Role Overview

The Data Acquisition team within OpenAI's Foundations organization is at the heart of our model training operations. We handle all aspects of data collection, from massive web crawling initiatives to sophisticated GPTBot services. As a Full-Stack Software Engineer, you'll build the interfaces, tools, and APIs that make our data infrastructure hum at scale.

Working closely with Data Processing, Architecture, and Scaling teams, you'll create full-stack applications that streamline data ingestion workflows. This isn't just about writing code—it's about enabling the safe, efficient collection of diverse datasets that train our frontier AI models. Located in San Francisco, this role demands 4+ years of full-stack experience and offers exposure to the most impactful AI work happening today.

Full-Stack developers at OpenAI tackle complex challenges like optimizing distributed systems for petabyte-scale data, ensuring compliance with global privacy standards, and deploying via Kubernetes in cloud environments. If you thrive in fast-moving teams pushing AI boundaries, this is your chance to contribute directly to humanity's AI future.

Key Responsibilities

OpenAI Full-Stack Engineers in Data Acquisition wear many hats. Here's what you'll do daily:

• Architect and build full-stack applications powering data acquisition tools and monitoring dashboards
• Design scalable RESTful APIs and GraphQL endpoints connecting internal services to external data sources
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering teams to integrate data pipelines seamlessly
• Develop intuitive React/Vue-based web interfaces for pipeline management and real-time monitoring
• Optimize Python/Node.js/Go backends for high-throughput, low-latency performance at scale
• Implement Infrastructure-as-Code deployments using Kubernetes, Docker, and Terraform
• Partner with legal teams to build compliant web crawling systems respecting robots.txt and privacy laws
• Conduct performance analysis, A/B experiments, and capacity planning for data workflows
• Maintain and evolve GPTBot services handling billions of web interactions
• Troubleshoot production issues across distributed cloud infrastructure (AWS/GCP)
• Document APIs, tools, and processes enabling team velocity
• Contribute to open-source data tools when appropriate, advancing industry standards
• Mentor junior engineers on full-stack best practices and scalable system design

These responsibilities position you at the intersection of software engineering, data systems, and AI infrastructure—perfect for ambitious full-stack developers seeking maximum impact.

Qualifications

We're seeking proven senior talent with the following expertise:

• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• 4+ years professional full-stack development in production environments
• Deep proficiency in modern frontend frameworks (React, Vue.js, Svelte)
• Expertise in backend languages including Python, Node.js, Go, or Rust
• Strong API design skills with REST, GraphQL, and gRPC protocols
• Advanced database experience across SQL (Postgres) and NoSQL (DynamoDB, MongoDB)
• Hands-on cloud architecture with AWS/GCP/Azure services
• Production Kubernetes/Docker orchestration at scale
• Experience with data-intensive applications processing terabytes+ datasets
• Familiarity with web crawling frameworks (Scrapy, BeautifulSoup) a strong plus
• Proven ability to ship reliable software in ambiguous, fast-paced settings
• Excellent collaboration skills across engineering, product, and legal teams

Bonus points for AI/ML infrastructure experience, distributed systems research publications, or contributions to open-source data projects. OpenAI values diverse backgrounds—veterans, career changers, and non-traditional paths all welcome.

Salary & Benefits

Compensation: $220,000 - $350,000 USD base salary (San Francisco market), plus significant equity in OpenAI. Total compensation includes performance bonuses and comprehensive benefits making this one of the most competitive senior SWE packages in AI.

Exceptional Benefits Package:

• Top-tier medical, dental, vision coverage with 100% premiums paid
• 401(k) with 4%+ employer match vesting immediately
• Unlimited PTO plus 20 weeks paid parental leave
• $10K+ annual learning stipend for conferences, courses, books
• Relocation assistance including visa sponsorship
• Daily catered lunch, unlimited snacks, and barista coffee
• State-of-the-art SF headquarters with gym, nap pods, gaming lounge
• Mental health benefits including unlimited therapy sessions
• Generous employee referral bonuses ($10K+ per hire)
• High-end MacBook Pro M3, multiple monitors, $2K hardware budget
• Team offsites, happy hours, and volunteer opportunities
• Equity grants with accelerated vesting tied to company milestones

This package reflects OpenAI's commitment to attracting world-class talent building safe AGI.

Why Join OpenAI?

OpenAI isn't just another tech company—we're developing artificial general intelligence to benefit all humanity. Your code will train models powering ChatGPT, DALL-E, and future breakthroughs. Data Acquisition sits upstream of everything, making your impact profound and immediate.

Work with brilliant minds tackling humanity's grandest challenge. Enjoy a culture emphasizing safety, curiosity, and rapid execution. San Francisco location offers unbeatable networking in AI's epicenter, plus hybrid flexibility for top performers.

EEO employer prioritizing diversity. Background checks per SF Fair Chance Ordinance. Join us to shape AI's future responsibly.

How to Apply

Ready to build data infrastructure powering AGI? Submit your resume, GitHub/portfolio, and a brief note on your most impactful full-stack project. OpenAI recruiters review applications within 48 hours. Technical interviews include coding, systems design, and behavioral rounds. No agencies please.

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