Software Engineer (Python, C++)
About The Company OpenAI is a leading artificial intelligence research and deployment organization committed to ensuring that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity. Our mission is to develop safe and beneficial AI technologies that can address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We focus on pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety, ethics, and societal impact. As a pioneer in the AI industry, OpenAI fosters an innovative environment where cutting-edge research and practical applications intersect, driving forward the future of intelligent systems. Our team comprises talented researchers, engineers, and security professionals dedicated to creating impactful solutions that are both powerful and safe.
About The Role We are seeking a skilled Software Engineer specializing in Trusted Computing and Cryptography to join our Security team. This role is pivotal in building and securing OpenAI’s critical computing infrastructure, focusing on deploying high-performance cryptography at scale, managing cryptographic keys securely, and integrating trusted hardware enclaves such as TPMs, secure boot mechanisms, and confidential computing platforms like Intel SGX and AMD-SEV. The ideal candidate will work closely with researchers, security experts, and engineers to develop foundational libraries, design secure systems, and implement operational security measures that uphold the integrity and confidentiality of our infrastructure. This position offers a remote work arrangement within the US, with occasional visits to our San Francisco headquarters or other offices, and includes a hybrid work model of three days in-office per week. We also provide relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience as a software engineer working on large-scale, production systems
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Rust, and C/C++
- Strong understanding of cryptographic systems and key management at scale
- Familiarity with security primitives including TPM2, Secure Boot, secure enclaves, and confidential computing platforms
- Experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining secure key management systems
- Knowledge of operating system security measures such as remote attestation, TPM measurement, and host integrity verification
- Ability to architect, observe, and debug distributed systems in production environments
- Self-motivated with a problem-solving mindset and willingness to acquire missing knowledge
- Experience in refactoring or rebuilding systems to support increased scale and complexity
- Strong collaboration skills, humility, and a team-oriented attitude
Responsibilities
- Develop high-performance, security-critical code primarily in Rust and Python
- Collaborate with research and security teams to integrate advanced cryptographic techniques into production systems
- Create foundational cryptographic libraries that embed security best practices into infrastructure
- Design, implement, and operate secure key management solutions for production environments
- Deploy systems that enhance trust in our infrastructure using hardware security primitives such as TPMs, Nitro Enclaves, and confidential computing technologies
- Research and implement operating system-level security measures, including remote attestation and host integrity checks
- Participate in system architecture, debugging, and performance optimization efforts for distributed cryptographic systems
- Stay current with emerging security technologies and incorporate them into our infrastructure as appropriate
Benefits
- Competitive salary range of $308,000 to $465,000 plus equity options
- Flexible remote work with a hybrid model (3 days in-office per week)
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Professional development opportunities and ongoing training
- Collaborative and innovative work environment with cutting-edge projects
Equal Opportunity
OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. We believe diverse perspectives and backgrounds are essential to our mission and success.