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OpenAI

Backend Software Engineer, API Enterprise Controls

San Francisco (Remote)$293k–$385kfulltimemidAdded today

About this role

OpenAI seeks an experienced backend engineer to own enterprise API platform capabilities including authentication, key management, secure networking, and compliance controls. You'll lead cross-functional initiatives with product and infrastructure teams, designing developer-facing APIs and building highly reliable distributed systems that enterprises depend on.

What you'll do

  • Own end-to-end backend product capabilities across authentication, identity, service accounts, key controls, and operational workflows
  • Partner with Product, go-to-market, security, and infrastructure teams to identify needs and lead large cross-functional projects
  • Design developer-facing APIs with meticulous attention to error handling, safe defaults, auditing, and notifications
  • Build and operate highly reliable backend systems spanning databases, streaming infrastructure, and distributed services
  • Debug complex systems and maintain strong operational ownership throughout the product lifecycle
  • Engage directly with sophisticated enterprise customers to understand their needs and shape the roadmap

What they're looking for

  • Backend engineering in Python, Go, Rust, TypeScript, or similar languages
  • Distributed systems design and implementation
  • Database design and optimization
  • Streaming systems and event-driven architecture
  • Authentication, identity management, and security protocols
  • API design and developer experience
  • Request routing and network systems
  • Cross-functional leadership and product communication
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OpenAI

OpenAI builds AI infrastructure and products, including large-scale data center campuses for AI computing and generative AI applications for enterprise customers. The company is hiring civil engineers, project engineers, electrical design engineers, data center R&D engineers, and AI deployment engineers to expand its infrastructure capabilities and help customers deploy AI solutions.

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Likely interview questions

  • Walk us through a large cross-functional project you led that required alignment across engineering, product, and security teams—how did you navigate ambiguity?
  • Describe your experience designing APIs for enterprise customers. How do you balance developer experience with enterprise security and compliance requirements?
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