OpenAI

Software Engineer, Encryption

OpenAI1 months ago
Location

London, UK

Workplace

Remote

Type

Full Time

Salary

GBP 120,000 – 200,000

Level

Senior

Role

Backend Engineer

Posted

Jan 29, 2026

Full TimeRemoteSenior

The role

Summary

OpenAI's Encryption team is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design and build privacy-preserving infrastructure across ChatGPT and future consumer devices. The role focuses on implementing client-side encryption, HSM infrastructure, and trusted execution environments to ensure user data remains private even from OpenAI. This is a senior-level position requiring 5+ years of experience in cryptographic systems and large-scale infrastructure.

What you'll do

Cryptographic Infrastructure Development: Design and build core abstractions for encrypted storage, synchronization, and recovery systems across ChatGPT and future consumer devices
End-to-End Encryption Implementation: Develop and maintain client-side encryption protocols ensuring user data privacy even from OpenAI's internal systems
HSM Infrastructure Management: Build, deploy, and maintain hardware security module infrastructure under strict security requirements and compliance standards
Trusted Execution Environment Integration: Integrate encryption systems with private inference and computing infrastructure using TEEs for secure AI processing
Authentication System Development: Build intuitive and secure authentication experiences and user identity management systems across multiple platforms
High-Availability System Operations: Operate encryption systems at scale with high reliability requirements, including participation in on-call rotation for critical security infrastructure
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product, engineering, security, safety, policy, and legal teams to balance complex technical and business requirements
Security Protocol Design: Design modern cryptographic, storage, and authentication protocols that meet both security requirements and user experience goals

What we look for

Technical

Cryptographic Systems ExpertiseDeep understanding of end-to-end encryption protocols, cryptographic primitives, and secure system design principles
HSM Implementation ExperienceHands-on experience building and scaling Hardware Security Module infrastructure under strict security and compliance requirements
Systems Programming ProficiencyStrong skills in systems programming languages (Go, Rust, C/C++) for building high-performance cryptographic services
Distributed Systems KnowledgeExperience with large-scale distributed systems, microservices architecture, and cloud infrastructure for security-critical applications
Authentication SystemsProven experience designing and implementing user authentication systems, identity management, and access control mechanisms

Education

Computer Science DegreeBachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Cryptography, Mathematics, or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience
Security CertificationsProfessional certifications in cybersecurity or cryptography (CISSP, CEH, or similar) are valued but not required

Experience

Senior Software Engineering ExperienceMinimum 5+ years of professional software engineering experience with focus on security, cryptography, or infrastructure systems
Encryption Protocol DesignDemonstrated experience designing and implementing end-to-end encryption protocols in production environments
High-Scale System OperationsExperience building and operating scalable, reliable, and secure systems that handle sensitive user data at enterprise scale
Security-First DevelopmentTrack record of developing software with security as a primary concern, including threat modeling and secure coding practices

Skills

Required skills

Cryptographic ProgrammingAdvanced proficiency in implementing cryptographic algorithms, secure protocols, and encryption systems in production environments
Systems ArchitectureAbility to design and architect complex distributed systems with security, scalability, and reliability requirements
Security Best PracticesDeep understanding of security principles, threat modeling, vulnerability assessment, and secure software development lifecycle
Problem SolvingStrong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex technical challenges in cryptography and distributed systems
Cross-Functional CommunicationExcellent communication skills for collaborating with diverse teams including non-technical stakeholders on security requirements

Nice to have

Zero-Knowledge SystemsExperience with zero-knowledge proofs, privacy-preserving technologies, and advanced cryptographic techniques
Hardware SecurityKnowledge of hardware security modules, trusted platform modules, and secure element technologies
Cloud SecurityExperience with cloud security services, key management systems, and secure cloud architecture patterns
Mobile SecurityUnderstanding of mobile device security, secure enclaves, and consumer device encryption implementations
Compliance FrameworksFamiliarity with security compliance standards such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, FIPS 140-2, or Common Criteria

Compensation & benefits

Salary

GBP 120,000 – 200,000 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Hybrid Work Model

Flexible 3 days in office per week with option for full remote work from UK or EU

Relocation Assistance

Comprehensive relocation support for new employees moving to join the team

Professional Development

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

Healthcare Coverage

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and dependents

Equity Participation

Stock options providing ownership stake in one of the world's leading AI companies

Flexible PTO

Generous vacation and personal time off policy supporting work-life balance

Parental Leave

Extended paid parental leave for new parents with flexible return-to-work options

Retirement Planning

401(k) or pension contributions with company matching for long-term financial security

Interview process

  1. 1
    Application Review — Initial screening of application materials, GitHub portfolio, and cryptographic project experience
  2. 2
    Technical Phone Screen — 45-minute conversation covering cryptographic fundamentals, system design basics, and experience with encryption systems
  3. 3
    Cryptography Deep Dive — Technical interview focusing on end-to-end encryption protocols, key management, and secure system architecture design
  4. 4
    System Design Interview — Design a large-scale encryption system handling user data privacy, discussing trade-offs between security, performance, and usability
  5. 5
    Security Scenario Assessment — Practical problem-solving session involving threat modeling, security vulnerability analysis, and incident response planning
  6. 6
    Cross-Functional Collaboration Interview — Behavioral interview assessing ability to work with diverse teams and communicate complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders
  7. 7
    Final Round with Team — Meet with potential teammates and hiring manager to discuss team dynamics, project priorities, and mutual fit assessment
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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
GoRustPythonC/C++
Frameworks
gRPCProtocol BuffersOpenSSL
Databases
PostgreSQLRedisVault
Tools
KubernetesDockerTerraformHSMsTEEsAWS KMSPrometheusGrafana
Other
Cryptographic ProtocolsZero-Knowledge ProofsHomomorphic EncryptionFIDO2/WebAuthn

Interview Guides

5 guides available for OpenAI

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