Software Engineer

OpenAI

. Design, build, and maintain software supporting cybersecurity research, frontier-risk evaluations, and red teaming .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $347,000 - $385,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong software engineering fundamentals and proficiency in general-purpose programming languages, with a focus on building and maintaining production software. Capable of developing tools and workflows for cybersecurity research and collaborating effectively across disciplines.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Software Engineering FundamentalsBackend DevelopmentProduction Software MaintenanceCross-Disciplinary CollaborationSecurity and Evaluation Platforms

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

General-Purpose Programming LanguageBackend DevelopmentFull-Stack ApplicationsData SystemsAPIs DevelopmentData PipelinesSoftware TestingSystem DocumentationOperational ReliabilityPerformance Improvement

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationProblem ClarificationCollaborationRapid Iteration BalanceLearning Unfamiliar Tools

Tools & Technologies

Developer ToolsResearch InfrastructureDistributed SystemsAI ApplicationsEvaluation Platforms

Industry Keywords

CybersecurityAI SystemsRed TeamingFrontier-Risk Evaluations

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber SecurityDistributed Systems

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, build, and maintain software supporting cybersecurity research, frontier-risk evaluations, and red teaming
Develop tools and workflows for running evaluations, inspecting results, and investigating failures
Build services, APIs, data pipelines, and interfaces for researchers
Turn experimental workflows into reusable, well-tested, documented systems
Own projects from problem definition and solution design through implementation, deployment, and ongoing operation
Improve reliability, performance, observability, security, and usability
Collaborate with researchers, security specialists, and engineers on practical technical decisions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong software engineering fundamentals
Experience building, shipping, and maintaining production software
Proficiency in a general-purpose programming language
Ability to learn unfamiliar tools and systems
Experience in backend development, full-stack applications, infrastructure, or data systems
Ability to clarify open-ended problems and deliver useful solutions
Ability to balance rapid iteration with maintainable design and operational reliability
Clear communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration
Interest in understanding advanced AI systems and addressing their risks
Experience with security, developer tools, research infrastructure, evaluation platforms, distributed systems, or AI applications is valuable
Prior AI research or cybersecurity experience is helpful but not required
Ability to work from a local office three days per week
Work authorization in the country where the job is located

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equity
Performance-related bonuses for eligible employees
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
Employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
Pre-tax Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expense accounts
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Paid parental leave: up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents
Paid medical and caregiver leave: up to 8 weeks
Flexible PTO for exempt employees
Up to 15 days of PTO annually for non-exempt employees
13+ paid company holidays
Paid coordinated company office closures
Paid sick or safe time
Mental health and wellness support
Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
Annual learning and development stipend
Daily meals in offices
Meal delivery credits as eligible
Relocation support for eligible employees
Charitable donation matching may be provided
Wellness stipends may be provided