Role Overview

Join OpenAI's elite Applied Engineering team as a Software Engineer, Government and play a pivotal role in deploying cutting-edge AI technologies to public sector missions. Based in Washington, DC, San Francisco, CA, or Seattle, WA, this position offers the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between groundbreaking AI research and real-world government applications. At OpenAI, safety and responsible deployment are paramount—we prioritize secure, scalable solutions over rapid expansion.

In this high-impact role, you'll tackle complex challenges across the full technology stack, from frontend React interfaces to Python backend services and Kubernetes-orchestrated infrastructure. You'll own end-to-end development of ChatGPT and OpenAI API features tailored for on-premises and cloud environments serving critical public sector needs. Expect cross-functional collaboration with product, security, compliance, and research teams, plus direct customer engagement to design solutions that drive mission success.

This isn't just engineering; it's shaping the future of AI in government. With occasional travel to customer sites, you'll gain unparalleled exposure to high-stakes deployments where reliability and security are non-negotiable. If you're a US citizen passionate about AI's public good, this Software Engineer, Gov role at OpenAI is your chance to make history.

OpenAI's commitment to benefiting humanity means every line of code you write advances safe AI deployment. From optimizing inference in air-gapped networks to iterating on models with researcher feedback, your work will have immediate, tangible impact.

Key Responsibilities

As a Software Engineer, Gov at OpenAI, your day-to-day will be dynamic and rewarding. Here's what you'll dive into:

• End-to-End Ownership: Lead the full lifecycle development of customer-facing ChatGPT and OpenAI API features, from ideation to production deployment in both on-premises and cloud setups for public sector clients.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Embed with engineering, security, and compliance teams to ensure products thrive within stringent government constraints like FedRAMP and IL levels.
• User-Centric Design: Conduct user interviews, analyze pain points, and architect intuitive solutions that address unique public sector challenges.
• AI Research Integration: Collaborate with OpenAI researchers to adapt bleeding-edge models, customizing at both model and data layers for specialized government use cases.
• Scalability Focus: Optimize applications for ultra-high performance, handling massive inference loads in resource-constrained, high-security environments.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Partner with product managers, designers, operations, and fellow engineers to ship innovative, cutting-edge AI products.
• Infrastructure Mastery: Leverage Kubernetes, Terraform, and other primitives to build resilient, scalable platforms ready for mission-critical operations.
• Rapid Iteration: Prototype, test, and refine features based on real-time deployment feedback and customer input.
• Security-First Development: Implement robust security measures, compliance checks, and auditing to meet the highest standards of public sector deployments.
• Innovation Delivery: Launch net-new capabilities that empower government agencies with AI-driven insights and automation.
• Performance Tuning: Fine-tune systems for speed, efficiency, and reliability under extreme conditions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Present technical roadmaps and demos to customers, translating complex AI concepts into actionable value.
• Continuous Improvement: Gather metrics from deployments to inform future enhancements and model iterations.

Thriving here means embracing ambiguity, prioritizing impact, and delivering results in fast-paced settings.

Qualifications

To excel as a Software Engineer, Gov at OpenAI, bring these qualifications to the table:

• US Citizenship (mandatory for public sector engagements).
• 5+ years of hands-on engineering at tech/product companies.
• Deep proficiency in JavaScript, React, and modern web tech stacks.
• Strong backend expertise, especially Python (OpenAI's primary language).
• Practical experience with Kubernetes, Terraform, and IaC practices.
• Genuine interest in AI/ML—prior exposure accelerates success.
• Proven agility in loosely defined environments with shifting priorities.
• Passion for public sector AI applications and their transformative potential.
• Experience shipping full-stack features with real user impact.
• Cross-functional collaboration skills across engineering, product, and security.
• Bonus: Familiarity with government compliance (e.g., NIST, CMMC).

Salary & Benefits

OpenAI offers competitive compensation reflecting your expertise and impact. Total rewards for this senior Software Engineer, Gov role typically range from $220,000 to $350,000 USD annually, including base salary, equity, and bonuses—calibrated to DC market rates and experience.

Beyond pay, enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision).
• 401(k) with matching contributions.
• Unlimited PTO and flexible work arrangements.
• Professional growth stipends and learning resources.
• Generous parental leave and wellness perks.
• Relocation support for DC, SF, or Seattle.

Why Join OpenAI?

OpenAI isn't just a company—it's the vanguard of safe AGI development. Work on products used by millions, backed by a mission to benefit humanity. Our DC-focused Gov team pioneers AI for public good, from national security to citizen services. Gain exposure to top researchers, ship world-changing tech, and grow in a culture valuing safety, diversity, and bold innovation. Join us to define AI's government future.

How to Apply

Ready to apply? Submit your resume, GitHub/portfolio, and a note on why OpenAI's Gov team excites you. We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis—don't wait! OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.