OpenAI

Full-Stack Software Engineer, Social Products

OpenAI1 months ago
Location

San Francisco

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 210,000 – 325,000

Level

Mid

Role

Full Stack Engineer

Posted

Feb 9, 2026

Full TimeMid

The role

Summary

OpenAI's Incubation team is seeking a Full-Stack Software Engineer to prototype and develop next-generation AI-powered products from concept to production. This role involves rapid prototyping, cross-functional collaboration, and building scalable systems on top of OpenAI's high-performance infrastructure that powers ChatGPT and the OpenAI API.

What you'll do

Rapid Prototyping: Develop and iterate quickly on new AI-powered product concepts, building functional demos from initial ideas
Full-Stack Development: Build complete applications from frontend user interfaces to backend APIs and database architecture
Product Experimentation: Design and implement A/B tests and user experiments to validate product hypotheses and gather user feedback
AI Integration: Integrate OpenAI's language models and APIs into new product experiences and user workflows
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with designers, researchers, product managers, and data scientists to bring concepts from ideation to production
Technical Architecture: Design scalable systems architecture that can handle growth from prototype to production-ready applications
Performance Optimization: Optimize applications for speed, scalability, and reliability on OpenAI's high-performance infrastructure
Code Quality: Write clean, maintainable code and participate in code reviews to ensure high engineering standards

What we look for

Technical

Full-Stack Development3+ years of professional experience building and shipping complete web applications from frontend to backend
Multiple Programming LanguagesFluency across multiple programming languages and frameworks with ability to choose optimal tools for rapid development
Production ExperienceExperience shipping products from prototype to production in fast-moving, startup-like environments
API DevelopmentStrong experience designing and implementing RESTful APIs and real-time communication systems
Database DesignProficiency in database design, optimization, and working with both SQL and NoSQL databases

Education

Computer Science DegreeBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
Continuous LearningDemonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies, frameworks, and problem domains

Experience

Startup EnvironmentExperience working in fast-paced, high-ambiguity startup environments with rapid iteration cycles
Product DevelopmentTrack record of taking products from initial concept through user validation to production deployment
Cross-Functional TeamsExperience collaborating effectively with product, design, and research teams in product development
System ArchitectureExperience designing and implementing scalable system architectures for growing user bases

Skills

Required skills

JavaScript/TypeScriptAdvanced proficiency for both frontend and backend development
React/Frontend FrameworksStrong experience building responsive, interactive user interfaces
Backend DevelopmentSolid experience with server-side programming and API development
Database ManagementProficiency in SQL and NoSQL database design and optimization
Version ControlAdvanced Git workflows and collaborative development practices
Problem SolvingStrong analytical and debugging skills for complex technical challenges
CommunicationExcellent verbal and written communication for cross-functional collaboration

Nice to have

AI/ML IntegrationExperience integrating machine learning models or AI APIs into applications
PythonProficiency for AI service integration and backend development
Cloud PlatformsExperience with AWS, GCP, or Azure for scalable deployments
DevOpsKnowledge of CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and deployment automation
Performance OptimizationExperience optimizing applications for high-scale, low-latency requirements
User ExperienceUnderstanding of UX principles and user-centered design processes
Agile MethodologiesExperience with agile development processes and rapid iteration cycles

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 210,000 – 325,000 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Equity Compensation

Significant equity participation in one of the world's most valuable AI companies

Health Insurance

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families

Flexible Work Arrangement

Hybrid work model allowing both in-office collaboration and remote flexibility

Learning & Development

Access to cutting-edge AI research, conferences, and continuous learning opportunities

Parental Leave

Generous parental leave policies supporting work-life balance

Retirement Benefits

401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching contributions

Professional Development

Budget for conferences, courses, and professional development activities

Wellness Programs

Mental health support, fitness benefits, and comprehensive wellness initiatives

Interview process

  1. 1
    Application Review — Initial screening of resume, portfolio, and GitHub repositories focusing on full-stack experience and product impact
  2. 2
    Recruiter Phone Screen — 30-minute conversation about background, interest in AI, and alignment with OpenAI's mission and values
  3. 3
    Technical Phone Interview — 60-minute coding interview focusing on full-stack problem-solving, system design thinking, and rapid prototyping approach
  4. 4
    Take-Home Project — Build a small full-stack application integrating an AI API, demonstrating product thinking and technical execution
  5. 5
    Virtual Technical Deep Dive — 90-minute session reviewing take-home project, discussing architectural decisions, and exploring system design at scale
  6. 6
    Cross-Functional Interview — Interviews with product, design, and research team members to assess collaboration skills and product intuition
  7. 7
    Final Round Interviews — On-site or virtual final interviews including technical architecture discussion, cultural fit assessment, and leadership conversations
  8. 8
    Reference Checks — Background verification and professional reference calls focusing on technical leadership and collaborative impact
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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
JavaScript/TypeScriptPythonGoRust
Frameworks
ReactNext.jsNode.jsFastAPI
Databases
PostgreSQLRedisVector Databases
Tools
DockerKubernetesAWS/GCPGit
Other
OpenAI APIWebRTCWebSocketGraphQL

Interview Guides

5 guides available for OpenAI

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