ASIC Firmware Engineer, Modeling

Details

OpenAI’s Hardware organization develops AI-native silicon and system-level solutions for advanced AI workloads. The team is developing future generations of AI-native silicon and tightly integrated systems to power OpenAI’s supercomputing platform.

The role focuses on building firmware and associated modeling software for OpenAI’s in-house AI accelerator. Responsibilities include designing drivers and functional models for hardware components, writing high-throughput and low-latency firmware, and investigating bring-up and production issues.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement drivers for hardware peripherals, including those related to AI chips.
• Design and implement functional software models to simulate SoC uncore logic and enable firmware testing against the model.
• Design and implement low-latency and high-throughput embedded software to manage hardware resources.
• Work with adjacent software and hardware teams to implement requirements, debug issues, and shape future hardware generations.
• Collaborate with vendors to integrate their technologies within OpenAI’s systems.
• Bring up and debug firmware and drivers on new platforms.
• Develop processes and debug issues raised in the field.
• Set up monitoring, integration testing, and diagnostics tools.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience working in embedded software.
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity and learn new technologies.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++ and/or Rust.
• Experience developing high-throughput, low-latency, and multithreaded code.
• Experience working with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Experience developing hardware drivers and working with hardware.
• Experience with hardware/software co-design.
• Knowledge of common embedded protocols, such as UART, I2C, and SPI.
• Knowledge of microprocessors and common ARM architectures, such as AMBA, is a plus.
• Knowledge of PCIe, Ethernet, and other high-bandwidth communication protocols is a plus.
• Experience with GPUs or other compute hardware is a plus.
• Experience deploying large compute clusters is a plus.
• Candidates may need to meet certain legal status requirements under U.S. export control laws and regulations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts.
• Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid parental, medical, and caregiver leave.
• Paid time off and paid company holidays.
• Mental health and wellness support.
• Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage.
• Annual learning and development stipend.
• Daily office meals and eligible meal delivery credits.
• Relocation support for eligible employees.
• Additional benefits may include charitable donation matching and wellness stipends.

OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.