Role Overview

The Software Engineer, Real Time position at OpenAI Seattle is at the forefront of AI deployment innovation. Our Engineering team manages infrastructure that supports fast-growing businesses built on our APIs. You'll design and build platforms enabling real-time communication features critical for future AI products. This role requires deep expertise in scaled RTC systems, including audio/video calling, WebRTC protocols, encoding/decoding, signaling, and lip sync.

At OpenAI, safe deployment trumps unfettered growth. You'll partner with researchers, product managers, and designers to responsibly scale systems powering some of the world's most advanced AI applications. Expect hands-on full-stack development, operational support, and participation in on-call rotations for critical incidents. If you've built production RTC systems at scale or been an early-stage engineer/startup founder, this is your opportunity to shape AI's future.

Seattle's tech ecosystem provides the perfect backdrop for this role, with OpenAI's commitment to equal opportunity employment ensuring diverse perspectives drive our mission.

Key Responsibilities

As a Software Engineer, Real Time at OpenAI, your impact will be immediate and profound:

• Architect development and production platforms for real-time AI systems using Kubernetes and Terraform.
• Build scalable infrastructure handling massive GPU workloads with Go and Python.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deploy new features from research to production.
• Empower engineering teams with productivity tooling and automation.
• Provide 24/7 operational support for global systems via on-call rotation.
• Optimize WebRTC implementations for low-latency audio/video at planetary scale.
• Implement advanced signaling protocols and media processing pipelines.
• Ensure high availability using Kafka streaming and Postgres databases.
• Leverage Snowflake for analytics on massive real-time datasets.
• Drive end-to-end ownership of RTC system reliability and performance.
• Integrate machine learning techniques to enhance real-time capabilities.
• Monitor and respond to production incidents affecting millions of users.
• Contribute to safe AI deployment practices balancing innovation and responsibility.

These responsibilities position you at the intersection of AI research and production engineering, directly influencing products used by businesses worldwide.

Qualifications

Successful candidates demonstrate:

• 5+ years building production systems at scale, preferably RTC-focused.
• Deep WebRTC expertise including signaling, encoding, and lip sync.
• Full-stack proficiency across modern web and backend stacks.
• Experience scaling Kubernetes clusters for global traffic.
• Strong Go/Python skills with infrastructure automation experience.
• Production operations background including on-call management.
• Passion for user experience in high-stakes real-time applications.
• Startup/early-stage engineering mindset with end-to-end ownership.

ML experience is a plus. OpenAI values humility, collaboration, and mission alignment above traditional credentials.

Salary & Benefits

OpenAI offers competitive compensation for Seattle Software Engineer, Real Time roles estimated at $250,000-$450,000 USD annually, including base salary, equity, and bonuses. Total compensation reflects seniority, experience, and RTC expertise.

Exceptional benefits include comprehensive health coverage, unlimited PTO, parental leave, 401(k) matching, learning stipends, fitness reimbursements, stock options, and relocation support. Work on meaningful projects with top talent in Seattle's vibrant tech scene.

Why Join OpenAI?

OpenAI isn't just another tech company—it's humanity's best hope for safe AGI. Your RTC expertise will power products enabling unprecedented AI applications while prioritizing responsible deployment. Join a team valuing diverse perspectives, where engineers ship code impacting millions daily.

Seattle location offers work-life balance with mountain access, thriving tech community, and OpenAI's hybrid model. Background checks align with fair chance hiring laws. Apply to build the future of real-time AI.

How to Apply

Submit your resume highlighting RTC production experience. Include GitHub/portfolio links demonstrating WebRTC implementations. OpenAI's hiring process includes technical interviews focused on system design, coding, and cultural fit. Join us in Seattle to scale AI responsibly.