Software Engineer, Backend (Cooperative AI)

About the TeamThe Cooperative AI team is scaling OpenAI with OpenAI. We are building a model powered knowledge system that evolves and learns as our products, systems and customers evolve. We leverage our state of the art models, technologies, and products (some external, some still in the lab) to assist or completely automate robust operations supporting both internal and external customers. We support OpenAI customers and internal partners globally, powering systems from customer support to integrity to product insights. We are a self-contained multi-disciplinary team, who enjoy a lightning fast feedback loop with customers at scale, some of whom sit just a few pods away. We iterate fast, and engineer for reliable long-term impact. We're constantly looking for the similarities and patterns in different types of work, and focus on building simple primitives, to apply world class knowledge to many domains.The work of this team exemplifies use of OpenAI technologies. We build systems so everyone can see the leverage that is possible with well designed AI-based implementations. We do this by working through internal use cases focused on Customers (specifically knowledge systems, automation systems, and automated agent systems) to prove impact, then we scale.About the RoleWe’re looking for a Backend Software Engineer to help architect and scale the infrastructure that powers our knowledge systems. This is a deeply technical and highly cross-functional role where you’ll build robust systems and backend services that serve as the foundation for how knowledge is created, accessed, and applied across OpenAI.In this role, you will:Design, build, and maintain backend services and APIs to support intelligent automation and knowledge systemsIntegrate and structure data across internal platforms, transforming it into formats optimized for use by downstream systems and AI workflows.Collaborate closely with product, research, and engineering teams to integrate OpenAI models into high-leverage workflowsOwn the full development lifecycle of new backend systems and internal platform capabilitiesBuild with scale and maintainability in mind, while rapidly iterating on new ideasYou might be a great fit if you have:4+ years of backend engineering experience at product-driven companies (excluding internships)Proficiency in backend technologies. Our tech stack includes Python, FastAPI, and PostgresExperience designing and scaling distributed systems, APIs, or data processing pipelinesA pragmatic mindset. You’re comfortable shipping iteratively while building toward a long-term visionAn interest in structured knowledge representation, internal search, agent infrastructure, or systems that evolve over timeCuriosity about AI/ML and excitement to work alongside world-class research and product teams (hands-on experience is a bonus, not a must)About OpenAIOpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. We push the boundaries of the capabilities of AI systems and seek to safely deploy them to the world through our products. AI is an extremely powerful tool that must be created with safety and human needs at its core, and to achieve our mission, we must encompass and value the many different perspectives, voices, and experiences that form the full spectrum of humanity. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. For additional information, please see OpenAI’s Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement.Background checks for applicants will be administered in accordance with applicable law, and qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment consistent with those laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, for US-based candidates. For unincorporated Los Angeles County workers: we reasonably believe that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment: protect computer hardware entrusted to you from theft, loss or damage; return all computer hardware in your possession (including the data contained therein) upon termination of employment or end of assignment; and maintain the confidentiality of proprietary, confidential, and non-public information. In addition, job duties require access to secure and protected information technology systems and related data security obligations.To notify OpenAI that you believe this job posting is non-compliant, please submit a report through this form. No response will be provided to inquiries unrelated to job posting compliance.We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, and requests can be made via this link.OpenAI Global Applicant Privacy PolicyAt OpenAI, we believe artificial intelligence has the potential to help people solve immense global challenges, and we want the upside of AI to be widely shared. Join us in shaping the future of technology.Compensation Range: $230K - $385KLocationSan Francisco; SeattleEmployment TypeFull timeDepartmentUser OperationsCompensation$230K – $385K • Offers EquityThe base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. If the role is non-exempt, overtime pay will be provided consistent with applicable laws. In addition to the salary range listed above, total compensation also includes generous equity, performance-related bonus(es) for eligible employees, and the following benefits.Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings AccountsPre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)401(k) retirement plan with employer matchPaid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents), plus paid medical and caregiver leave (up to 8 weeks)Paid time off: flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees13+ paid company holidays, and multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge, plus paid sick or safe time (1 hour per 30 hours worked, or more, as required by applicable state or local law)Mental health and wellness supportEmployer-paid basic life and disability coverageAnnual learning and development stipend to fuel your professional growthDaily meals in our offices, and meal delivery credits as eligibleRelocation support for eligible employeesAdditional taxable fringe benefits, such as charitable donation matching and wellness stipends, may also be provided.More details about our benefits are available to candidates during the hiring process.This role is at-will and OpenAI reserves the right to modify base pay and other compensation components at any time based on individual performance, team or company results, or market conditions.