Backend Engineer, Consumer Devices

About this role

Join OpenAI's Software Engineering team to design and build scalable, secure backend systems powering consumer devices. This role combines system architecture, API design, and cross-functional collaboration, requiring 7+ years of backend expertise and the ability to balance rapid iteration with long-term maintainability.

What you'll do

• Architect and maintain high-performance, secure backend systems and APIs
• Design data models and infrastructure supporting evolving product requirements
• Balance development velocity with scalability and long-term system health
• Collaborate with product, hardware, and full-stack teams on end-to-end solutions
• Optimize system performance and security across hardware-to-cloud integration

What they're looking for

• Backend system design and architecture
• Python and Go proficiency
• System design and performance optimization
• Security best practices
• Full-stack reasoning (hardware through cloud)
• Distributed systems (nice to have)
• Cloud infrastructure
• Instrumentation and analytics (nice to have)

Benefits

• Hybrid work model (4 days per week in office)
• Based in San Francisco, CA
• Relocation assistance provided
• Equal opportunity employer with diversity commitment
• Reasonable accommodations available for applicants with disabilities