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Host Systems Software Engineer

OpenAI· Scaling
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Hybrid (San Francisco)$266k - $445kFull-timePosted 4mo ago

About the role

Experienced systems software engineer to define and build the host software stack for OpenAI's custom next-generation AI systems, focusing on Linux kernel drivers, high-throughput I/O, RDMA, and platform bring-up across hardware and software boundaries.

Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, and debug host-side systems software for AI infrastructure, including Linux kernel drivers and supporting userspace components.
  • Build and optimize software paths for high-throughput, low-latency communication, including RDMA and related networking functionality.
  • Develop software around PCIe, DMA, NICs, accelerators, memory movement, and device interaction.
  • Bring up new hardware platforms and diagnose complex issues across kernel, firmware, networking, and hardware boundaries.
  • Build tooling for integration, testing, diagnostics, observability, qualification, and performance characterization.
  • Collaborate with hardware, networking, and platform teams to define interfaces and integrate new capabilities.
  • Work with external vendors where needed to integrate technologies and drive issues to resolution.
  • Contribute across the systems software stack as the platform and team evolve.
  • Help shape the technical direction and engineering practices for a growing systems software stack.

Qualifications

  • Experience building low-level or performance-critical systems software.
  • Strong programming skills in C or C++, with proficiency using Python and Linux tooling for automation and debugging.
  • Strong Linux systems fundamentals and the ability to debug across hardware and software boundaries.
  • Hands-on experience in at least one relevant area, such as Linux kernel drivers, kernel networking, RDMA, PCIe, DMA, NIC software, accelerator software, or high-performance I/O.
  • Experience owning complex software projects from design through implementation, bring-up, and validation.
  • Ability to thrive in ambiguity, work across subsystem boundaries, and build systems from scratch.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills.

Skills

Required:Linux kernel driversHigh-performance I/OPCIe/DMAC/C++Linux tooling
Nice to have:RDMA

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 to fuel your professional growth
  • 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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Company profileWebsite

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