analytical skills with experience in experimental design, statistical analysis, and data-driven decision making
System DesignAbility to architect and implement scalable, maintainable backend systems that support millions of users
API DevelopmentExpertise in building robust, well-documented APIs that serve as the backbone for growth features
Growth Metrics UnderstandingDeep understanding of user acquisition, retention, conversion funnels, and key growth metrics

Nice to have

Machine Learning IntegrationExperience integrating ML models or AI services into production backend systems
SEO Technical ImplementationKnowledge of technical SEO and backend optimizations for organic growth
Mobile API DevelopmentExperience building APIs specifically optimized for mobile applications and cross-platform compatibility
Real-time SystemsExperience with WebSocket, Server-Sent Events, or other real-time communication technologies
DevOps PracticesFamiliarity with CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code, and modern deployment practices
Performance OptimizationExperience with profiling, caching strategies, and optimizing backend systems for high throughput

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 185,000 – 385,000 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Equity Compensation

Competitive equity package with significant upside potential in one of the world's most valuable AI companies

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance with company-paid premiums for employees and dependents

Learning and Development

Generous professional development budget, conference attendance, and access to cutting-edge AI research and training

Flexible Work Environment

Hybrid work options with state-of-the-art office facilities in San Francisco and collaborative remote work tools

Unlimited PTO

Flexible time off policy encouraging work-life balance and personal well-being

Parental Leave

Extended parental leave policies supporting new parents during important life transitions

Mental Health Support

Comprehensive mental health benefits including therapy, counseling, and wellness programs

Technology Stipend

Annual technology allowance for home office setup, equipment, and productivity tools

Commuter Benefits

Transportation subsidies and parking allowances for San Francisco office access

Team Building Events

Regular team events, hackathons, and collaborative activities fostering innovation and connection

Interview process

  1. 1
    Initial Screening — 30-minute phone call with talent acquisition team to discuss background, interest in OpenAI, and role alignment
  2. 2
    Technical Phone Screen — 45-60 minute technical interview focusing on backend systems design, coding proficiency, and growth engineering concepts
  3. 3
    Take-Home Assignment — Practical coding challenge involving A/B testing implementation, API design, or growth feature development (2-4 hours)
  4. 4
    Virtual Technical Panel — 90-minute panel interview with senior engineers covering system design, data structures, and backend architecture
  5. 5
    Growth-Focused Interview — 60-minute behavioral and case study interview focusing on growth strategy, analytics, and cross-functional collaboration
  6. 6
    Final Interview Round — On-site or virtual final round with team leads, product managers, and potential colleagues focusing on cultural fit and leadership potential
  7. 7
    Reference Checks — Professional reference verification with previous managers and colleagues, focusing on technical skills and collaboration
Apply for this position

You'll be redirected to the company's application page

OpenAI

OpenAI

View all jobs

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
PythonJavaScript/Node.jsGoSQL
Frameworks
Django/FlaskFastAPIExpress.jsReact
Databases
PostgreSQLRedisMongoDBClickHouse
Tools
DockerKubernetesAWS/GCPGitDatadog/New RelicTerraform
Other
A/B Testing PlatformsAnalytics ToolsCI/CD PipelinesMessage QueuesAPI DesignMicroservices

Interview Guides

5 guides available for OpenAI

Apply Now

On this page