Role Overview

OpenAI seeks an experienced Research Engineer to lead retrieval and search initiatives across our core products. As AI adoption accelerates, robust search capabilities have become mission-critical for delivering exceptional user experiences. You'll work at the intersection of research and engineering, developing algorithms that power document search, enterprise search, knowledge retrieval, and web-scale search applications.

This role sits at the center of OpenAI's retrieval efforts, directly impacting products used by millions. You'll collaborate with world-class researchers, deploy production systems at massive scale, and explore novel research directions shaping our future product strategy. Safety remains paramount—your work will balance innovation with responsible AI deployment.

Based in San Francisco, this position offers exposure to cutting-edge AI challenges while contributing to OpenAI's mission of ensuring artificial general intelligence benefits all humanity.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will span the full stack of retrieval engineering:

• Design and implement advanced retrieval algorithms for diverse domains including document search and enterprise knowledge bases
• Build scalable vector search infrastructure using state-of-the-art databases and indices
• Deploy production search systems integrated with ChatGPT and OpenAI API serving millions daily
• Collaborate closely with research scientists on novel retrieval methodologies and RAG architectures
• Optimize search performance for sub-second latency at internet scale
• Partner with product managers to translate user needs into technical requirements
• Work with designers creating intuitive search interfaces powered by AI
• Conduct experiments evaluating retrieval effectiveness across benchmarks
• Maintain production ML systems with 99.99%+ uptime requirements
• Explore long-term research directions informing OpenAI's product roadmap
• Scale search infrastructure to handle exponential query growth
• Integrate retrieval systems with frontier large language models
• Monitor and iterate on live production metrics driving continuous improvement

Expect to own projects end-to-end, from initial research through production deployment and ongoing optimization.

Qualifications

We're looking for engineers who thrive in ambiguous, high-impact environments:

• 5+ years building production ML systems, preferably search/retrieval focused
• Deep experience with vector databases (Pinecone, Weaviate, FAISS, etc.)
• Proven success scaling search systems to internet-scale traffic
• Strong Python skills and ML framework proficiency (PyTorch/TensorFlow)
• Experience owning complex technical projects from research to production
• Comfort navigating competing priorities and tight deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to learn new domains rapidly
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills
• Passion for responsible AI development and deployment
• San Francisco Bay Area location preferred

Salary & Benefits

Competitive Compensation: Total compensation for this senior Research Engineer role typically ranges from $285,000 - $425,000 annually, including base salary, equity, and bonus potential. Exact figures depend on experience and qualifications.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Premium medical, dental, vision coverage
• 401(k) with generous matching
• Unlimited PTO policy
• Parental leave and family benefits
• Professional growth stipend
• Equity in a high-growth AI leader
• Catered meals and team events
• State-of-the-art San Francisco office
• Relocation support available

OpenAI offers compensation competitive with top tech companies while prioritizing mission impact over traditional perks.

Why Join OpenAI?

OpenAI represents humanity's best hope for safe AGI development. Your work here directly shapes how billions interact with AI:

• Mission-Driven Impact: Build technology benefiting all humanity, with safety as the north star
• Technical Excellence: Work with the world's top AI researchers and engineers
• Product Reach: Ship features used by millions through ChatGPT and API
• Research Freedom: Explore novel ideas influencing our long-term roadmap
• Career Growth: Rapid learning environment with unparalleled challenges

Unlike traditional tech companies, OpenAI prioritizes responsible development over unchecked growth. You'll join a values-driven team committed to safe AI deployment.

How to Apply

Ready to shape the future of AI search? Submit your application including:

• Resume/CV highlighting relevant experience
• GitHub/portfolio with production ML projects
• Brief cover letter explaining your interest in retrieval/search at OpenAI

Our interview process includes technical screens, system design, research discussions, and team fit interviews. We evaluate holistically, valuing diverse experiences and perspectives.

OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. We encourage applications from underrepresented backgrounds.