OpenAI

Software Engineer, Codex App

OpenAI3 weeks ago
Location

San Francisco

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 230,000 – 385,000

Level

Senior

Role

Full Stack Engineer

Posted

Feb 18, 2026

Full TimeSenior

The role

Summary

OpenAI seeks a Full Stack Software Engineer for the Codex App team to build and maintain the desktop application and IDE extensions that integrate Codex AI into developers' workflows. The role involves end-to-end ownership of TypeScript/Node/Electron applications with Rust service integrations, requiring expertise in IPC architecture, process orchestration, and desktop app development.

What you'll do

End-to-End Feature Development: Build complete features across the Electron application including UI components and Node.js/TypeScript backend layers
Rust Service Integration: Design and implement robust integrations with Codex CLI and app server written in Rust, handling process lifecycle, streaming output, and comprehensive error handling
IPC Architecture Design: Own and evolve Inter-Process Communication architecture including renderer/main process boundaries, message schemas, backpressure handling, safety mechanisms, and debugging tools
Process Orchestration Systems: Build sophisticated systems for managing long-running tasks, incremental progress updates, cancellation workflows, retry logic, and state synchronization
Performance and Reliability Enhancement: Implement comprehensive logging, tracing, and metrics systems, conduct performance profiling, and develop crash reporting and debugging tooling
Product Collaboration: Partner closely with design and product teams to transform ambiguous requirements into well-defined, shippable developer workflows
Developer Experience Optimization: Focus on creating fast, dependable experiences that integrate seamlessly into real developer environments and daily workflows
System Architecture Evolution: Continuously improve application architecture, identifying performance bottlenecks and implementing scalable solutions for growing user base

What we look for

Technical

TypeScript/Node.js ExpertiseStrong fundamentals in TypeScript and Node.js with demonstrated ability to build scalable backend services
Electron Desktop DevelopmentExperience with Electron framework including renderer/main process separation, performance optimization, and application packaging/release processes
Native Process IntegrationProficiency in integrating with native processes and services, particularly Rust applications, with focus on clean, testable architectural boundaries
IPC and Distributed SystemsKnowledge of Inter-Process Communication patterns and distributed systems concepts applied locally: message ordering, buffering, backpressure, retries, and idempotency
Full Stack ArchitectureExperience designing and implementing full stack applications with focus on UI, backend services, and system integration layers

Education

Computer Science DegreeBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
Advanced Technical EducationMaster's degree in related field or equivalent professional development in software engineering

Experience

Full Stack Development5+ years of experience building full stack applications with modern JavaScript/TypeScript frameworks
Desktop Application Development3+ years of experience with desktop application development, preferably using Electron or similar frameworks
Developer Tools ExperiencePrevious experience building developer tools, command-line interfaces, or IDE integrations strongly preferred
Product EngineeringDemonstrated experience in product-focused engineering roles with emphasis on user experience and iterative development based on feedback

Skills

Required skills

TypeScriptAdvanced proficiency in TypeScript for both frontend and backend development
Node.jsDeep understanding of Node.js runtime and ecosystem for building scalable services
ElectronHands-on experience with Electron framework architecture and best practices
IPC PatternsStrong knowledge of Inter-Process Communication patterns and implementation
System IntegrationExperience integrating with external services and native applications
Product EngineeringProduct-minded approach to feature development with focus on user experience

Nice to have

Rust IntegrationExperience working with Rust applications and cross-language integration patterns
Developer ToolsBackground in building developer-focused tools, CLIs, or IDE extensions
Performance OptimizationExperience with application performance profiling and optimization techniques
ObservabilityKnowledge of logging, tracing, and metrics implementation for desktop applications
AI/ML IntegrationUnderstanding of integrating AI/ML services into developer workflows
Cross-Platform DevelopmentExperience with cross-platform desktop application development and deployment

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 230,000 – 385,000 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Equity Compensation

Comprehensive equity package allowing participation in OpenAI's growth and success

Health Insurance

Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and dependents

Mental Health Support

Access to mental health resources and counseling services

Retirement Planning

401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions

Professional Development

Learning and development budget for conferences, courses, and skill enhancement

Flexible Work Arrangements

Hybrid work model balancing remote work flexibility with in-person collaboration

Unlimited PTO

Flexible vacation policy promoting work-life balance

Parental Leave

Comprehensive paid parental leave for new parents

Equipment Stipend

Technology and home office setup allowance for remote work

Wellness Programs

Fitness memberships, wellness stipends, and health promotion initiatives

Interview process

  1. 1
    Initial Application Review — Portfolio and resume screening focusing on TypeScript/Node.js experience and desktop application development background
  2. 2
    Technical Phone Screen — 45-minute technical discussion covering JavaScript fundamentals, Electron architecture, and system design concepts
  3. 3
    Take-Home Technical Challenge — Practical coding assignment involving Electron application development with IPC implementation and Rust service integration
  4. 4
    Technical Deep Dive — 90-minute technical interview focusing on system architecture, IPC patterns, and full stack development approach
  5. 5
    Product and Culture Fit — Behavioral interview assessing product thinking, collaboration skills, and alignment with OpenAI's mission and values
  6. 6
    Final Round Panel — Panel interview with team members and leadership covering technical expertise, problem-solving approach, and team 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
TypeScriptJavaScriptNode.jsRust
Frameworks
ElectronReactExpress.js
Databases
SQLitePostgreSQL
Tools
GitDockerWebpackESLintJest
Other
IPCProcess OrchestrationIDE Extensions

Interview Guides

5 guides available for OpenAI

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