Role Overview

The Human Data engineering team at OpenAI is central to the company's mission of developing safe, aligned AGI. We create platforms, prototypes, tools, and infrastructure that power how AI models learn from human preferences. As a Software Engineer on this team, you'll collaborate with world-class researchers to transform experimental ideas into production-ready feedback loops.

This role demands technical ownership across the stack, from secure backend pipelines to intuitive user interfaces. You'll influence model training for frontier systems like ChatGPT, ensuring they reflect diverse human values. Located in San Francisco with a hybrid model (3 days in-office), OpenAI offers relocation support. Ideal candidates thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy end-to-end ownership, and are motivated by high-stakes AI challenges.

OpenAI's commitment to safety and inclusivity means your work will enhance model reliability, usefulness, and ethical alignment. This isn't just engineering—it's pioneering the systems that make AI safe for humanity.

Key Responsibilities

In this dynamic role, you'll tackle cutting-edge challenges in AI infrastructure. Key responsibilities include:

• Building robust full-stack systems for feedback collection, data labeling, and secure evaluation pipelines.
• Translating alignment research into scalable production infrastructure, including inference and training stacks.
• Designing user-facing tools and backend services to streamline high-quality data workflows.
• Partnering with researchers, engineers, and leads to refine feedback loops and interaction paradigms.
• Driving infrastructure scaling for faster iteration across OpenAI's models, from research to production.
• Implementing security protocols to safeguard sensitive human data.
• Optimizing systems for performance, reliability, and massive scale.
• Collaborating on inclusive tooling that captures broad human perspectives.
• Prototyping new platforms to test alignment techniques rapidly.
• Monitoring and iterating on production systems to support evolving AI capabilities.
• Influencing strategic decisions in model training and deployment.
• Contributing to OpenAI's culture of innovation and safety-first development.

Expect to own projects end-to-end, making measurable impacts on AGI development.

Qualifications

To excel as a Software Engineer, Research - Human Data at OpenAI, bring these qualifications:

• 5+ years of software engineering experience with production systems at scale.
• Full-stack expertise: backend (Python, APIs), frontend (React/JS), and databases (SQL/NoSQL).
• Experience in ML infrastructure, data pipelines, and scalable cloud deployments.
• Proven ability to turn research prototypes into reliable production code.
• Strong problem-solving in ambiguous, high-impact scenarios.
• Passion for AI alignment, human preferences, and model safety.
• Collaboration skills with research and cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with DevOps, CI/CD, Docker, Kubernetes, and security best practices.
• Excitement for inclusive, ethical AI systems.
• BS/MS in Computer Science or equivalent experience.

Prior work in AI/ML companies or research environments is a plus.

Salary & Benefits

OpenAI offers competitive compensation for Software Engineer roles in San Francisco, estimated at $250,000–$450,000 USD yearly, including base salary, equity, and bonuses. Total rewards reflect experience and impact.

Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, 401(k) matching, unlimited PTO, parental leave, wellness stipends, gym reimbursements, catered meals, and professional development budgets. Enjoy a hybrid model with relocation assistance and work on world-changing AI.

Why Join OpenAI?

OpenAI is the leader in AGI research, deploying safe AI like ChatGPT to billions. The Human Data team is mission-critical, directly shaping how models understand humanity. Work with top researchers, own high-impact projects, and contribute to ethical AI.

San Francisco's vibrant tech scene, combined with OpenAI's inclusive culture, fosters innovation. We're an equal opportunity employer valuing diverse perspectives. Your code will power the future of intelligence.

Employees rave about the autonomy, resources, and global reach. Join a team pushing AI boundaries responsibly.

How to Apply

Ready to build the infrastructure for aligned AGI? Apply now via OpenAI's careers page. Submit your resume, GitHub/portfolio, and a note on why you're excited about Human Data engineering. We review applications on a rolling basis—don't wait!

OpenAI is committed to diversity. Learn more at openai.com/careers.