Role Overview

The Privacy Team at OpenAI safeguards user data across all products and systems. As a Software Engineer, Privacy, you'll design backend systems that power privacy functions in our API products and consumer apps. Based in Dublin, this hybrid role (3 days in office) offers relocation support and is ideal for engineers passionate about building secure data pipelines while collaborating with legal experts.

At OpenAI, privacy isn't an afterthought—it's core to our mission. You'll handle sensitive data, automate legal workflows, and ensure compliance with global standards like GDPR. If you thrive on solving complex problems at the nexus of technology, law, and ethics, this senior-level position is your chance to shape the future of safe AI.

Dublin's vibrant tech scene, combined with OpenAI's global impact, makes this role perfect for ambitious engineers seeking meaningful work. With unlimited PTO, equity, and top-tier benefits, you'll have the support to innovate without limits.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll take ownership of critical privacy infrastructure. Key responsibilities include:

• Designing, building, and maintaining backend systems and services for privacy and data compliance in API products and consumer applications.
• Collaborating closely with legal advisors and engineers to process court orders and legal requests while maintaining strict privacy standards.
• Identifying automation opportunities and developing tools that enable teams to handle customer data efficiently.
• Implementing data handling policies and procedures compliant with legal, ethical, and regulatory standards.
• Architecting scalable data pipelines optimized for legal processes and investigative workflows.
• Translating complex legal requirements into actionable technical solutions and vice versa.
• Building custom tools to accelerate workflows when existing solutions fall short.
• Ensuring user data integrity, confidentiality, and security across OpenAI's ecosystem.
• Conducting privacy impact assessments and risk mitigations for new features.
• Optimizing systems for high-scale data processing in a fast-paced AI environment.
• Participating in cross-functional initiatives with trust & safety, product, and engineering teams.
• Staying ahead of evolving privacy regulations and proactively integrating them into products.
• Mentoring junior engineers on privacy best practices and secure coding standards.

Expect to own projects end-to-end, from ideation to deployment, in a collaborative, high-impact culture.

Qualifications

To succeed, you'll need:

• 5+ years in software engineering, with focus on data pipelines and backend systems.
• Experience in privacy engineering, security investigations, or legal tech.
• Proficiency in Python, SQL, and cloud platforms like AWS or GCP.
• Ability to bridge legal and technical worlds effectively.
• Proven track record of building automation tools for sensitive data workflows.
• Deep commitment to user privacy and ethical AI development.
• Bachelor's or higher in Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with GDPR/CCPA compliance highly preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn rapidly.
• Excellent communication for non-technical audiences.

Prior work with trust & safety or legal teams is a plus. OpenAI values diverse perspectives and hires for potential.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive total compensation includes base salary ($120K-$180K USD equivalent), equity, and perks tailored for Dublin:

• Medical, dental, vision coverage for family.
• Mental health support.
• PRSA with 6% match.
• Unlimited PTO.
• €1,400 L&D stipend.
• Relocation assistance.
• Hybrid model, office perks.

This package positions you for financial security while advancing AI safety.

Why Join OpenAI?

OpenAI is at the forefront of AGI, ensuring AI benefits humanity. Our Dublin office taps into Europe's tech talent for global impact. Work with world-class teams on products used by millions, prioritizing safety and privacy. Enjoy Dublin's culture, with OpenAI's inclusive environment fostering innovation. This role offers unparalleled growth in AI privacy engineering.

We're committed to diversity—no discrimination based on race, religion, etc. Join us to build trustworthy AI.

How to Apply

Ready to protect user data at OpenAI? Submit your resume, cover letter highlighting privacy experience, and GitHub/portfolio. Interviews include technical coding, system design, and legal scenario discussions. We review applications on a rolling basis—apply now!