OpenAI

Connectivity Software Engineer

OpenAI5 months ago
Location

San Francisco

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 293,000 – 325,000

Level

Senior

Role

Connectivity Software Engineer

Posted

Oct 16, 2025

Full TimeSenior

The role

Summary

OpenAI is seeking a Connectivity Software Engineer to design and optimize wireless connectivity features across their product ecosystem. This role involves working with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and emerging wireless technologies at the systems level, focusing on kernel drivers, network protocols, and real-world performance optimization. The position requires deep Linux systems expertise and proven experience shipping wireless connectivity solutions.

What you'll do

Wireless Protocol Implementation: Design, implement, and debug Bluetooth/BLE and Wi-Fi features across kernel drivers, BlueZ/wpa_supplicant/hostapd, and systemd/D-Bus services
Device Pairing and Provisioning: Deliver robust pairing, bonding, and provisioning flows including GATT/GAP, LE Audio/LC3, WPA3/802.1X, captive portals, and NAN
Performance Optimization: Optimize link performance including throughput, latency, jitter, roaming, coexistence (BT↔Wi-Fi), and power modes (TWT, WoWLAN)
Network Management: Build reliable network management using NetworkManager/nmcli, nl80211/cfg80211/mac80211, DNS/DHCP/mDNS, P2P/SoftAP
System Analysis and Debugging: Instrument and analyze systems with packet captures and tooling (btmon/hcidump, Wireshark, iperf, eBPF/perf, spectrum sniffers)
Certification and Interoperability: Drive interoperability and certification readiness (Bluetooth SIG, Wi-Fi Alliance) and resolve field issues with root-cause fixes
Fleet Infrastructure: Contribute to OTA-safe configuration, telemetry, and diagnostics for fleet-scale operation

What we look for

Technical

Linux Systems ExperienceDeep experience shipping wireless features on Linux-based products
Programming ProficiencyHigh proficiency in C/C++ with scripting experience in Python or shell
Systems DebuggingExpertise in systems debugging using gdb, strace, logs, and packet traces
Bluetooth ExpertiseDeep knowledge of Bluetooth Classic/BLE including HCI, L2CAP, GATT/GAP, and profiles
Wi-Fi KnowledgeComprehensive understanding of Wi-Fi protocols (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, WPA2/3, nl80211, NAN)
Linux Networking StackHands-on experience with BlueZ, wpa_supplicant/hostapd, NetworkManager
Driver DevelopmentExperience with driver bring-up on ARM64 or x86 platforms
Performance OptimizationProven track record improving real-world performance and reliability under RF constraints

Education

Technical DegreeBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field (preferred but not explicitly required)

Experience

Wireless Systems5+ years of experience in wireless connectivity software development
Linux DevelopmentExtensive experience with Linux kernel development and systems programming
Production SystemsExperience shipping wireless features in production environments

Skills

Required skills

C/C++ ProgrammingAdvanced proficiency in systems programming languages for kernel and driver development
Linux SystemsDeep understanding of Linux kernel, networking stack, and device drivers
Bluetooth Protocol StackExpertise in Bluetooth Classic/BLE protocols, HCI, L2CAP, GATT/GAP
Wi-Fi StandardsKnowledge of 802.11 standards, WPA2/3, and Wi-Fi networking protocols
Network DebuggingProficiency with packet analysis, protocol debugging, and performance tuning
Systems DebuggingExperience with gdb, strace, kernel debugging, and log analysis

Nice to have

LE Audio/LC3Experience with Bluetooth Low Energy audio codec and streaming protocols
BLE MeshKnowledge of Bluetooth mesh networking for IoT applications
Advanced Wi-FiExperience with 802.11k/v/r roaming, QoS/WMM, multicast/IGMP
RF CoexistenceTuning and optimization across multiple radio technologies (BT/Wi-Fi/UWB/mmWave)
UWB TechnologyFamiliarity with IEEE 802.15.4z, FiRa ranging and integration
mmWave/Wi-GigExperience with 802.11ad/ay high-frequency wireless protocols
Security ProtocolsKnowledge of EAP-TLS, device identity management, secure boot
Test EquipmentExperience with RF test equipment and antenna fundamentals
Certification TestingBackground in building factory test and certification test plans
Open SourceContributions to upstream and open-source wireless projects

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 293,000 – 325,000 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Equity Compensation

Stock options and equity participation in OpenAI's growth

Hybrid Work Model

4 days in office per week with 1 day remote flexibility

Relocation Assistance

Comprehensive relocation package for new employees moving to San Francisco

Disability Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations provided for applicants and employees with disabilities

Equal Opportunity

Commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination

Professional Development

Opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI technology and wireless connectivity

Location Benefits

San Francisco Bay Area location with access to tech ecosystem and OpenAI headquarters

Interview process

  1. 1
    Application Review — Initial screening of technical background and experience with wireless connectivity systems
  2. 2
    Technical Phone Screen — 45-60 minute discussion covering wireless protocols, Linux systems knowledge, and problem-solving scenarios
  3. 3
    Technical Deep Dive — Detailed technical interview focusing on Bluetooth/Wi-Fi protocol implementation, debugging techniques, and system design
  4. 4
    Systems Design Interview — Architecture discussion covering wireless connectivity at scale, performance optimization, and real-world deployment challenges
  5. 5
    Practical Coding Session — Hands-on coding exercise involving C/C++ systems programming, debugging scenarios, or protocol implementation
  6. 6
    Team and Culture Fit — Behavioral interview with team members focusing on collaboration, problem-solving approach, and alignment with OpenAI values
  7. 7
    Final Review — Discussion with hiring manager covering role expectations, career goals, and any remaining technical or cultural questions
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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
CC++PythonShell/Bash
Frameworks
BlueZwpa_supplicant/hostapdNetworkManagersystemd/D-Bus
Tools
Wiresharkbtmon/hcidumpiperfeBPF/perfgdbstracespectrum sniffers
Other
nl80211/cfg80211/mac80211HCI/L2CAP/GATT/GAP802.11 standardsWPA2/WPA3LE Audio/LC3UWB/FiRaARM64/x86

Interview Guides

5 guides available for OpenAI

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