OpenAI

Software Engineer, Real Time

OpenAI20 months ago
Location

Seattle

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 185,000 – 385,000

Level

Senior

Role

Full Stack Engineer

Posted

Jul 10, 2024

Full TimeSenior

The role

Summary

OpenAI is seeking a Software Engineer specializing in Real-Time Communication (RTC) to design and build scalable systems that power next-generation AI products like ChatGPT. This full-stack role requires experience with production-scale real-time communication systems, WebRTC protocols, and building robust infrastructure using technologies like Kubernetes, Go, Python, and Kafka in a globally distributed environment.

What you'll do

System Design: Design and build development and production platforms that power OpenAI's real-time communication systems
Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with researchers, engineers, product managers, and designers to bring new features and research capabilities to market
Developer Tooling: Accelerate engineering productivity by empowering fellow engineers with excellent tooling and infrastructure systems
Global Operations: Build and provide operational support for globally deployed systems powering advanced AI products
On-call Support: Participate in on-call rotation to respond to critical incidents and ensure system reliability
Scalability Engineering: Scale existing real-time communication systems and architect next-generation platforms for new product capabilities
Performance Optimization: Optimize real-time communication performance including audio/video quality, latency, and synchronization

What we look for

Technical

Real-Time CommunicationSignificant experience with production-scale real-time communication systems, audio/video calling, and WebRTC protocols
Full-Stack DevelopmentComfortable with full-stack development across frontend, backend, and infrastructure layers
Production SystemsExperience building and rebuilding production systems to handle increasing scale and deliver new capabilities
System ArchitectureAbility to design scalable, robust infrastructure using cloud technologies and containerization

Education

Computer Science DegreeBachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
Technical FoundationStrong foundation in algorithms, data structures, and system design principles

Experience

Production Scale5+ years experience building production systems with significant user traffic and scale
RTC TechnologiesHands-on experience with WebRTC, encoding/decoding, signaling protocols, and lip sync technologies
Startup ExperiencePreferred experience as a startup founder or early-stage engineer in high-growth environments

Skills

Required skills

Real-Time CommunicationProduction experience with RTC systems, WebRTC, audio/video protocols
Full-Stack DevelopmentProficiency in both frontend and backend development
Go ProgrammingStrong experience with Go for backend services and infrastructure
Python DevelopmentProficiency in Python for system development and automation
KubernetesExperience with container orchestration and cloud-native deployments
System DesignAbility to design scalable, distributed systems

Nice to have

Machine LearningExperience with ML techniques and AI systems integration
Startup ExperienceBackground as founder or early employee in high-growth startups
TerraformInfrastructure as code and cloud resource management
KafkaReal-time data streaming and event-driven architectures
PostgreSQLAdvanced database design and optimization
GPU ComputingExperience with GPU workloads and high-performance computing

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 185,000 – 385,000 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Equity Package

Comprehensive equity package with significant upside potential in a leading AI company

Health Insurance

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

Professional Development

Access to cutting-edge AI research and technology, conference attendance, and learning opportunities

Work-Life Balance

Flexible working arrangements and generous time-off policies

Impact

Opportunity to work on products that shape the future of AI and benefit humanity

Interview process

  1. 1
    Application Review — Initial screening of resume, portfolio, and technical background
  2. 2
    Recruiter Screen — 30-minute call to discuss background, motivations, and role alignment
  3. 3
    Technical Phone Screen — 60-minute technical interview covering system design and real-time communication concepts
  4. 4
    Take-Home Assignment — Real-time communication system design challenge completed over 2-3 days
  5. 5
    Virtual Onsite — 4-hour interview panel including technical deep-dive, system design, and behavioral interviews
  6. 6
    Final Interview — Leadership interview focusing on cultural fit, impact, and long-term vision
  7. 7
    Reference Checks — Professional reference verification and background check process
Apply for this position

You'll be redirected to the company's application page

OpenAI

OpenAI

View all jobs

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
GoPythonJavaScript/TypeScript
Frameworks
WebRTCKubernetesTerraform
Databases
PostgreSQLSnowflake
Tools
KafkaDockerGit
Other
GPU ComputingEncoding/DecodingMachine Learning

Interview Guides

5 guides available for OpenAI

Apply Now

On this page