OpenAI

Software Engineer, Encryption

OpenAI1 months ago
Location

San Francisco

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 292,000 – 490,000

Level

Senior

Role

Backend Engineer

Posted

Jan 28, 2026

Full TimeSenior

The role

Summary

OpenAI is seeking a Software Engineer to join their Encryption team, building advanced privacy infrastructure and end-to-end encryption features for ChatGPT and future consumer devices. The role involves designing cryptographic protocols, implementing hardware security modules (HSMs), and creating secure storage solutions using trusted execution environments.

What you'll do

Design End-to-End Encryption Systems: Architect and implement comprehensive encryption protocols for user data protection across ChatGPT and future consumer devices
Build Hardware Security Module Infrastructure: Develop and maintain HSM-based key management systems with strict security requirements and high availability
Implement Trusted Execution Environment Integration: Create secure computing environments that enable private inference while maintaining data confidentiality
Develop Authentication and Storage Systems: Build user-friendly authentication experiences and encrypted storage solutions with seamless sync and recovery capabilities
Scale Privacy Infrastructure: Operate and optimize encryption systems at massive scale with high reliability and performance requirements
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product, security, safety, policy, and legal teams to balance privacy requirements with user experience
Production System Operations: Participate in on-call rotations and ensure 24/7 availability of critical encryption infrastructure

What we look for

Technical

Cryptography ExpertiseDeep understanding of modern cryptographic protocols, end-to-end encryption, and secure system design principles
Hardware Security ModulesHands-on experience building and scaling HSM infrastructure under strict security requirements
Trusted Execution EnvironmentsExperience with TEE technologies like Intel SGX, ARM TrustZone, or AWS Nitro Enclaves for secure computing
Distributed SystemsProven ability to design and implement scalable, reliable systems handling millions of concurrent users
Security ProtocolsExperience with authentication protocols, key management, and secure communication standards

Education

Bachelor's DegreeComputer Science, Cybersecurity, Mathematics, or related technical field preferred
Advanced Cryptography KnowledgeFormal education or equivalent experience in cryptographic theory and implementation

Experience

Professional Software EngineeringMinimum 5+ years of experience in professional software development with focus on security-critical systems
Privacy-Focused ProductsExperience building consumer-facing privacy and encryption features at scale
Cross-Functional CollaborationProven track record working with diverse teams including product, security, and legal stakeholders

Skills

Required skills

Cryptographic Protocol DesignAbility to design and implement secure end-to-end encryption protocols like Labyrinth
Hardware Security ModulesExperience with HSM infrastructure similar to Juicebox or comparable platforms
Systems ProgrammingProficiency in low-level programming languages for secure, high-performance implementations
Distributed SystemsExperience building scalable, reliable systems that operate under strict security constraints
Authentication SystemsTrack record of building intuitive user authentication experiences

Nice to have

AI/ML InfrastructureUnderstanding of machine learning inference pipelines and private computing requirements
Cloud SecurityExperience with cloud-native security solutions and compliance frameworks
Mobile SecurityKnowledge of mobile device encryption and secure storage implementations
Regulatory ComplianceFamiliarity with privacy regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and data protection standards
Performance OptimizationExperience optimizing cryptographic operations for high-throughput applications

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 292,000 – 490,000 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Equity Compensation

Significant equity participation in OpenAI's growth and success in the AI industry

Hybrid Work Model

Flexible 3-days-per-week in-office requirement with remote work options

Relocation Assistance

Comprehensive relocation support for new employees moving to San Francisco

Professional Development

Access to cutting-edge AI research and collaboration with world-class engineers and researchers

Health and Wellness

Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs for employees and families

Career Growth

Opportunity to shape the future of AI technology and work on globally impactful products

Interview process

  1. 1
    Initial Phone Screen — 30-minute conversation with recruiter covering background, interest in OpenAI's mission, and basic technical experience
  2. 2
    Technical Phone Interview — 45-60 minute technical discussion focusing on cryptography concepts, system design, and coding problems related to security
  3. 3
    System Design Interview — 60-90 minute session designing an end-to-end encryption system with focus on scalability and security trade-offs
  4. 4
    On-site Technical Rounds — Multiple technical interviews covering cryptographic implementation, HSM architecture, and distributed systems design
  5. 5
    Cross-Functional Interview — Discussion with product and security teams about privacy requirements and user experience considerations
  6. 6
    Final Interview — Meeting with senior leadership to discuss OpenAI's mission, team culture, and long-term career goals
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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++JavaScript/TypeScript
Frameworks
gRPCProtocol BuffersWebAssembly
Databases
PostgreSQLRedisDynamoDB
Tools
Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs)DockerKubernetesTerraform
Other
OpenSSLlibsodiumAWS KMSIntel SGXPKCS#11

Interview Guides

5 guides available for OpenAI

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