Machine Learning Engineer, Distributed Data Systems - Robotics

Details

The OpenAI Robotics team focuses on unlocking general-purpose robotics and advancing AGI-level intelligence in dynamic, real-world settings. The team works across the model stack, integrating hardware and software for a broad range of robotic form factors.

As a Research Engineer, Distributed Data Systems, you will design and scale the infrastructure powering large-scale multimodal training and evaluation at OpenAI. You will manage distributed data pipelines, collaborate with researchers to translate requirements into robust systems, and harden pipelines that support rapid iteration cycles.

This role is based in San Francisco, California, and follows a hybrid work model with three days per week in the office.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain data infrastructure systems, including distributed compute, data orchestration, distributed storage, streaming infrastructure, and machine learning infrastructure.
• Ensure scalability, reliability, security, and efficiency across data infrastructure systems.
• Scale the data platform by orders of magnitude while maintaining reliability and efficiency.
• Partner with researchers to understand requirements and translate them into production-ready systems.
• Harden, optimize, and maintain critical data infrastructure supporting multimodal training and evaluation.

Requirements

• Strong experience with distributed systems and large-scale infrastructure, with a strong interest in data.
• Excellent software engineering fundamentals and organizational skills.
• A detail-oriented and rigorous approach to building and maintaining reliable systems.
• Comfort working with ambiguity and rapid change.

Benefits

• Base salary of $295,000–$445,000 per year, plus equity.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts.
• Pre-tax flexible spending and commuter accounts.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid parental, medical, and caregiver leave.
• Paid time off, company holidays, office closures, and paid sick or safe time.
• 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 is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Background checks are administered in accordance with applicable law.