Software Engineer, Search Infrastructure

Details

The Search team grounds and empowers AI with real-time information and clear references. The team is reimagining the search tech stack and user experience for the AI era and is building a next-generation information retrieval stack optimized for use by large language models (LLMs). This role is based in San Francisco, CA, uses a hybrid work model (3 days in office per week), and offers relocation assistance to new employees.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable search infrastructure to support large-scale data processing and retrieval.
• Optimize search algorithms and indexing processes to improve search relevance and performance.
• Build systems optimized for an LLM to consume (information retrieval stack and supporting infrastructure).
• Ensure performance, scalability, and reliability of search systems in production.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including researchers and engineers, to combine best practices and modern deep learning approaches.

Requirements

• Significant experience building, scaling, and optimizing search systems at scale.
• Experience building highly scalable systems from scratch and operating them reliably.
• Expertise in C++ (required).
• Experience or familiarity with information retrieval, search algorithms, indexing, and systems tuned to serve LLMs.
• Strong focus on performance, scalability, and reliability for large-scale data processing and retrieval systems.
• Ability to learn quickly and to clearly share knowledge with others; experience working on small, senior teams is a plus.

Benefits & Compensation

• Base salary range: $210,000 - $255,000 per year. Offers equity; total compensation may include bonuses and other components.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts.
• Pre-tax accounts (Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, commuter expenses).
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid parental leave, medical and caregiver leave, flexible PTO/paid time off, and paid company holidays/office closures.
• Mental health and wellness support; employer-paid basic life and disability coverage.
• Annual learning and development stipend; daily meals in offices and meal delivery credits as eligible.
• Relocation support for eligible employees and additional taxable fringe benefits (charitable donation matching, wellness stipends).

Location & Work Model

• Based in San Francisco, California, United States.
• Hybrid: 3 days in the office per week.
• Relocation assistance offered for eligible employees.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. The company emphasizes safety, diverse perspectives, and inclusive hiring practices. Background checks will be administered in accordance with applicable law. OpenAI provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.