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System Software Engineer

AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity.
$405,000
Embedded
Senior Software Engineer
In-Person
1,000 - 5,000 Employees
5+ years of experience
AI
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Job Description

OpenAI is seeking a System Software Engineer to join their team in developing foundational software for their products. This role focuses on low-level system development, working across the entire OS stack including kernel, drivers, and userspace daemons. The position requires deep expertise in Linux-based systems and embedded development, with responsibilities spanning from performance optimization to security implementation.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with Linux-based products on hardware devices, strong proficiency in C/C++, and comprehensive knowledge of embedded systems. They'll be responsible for designing and implementing kernel modules, configuring OS components, and managing image/OTA pipelines. The role demands strong debugging skills and the ability to optimize system performance at multiple levels.

OpenAI offers an attractive compensation package starting at $405K plus equity, comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, mental health support, and a generous 401(k) matching program. The company provides substantial parental leave benefits and supports ongoing professional development through an annual learning stipend.

As part of OpenAI's mission to ensure AI benefits humanity, this role offers an opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology while contributing to the safe deployment of AI systems. The position combines technical depth with broad system-level impact, making it ideal for engineers who enjoy complex problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration.

The company maintains a strong commitment to diversity and equal opportunity, offering a supportive work environment and comprehensive benefits package. This role represents a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI technology while working with state-of-the-art systems and hardware.

Last updated 15 days ago

Responsibilities For System Software Engineer

  • Design, implement, and debug kernel modules, device drivers, and userspace daemons
  • Configure and maintain the OS: kernel, initramfs, init services, udev rules, networking, and security hardening
  • Build and operate image/OTA pipelines
  • Instrument and analyze performance with perf, eBPF, ftrace; optimize CPU, memory, I/O, and power usage
  • Own system observability and reliability: logging, crash capture, watchdogs, and field diagnostics
  • Collaborate with hardware, camera/vision, and application teams
  • Establish strong engineering practices
  • Work with vendors and support system builds in the factory

Requirements For System Software Engineer

Linux
  • Deep experience shipping Linux-based products on hardware devices (arm64 or x86)
  • Proficient in C/C++ and comfortable with embedded Linux internals
  • Strong systems debugging skills with gdb, strace, perf/eBPF, jtag, and kernel logs
  • Understanding of kernel device tree overlays, I2S, I2C, SPI, CSI/DSI
  • Fluent in userspace foundations: systemd, D-Bus, sockets/IPC, udev, networking tools, shell/Python
  • Experience building OS images and packages and OTA updates

Benefits For System Software Engineer

401k
Dental Insurance
Education Budget
Equity
Medical Insurance
Mental Health Assistance
Parental Leave
Vision Insurance
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
  • Mental health and wellness support
  • 401(k) plan with 50% matching
  • Generous time off and company holidays
  • Paid parental leave (24 weeks paid birth-parent leave & 20-week paid parental leave)
  • Annual learning & development stipend ($1,500 per year)
  • Equity compensation