Performance Modeling Engineer

Details

OpenAI's Hardware organization develops system and infrastructure solutions for advanced AI workloads. The Scaling and Compute team builds and applies performance modeling frameworks to understand system behavior, quantify tradeoffs, and inform next-generation infrastructure design.

The role involves developing and applying modeling tools to evaluate AI system performance and inform architectural decisions. You will work with the Performance Modeling Lead and partner teams to analyze system behavior, run simulations and analytical models, and quantify tradeoffs across compute, memory, networking, and storage. The role is suited to engineers with strong software or modeling backgrounds who are interested in system architecture and AI infrastructure.

The role is based in San Francisco, California, with an additional location in Seattle. OpenAI uses a hybrid work model requiring three days in the office per week.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain performance modeling tools and frameworks.
• Build models to evaluate system behavior across compute, memory, and interconnect subsystems.
• Model distributed-system scaling and bottlenecks.
• Run simulations and analytical models to support architectural tradeoff analysis.
• Collaborate with the Performance Modeling Lead and system architects on forward-looking design questions.
• Analyze and interpret modeling outputs, translating results into actionable insights.
• Validate models against real-system measurements and workload behavior.
• Improve modeling fidelity, usability, and scalability.

Requirements

• Strong software engineering or modeling background, such as simulation, systems modeling, or performance analysis.
• Familiarity with system architecture fundamentals, including compute, memory, and networking.
• Experience programming and building technical tools or frameworks.
• Ability to reason about performance bottlenecks and scaling behavior.
• Strong analytical skills and comfort working with quantitative models.
• Ability to collaborate across teams and learn new system domains quickly.

Preferred Skills

• Exposure to AI/ML workloads or distributed systems.
• Experience with simulation tools, performance modeling, or systems analysis.
• Familiarity with data center infrastructure or large-scale systems.
• Experience working with performance data, benchmarking, or profiling tools.
• Interest in system architecture and hardware/software co-design.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary of $293,000–$385,000 per year.
• Equity, performance-related bonuses for eligible employees, and benefits.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts.
• Pre-tax accounts for health, dependent care, and commuter expenses.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid parental, medical, and caregiver leave.
• Paid time off, company holidays, office closures, and 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 provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Background checks are administered in accordance with applicable law.