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OpenAIOpenAISan Francisco, CA

Software Engineer, Backend (Knowledge Innovation)

Builds and scales backend services and APIs for OpenAI's knowledge systems, integrating data and AI models into workflows. Requires 4+ years backend experience with Python, FastAPI, Postgres, and distributed systems.

230k – 385k
On-site4+ YOEBackend Engineering

About the role

In this role, you will:

  • Design, build, and maintain backend services and APIs to support intelligent automation and knowledge systems
  • Integrate 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 workflows
  • Own the full development lifecycle of new backend systems and internal platform capabilities
  • Build with scale and maintainability in mind, while rapidly iterating on new ideas

You 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 Postgres
  • Experience designing and scaling distributed systems, APIs, or data processing pipelines
  • A pragmatic mindset. You’re comfortable shipping iteratively while building toward a long-term vision
  • An interest in structured knowledge representation, internal search, agent infrastructure, or systems that evolve over time
  • Curiosity about AI/ML and excitement to work alongside world-class research and product teams (hands-on experience is a bonus, not a must)

Skills

PythonFastAPIPostgresAPIsDistributed SystemsData Processing PipelinesAI/MLBackend Services

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