Connectivity Software Engineer

Details

The Connectivity Software Engineering team is responsible for enabling seamless, secure, and high-performance wireless connectivity across OpenAI’s products. The role focuses on designing and optimizing Bluetooth, BLE, Wi‑Fi, and emerging wireless technologies across kernel drivers, system services, and user-level tools to ensure robust device pairing, network performance, and interoperability.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and debug Bluetooth/BLE and Wi‑Fi features across kernel drivers, BlueZ, wpa_supplicant, hostapd, and systemd/D‑Bus services.
• Deliver robust pairing, bonding, and provisioning flows (GATT/GAP, LE Audio/LC3, WPA3/802.1X, captive portals, NAN).
• Optimize link performance: throughput, latency, jitter, roaming, coexistence (BT↔Wi‑Fi), and power modes (TWT, WoWLAN).
• Build reliable network management using NetworkManager/nmcli, nl80211/cfg80211/mac80211, DNS/DHCP/mDNS, P2P/SoftAP.
• Instrument and analyze with packet captures and tooling (btmon/hcidump, Wireshark, iperf, eBPF/perf, spectrum sniffers).
• Drive interoperability and certification readiness (Bluetooth SIG, Wi‑Fi Alliance) and resolve field issues with root‑cause fixes.
• Contribute to OTA‑safe configuration, telemetry, and diagnostics for fleet‑scale operation.

Requirements

• Deep experience shipping wireless features on Linux‑based products.
• High proficiency in C and C++, with scripting experience (Python or shell).
• Strong systems debugging skills (gdb, strace, logs, packet traces).
• Deep knowledge of Bluetooth Classic and BLE (HCI, L2CAP, GATT/GAP, profiles) and Wi‑Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, WPA2/3, nl80211, NAN).
• Hands‑on experience with BlueZ, wpa_supplicant/hostapd, NetworkManager, and driver bring‑up on ARM64 or x86 platforms.
• Proven track record improving real‑world performance and reliability under RF constraints.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with LE Audio (LC3), BLE Mesh, advanced roaming (802.11k/v/r), QoS/WMM, multicast/IGMP.
• Coexistence tuning across radios (BT/Wi‑Fi/UWB/mmWave) and antenna/RF fundamentals with test equipment workflows.
• Familiarity with UWB (IEEE 802.15.4z, FiRa) ranging/integration; mmWave/Wi‑Gig (802.11ad/ay).
• Experience with security and provisioning at scale (EAP‑TLS, device identity, secure boot, disk/network hardening).
• Background in building factory test, interoperability, and certification test plans; upstream/open‑source contributions.

Work model & relocation

• Role based in San Francisco, CA with a hybrid work model (4 days in the office per week).
• OpenAI offers relocation assistance to new employees.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company focused on creating and safely deploying general‑purpose AI that benefits all of humanity. OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.

Benefits

• Base pay (listed) plus equity and possible performance‑related bonus(es).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer HSA contributions; pre‑tax FSA options.
• 401(k) with employer match; parental and caregiver leave; flexible PTO; paid holidays and office closures.
• Mental health and wellness support, life and disability coverage, learning & development stipend, daily office meals and meal credits.
• Relocation support for eligible employees and additional taxable fringe benefits.