Software Engineer, Backend - Sora at OpenAI

Join OpenAI's pioneering Sora team as a Software Engineer, Backend and help build the future of video generation AI. Based in San Francisco, California, this senior-level role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge multimodal AI systems that will reach millions worldwide.

The Sora team combines research and product engineering to integrate advanced video capabilities into OpenAI's foundation models. We're seeking experienced backend engineers who thrive in fast-paced, iterative environments and have strong product instincts.

Key Responsibilities

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with researchers, product managers, and designers to architect video product features from concept to production.
• Research Integration: Bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI research and scalable production systems, implementing video generation capabilities at scale.
• System Architecture: Design distributed backend systems capable of handling massive scale while maintaining reliability and low latency.
• Product Strategy: Influence technical roadmaps and contribute to product decisions for OpenAI's video initiatives.
• Performance Optimization: Build efficient video processing pipelines optimized for real-time inference and generation.
• API Development: Create robust, well-documented APIs that power seamless user experiences across web and mobile platforms.
• Infrastructure Scaling: Architect cloud infrastructure using AWS/GCP to support global user growth.
• Safety & Reliability: Implement safeguards and monitoring ensuring safe deployment of powerful AI capabilities.
• Rapid Iteration: Ship features quickly while maintaining production-grade quality through CI/CD practices.
• Mentorship: Conduct code reviews and mentor team members on backend best practices.
• Technical Leadership: Make critical architecture decisions impacting millions of users.
• Innovation: Explore new frontiers in multimodal AI and video infrastructure.
• Observability: Build comprehensive monitoring and alerting systems for production services.

Qualifications & Requirements

This senior backend engineering role requires proven experience building complex, user-facing systems. Ideal candidates demonstrate:

• 6+ years of professional software engineering experience with emphasis on backend systems
• Strong Python proficiency and experience with modern frameworks (FastAPI, Django)
• Deep knowledge of distributed systems, microservices, and scalable architecture patterns
• Experience with video/audio processing infrastructure (bonus but highly valuable)
• Proven ability to ship products used by millions while maintaining reliability
• Comfort working in ambiguous environments with rapidly evolving requirements
• Strong communication skills for collaborating across research, product, and engineering
• Experience with containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes)
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS preferred) and infrastructure-as-code
• Track record of technical leadership and roadmap influence
• Passion for AI safety and responsible deployment of powerful capabilities

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range: $280,000 - $420,000 USD (base salary) + equity + benefits. Total compensation includes significant equity in OpenAI.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Top-tier medical, dental, vision coverage
• Hybrid SF work model (3 days/week in office)
• Relocation assistance package
• Unlimited PTO with wellness days
• 16 weeks paid parental leave
• 401(k) matching
• Mental health support and therapy coverage
• Learning & development stipend
• Catered meals and team events
• Gym membership reimbursement

Why Join OpenAI's Sora Team?

OpenAI is at the forefront of artificial intelligence research and deployment. The Sora team represents our boldest step yet into multimodal AI, combining text, image, and video generation capabilities.

Impact at Scale: Your work will reach hundreds of millions through products like ChatGPT and future multimodal offerings.

Cutting-Edge Challenges: Solve unprecedented technical problems in video generation at internet scale.

Research + Product: Work alongside world-class researchers while shipping products users love.

Safety First: Ensure powerful AI capabilities benefit humanity through responsible engineering practices.

San Francisco HQ: Join our collaborative hybrid work environment in the heart of tech innovation.

How to Apply

Ready to shape the future of AI-powered video generation? Submit your application including:

• Resume/CV highlighting relevant backend experience
• GitHub portfolio or links to impactful projects
• Optional: Cover letter explaining your interest in Sora and multimodal AI

OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.