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Component and Product Quality Engineer, Interconnects

OpenAI· Scaling
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Hybrid (San Francisco)$207k - $365kFull-timePosted 8mo ago

About the role

OpenAI is seeking a Component and Product Quality Engineer for Interconnects to own end-to-end quality for high-speed interconnect hardware across the product lifecycle, from early design influence to fleet quality in lab and data center environments.

Responsibilities

  • Own quality for advanced interconnect components and assemblies: high-speed connectors, high-speed copper cables, cable cartridges (e.g., cable cassette style assemblies), patch panels & optics, and backplane/cable-backplane interconnect solutions.
  • Drive quality-by-design: participate in design reviews, DFM/DFx, tolerance stacks, material and plating selections, connector mating strategy, strain relief, and assembly methods to reduce variation and field failures.
  • Define and track quality and reliability metrics (DPPM, yield, escapes, RMA/FRACAS trends, Cpk/Ppk where applicable) for interconnects across NPI and mass production.
  • Build and execute qualification strategies for cables/connectors/patch panels (mechanical, environmental, electrical, and reliability), including test coverage, sample plans, clear pass/fail criteria, defining installation criteria and processes, optics termination quality management and setting fiber standards criteria.
  • Partner with engineering and operations to drive smooth ramp: risk assessments, pilot build learnings, change control, and readiness reviews (EVT/DVT/PVT/MP or equivalent phases).
  • Own supplier and CM performance management: scorecards, audits (process and quality system), and follow-up to close findings with verified effectiveness
  • Work with suppliers to improve manufacturing throughput, stability, and yields for cable and connector assembly processes (wire prep, welding/crimping, overmolding/injection molding, plating, and assembly fixturing).
  • Lead rapid containment and root-cause investigations for failures found during bring-up, system integration tests, reliability testing, and fleet deployments.
  • Own the end-to-end corrective action process (8D, 5-Whys, Ishikawa, DOE as needed): define problem statements, isolate variables, validate root cause, implement fixes, and verify effectiveness.
  • Partner with SI/PI and test teams to correlate electrical performance issues with manufacturing and mechanical drivers (connector wear, plating, contamination, misalignment, cable routing, assembly variation).
  • Support integration and deployment of OpenAI supercompute racks in lab and data center environments; identify quality risks tied to shipping, handling, installation, and service operations.

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in quality engineering, manufacturing quality, supplier quality, or reliability for interconnects or high-speed hardware used in servers, networking, storage, or high-performance compute systems.
  • Hands-on experience with high-speed copper interconnect products: connectors and/or cable assemblies; familiarity with patch panels or backplane/cable-backplane solutions is a plus.
  • Strong command of problem-solving and quality tools: 8D, 5-Whys, Fishbone, PFMEA/control plans, SPC/MSA (gauge R&R), and change control.
  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, GD&T basics, and electrical/interface specifications; comfortable working across ME/EE/SI disciplines.
  • Experience driving supplier/CM improvements (audits, scorecards, CAPA) and managing nonconformance/MRB workflows.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills; ability to drive alignment across internal teams and external partners.
  • Experience with cable manufacturing and assembly processes (wire treatment, resistance welding/laser welding, crimping, overmolding/injection molding, braiding/shielding, plating, and automated test).
  • Experience with optical interconnects (AOC/DAC, pluggable modules such as QSFP/OSFP), fiber termination quality, optical return loss, end-face inspection standards (IEC 61300), and contamination control practices.
  • Ability to travel internationally and work effectively across time zones with ODM/JDM and supplier partners.

Skills

Required:Quality engineering for interconnectsProblem-solving and quality tools

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
  • Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
  • Paid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents), plus paid medical and caregiver leave (up to 8 weeks)
  • Paid time off: flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees
  • 13+ paid company holidays, and multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge, plus paid sick or safe time
  • Mental health and wellness support
  • Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
  • Annual learning and development stipend
  • Daily meals in our offices, and meal delivery credits as eligible
  • Relocation support for eligible employees
  • Additional taxable fringe benefits, such as charitable donation matching and wellness stipends
Last updated Jul 16, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About OpenAI

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