Software Engineer (AI Safety)

Location: Hybrid, San Francisco, United States

Salary: $347K–$385K annually, plus equity and eligible performance-related bonuses

Company

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company developing general-purpose artificial intelligence with a focus on safe deployment and ensuring that AI benefits humanity.

What you will do

• 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 in AI systems.
• Build backend services, APIs, data pipelines, and interfaces for research teams.
• 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 while collaborating with researchers, security specialists, and engineers.

Requirements

• Strong software engineering fundamentals and experience building, shipping, and maintaining production software.
• Proficiency in a general-purpose programming language and ability to learn unfamiliar tools and systems.
• Experience in one or more areas including 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 ability to work across technical disciplines.
• Interest in understanding advanced AI systems and addressing their risks.

Nice to have

• Experience with security, developer tools, research infrastructure, evaluation platforms, distributed systems, or AI applications.
• Prior AI research or cybersecurity experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work in San Francisco with collaboration across research, engineering, and security.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match and pre-tax FSA, dependent-care, and commuter accounts.
• Paid parental, medical, caregiver, sick, and safe leave, plus paid time off and company holidays.
• Mental health and wellness support, life and disability coverage, and an annual learning and development stipend.
• Daily office meals, eligible meal delivery credits, relocation support for eligible employees, and additional taxable fringe benefits.

Hiring process

• More details about benefits are provided during the hiring process.
• Background checks are administered in accordance with applicable law for US-based candidates.