Performance Modeling Engineer ~2

About the TeamOpenAI’s Hardware organization develops system and infrastructure solutions designed for the unique demands of advanced AI workloads. We work closely with architecture, infrastructure, and vendor teams to evaluate system performance and guide critical design decisions.Our team focuses on building and applying performance modeling frameworks to understand system behavior, quantify tradeoffs, and support next-generation infrastructure design.About the RoleWe are seeking an Performance Modeling Engineer to support the development and application of modeling tools used to evaluate AI system performance and inform architectural decisions.In this role, you will partner closely with Senior Performance Modeling Engineers and the Performance Modeling Lead to analyze system behavior, run simulations and analytical models, and help evaluate tradeoffs across compute, memory, networking, and storage. You will contribute to building modeling frameworks while developing a strong foundation in system architecture and AI infrastructure.This role is ideal for early-career engineers with 1–2 years of experience in software engineering, systems analysis, or performance modeling who are excited to grow in large-scale infrastructure and hardware/software systems.This role is based in San Francisco, CA. We use a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week and offer relocation assistance.Key ResponsibilitiesSupport the development and maintenance of performance modeling tools and frameworksAssist in building models to evaluate system behavior across compute, memory, networking, and interconnect subsystemsHelp analyze distributed system scaling behavior and identify performance bottlenecksRun simulations and analytical models to support architecture and infrastructure decisionsPartner with senior engineers to evaluate design tradeoffs across hardware and system componentsInterpret modeling outputs and help translate findings into clear recommendationsValidate models using benchmarking data and real system performance measurementsImprove modeling workflows, documentation, and usability for broader team adoptionCollaborate cross-functionally with hardware, infrastructure, and architecture teamsContinuously build technical depth across AI infrastructure, system architecture, and performance analysisQualifications1–2 years of experience in software engineering, systems modeling, performance analysis, or related technical workStrong programming skills and experience building technical tools, scripts, or frameworksFamiliarity with system architecture fundamentals such as compute, memory, and networkingAbility to reason about system performance, bottlenecks, and scaling behaviorStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with comfort working in quantitative environmentsAbility to learn quickly and work effectively across technical teamsPreferred SkillsExposure to AI/ML workloads, distributed systems, or large-scale infrastructureExperience with simulation tools, benchmarking, profiling, or performance analysisFamiliarity with data center systems, server architecture, or hardware platformsInterest in system architecture and hardware/software co-designInternship or early professional experience in performance engineering, infrastructure, or systems designAbout 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: $293K - $385KLocationSan Francisco; SeattleEmployment TypeFull timeLocation TypeHybridDepartmentScalingCompensation$293K – $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.