3P Systems Architect

About the TeamOpenAI’s Hardware organization develops system and infrastructure solutions tailored to the demands of advanced AI workloads. We work across the full stack—from silicon to system integration—partnering closely with internal teams and external vendors to define and deliver next-generation AI infrastructure.Our team focuses on defining scalable, high-performance system architectures and reference designs that balance performance, cost, and operational efficiency across rapidly evolving technologies.About the RoleWe are seeking a 3P Architect to define and drive rack- and cluster-level reference designs in collaboration with external partners. This role is responsible for translating workload requirements and system-level goals into concrete architectures, aligning partners on critical design attributes, and ensuring vendor roadmaps meet our infrastructure needs.You will work closely with performance modeling and internal architecture teams to evaluate tradeoffs, while owning the end-to-end definition and execution of third-party system designs. This includes identifying gaps in current technologies, driving vendor development, and shaping future infrastructure capabilities.This role requires strong system intuition, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to operate effectively across internal teams and external ecosystems.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 ResponsibilitiesDefine rack- and cluster-level reference architectures for AI infrastructure deployments.Translate workload requirements into clear system design specifications and partner deliverables.Collaborate with performance modeling teams to evaluate architectural tradeoffs and system behaviors.Align internal stakeholders and external partners on critical system attributes (performance, cost, power, reliability, scalability).Identify gaps in current technology offerings and drive vendors (ODM/JDM, silicon, networking) to close those gaps.Influence and shape vendor roadmaps to meet future infrastructure needs.Track emerging technologies and evaluate their applicability to AI systems.Define and lead proof-of-concept (PoC) efforts to validate new architectures and technologies.Act as a key interface between OpenAI and external partners, ensuring execution against design intent.QualificationsHave strong experience in system architecture for large-scale infrastructure or data center environments.Understand AI workload characteristics and how they map to system-level design decisions.Are comfortable working with performance modeling outputs to inform architectural direction.Have experience working with or managing hardware vendors (ODM/JDM, silicon, networking).Can drive alignment across multiple stakeholders with competing constraints.Have a track record of turning ambiguous requirements into clear, executable system designs.Are proactive in identifying gaps and driving solutions across organizational boundaries.Preferred SkillsExperience defining rack- or cluster-level systems for hyperscale or AI workloads.Familiarity with accelerators (GPUs/ASICs), interconnects, and data center networking architectures.Experience influencing vendor roadmaps and reference designs.Background in infrastructure deployment, hardware engineering, or systems integration.Experience leading PoCs or early-stage hardware validation efforts.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: $342K - $555KLocationSan Francisco; SeattleEmployment TypeFull timeLocation TypeHybridDepartmentScalingCompensation$342K – $555K • 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.