Role Overview

The Knowledge Innovation team at OpenAI is at the forefront of scaling AI-powered knowledge systems that evolve alongside our products, customers, and research breakthroughs. We're seeking an experienced Backend Software Engineer to architect robust infrastructure that supports intelligent automation, knowledge management, and AI agent systems serving both internal teams and global customers.

In this critical role, you'll design and build backend services using Python, FastAPI, and Postgres that power everything from customer support automation to product insights and integrity systems. This is a hands-on position where you'll own the full stack of backend development, from API design to data pipeline optimization, while collaborating with world-class researchers, product managers, and engineers.

Our team thrives on rapid iteration with lightning-fast feedback loops from customers—some sitting just pods away. We focus on identifying patterns across diverse workflows and building simple, scalable primitives that deliver world-class knowledge capabilities across multiple domains. Your work will exemplify the leverage possible with well-designed AI implementations, proving impact through internal use cases before scaling globally.

Key Responsibilities

As a Backend Software Engineer on the Knowledge Innovation team, you'll have end-to-end ownership of mission-critical systems. Your day-to-day will include:

• Architecting scalable backend services and RESTful APIs using Python and FastAPI
• Designing and optimizing Postgres databases for high-throughput knowledge systems
• Integrating heterogeneous data sources across OpenAI's internal platforms
• Building data transformation pipelines optimized for AI model consumption
• Collaborating with research teams to deploy OpenAI models into production workflows
• Owning the complete software development lifecycle from requirements to deployment
• Implementing robust monitoring, alerting, and observability for distributed systems
• Optimizing system performance for global scale while maintaining development velocity
• Designing evolvable architectures that adapt to changing product requirements
• Contributing to technical design documents and system architecture decisions
• Participating in on-call rotation to ensure production system reliability
• Mentoring junior engineers and conducting thorough code reviews
• Exploring innovative approaches to structured knowledge representation and agent infrastructure

This role offers unparalleled exposure to state-of-the-art AI technologies while building production systems that deliver real customer impact.

Qualifications

We're looking for engineers who combine deep technical expertise with pragmatic problem-solving. You might be a great fit if you have:

• 4+ years of professional backend engineering experience at product-driven companies
• Advanced proficiency in Python, FastAPI, and Postgres database systems
• Demonstrated experience scaling distributed systems and data-intensive applications
• Strong API design skills with experience building RESTful services at scale
• Proven ability to integrate and transform data across multiple platforms
• Experience owning full development lifecycle projects end-to-end
• Comfort shipping iteratively while maintaining focus on long-term system architecture
• Interest in AI/ML applications, knowledge graphs, internal search, or agent systems
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills with product and research teams
• Familiarity with containerization (Docker), orchestration (Kubernetes), and cloud platforms

Hands-on AI/ML experience is a bonus but not required—your curiosity and engineering excellence matter most.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive Compensation: Total compensation for this role typically ranges from $220,000 - $320,000 USD annually, including base salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits. Exact compensation depends on experience level and location.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Unlimited PTO with encouraged recharge periods
• 16+ weeks paid parental leave
• Professional development budget for conferences and courses
• Fully stocked office with catered lunches
• Onsite gym and wellness programs
• Mental health support resources
• Employee stock purchase opportunities

OpenAI offers one of the most competitive compensation packages in AI, reflecting our mission-critical work and Bay Area location premium.

Why Join OpenAI?

OpenAI isn't just building AI products—we're creating the future of artificial intelligence with safety and human benefit at our core. Here's why thousands of top engineers choose OpenAI:

• Impact at Scale: Your code powers systems used by millions worldwide
• Cutting-Edge Tech: Work with state-of-the-art models still in research labs
• Lightning Feedback: Direct customer access drives rapid iteration cycles
• World-Class Team: Collaborate with leading AI researchers and engineers
• Mission-Driven: Contribute to AGI that benefits all of humanity
• San Francisco HQ: Prime location in the heart of tech innovation

The Knowledge Innovation team specifically offers unique exposure to applied AI systems, where you can see immediate impact from your engineering work while contributing to long-term platform evolution.

How to Apply

Ready to build the infrastructure powering OpenAI's knowledge revolution? Here's what to expect:

1. Submit Application: Upload your resume and a brief note about why you're excited about this role
2. Technical Screen: 45-minute conversation about your backend experience
3. Take-Home Assessment: Build a FastAPI service with Postgres integration (4-6 hours)
4. Technical Interviews: System design, coding, and cross-functional collaboration
5. Team Fit: Meet the Knowledge Innovation team

We're hiring continuously—apply today to accelerate OpenAI's mission! OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.