Research Engineer / Machine Learning Engineer - Applied Voice

About the Role

The role of a Research Engineer at OpenAI is multifaceted, requiring a unique blend of technical expertise, creativity, and collaboration. You will be part of a dynamic team where ideas flow freely, and creativity thrives. Your primary focus will be on innovating and building advanced machine learning models that solve real-world problems, bringing OpenAI's research from concept to implementation, and creating AI-driven applications with a direct impact.

OpenAI's mission is to ensure that AI's benefits reach everyone, and as a Research Engineer, you will play a crucial role in achieving this mission. You will have the opportunity to work on projects that have the potential to transform industries and improve people's lives. With the recent introduction of gpt-realtime and demo projects like gpt-realtime-1.5, ASR, and TTS, OpenAI is pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI, and you will be at the forefront of this innovation.

What You Will Do

• Design and build advanced machine learning models that solve real-world problems, focusing on speech models like speech-to-speech, transcribing, and text-to-speech.
• Collaborate with software engineers, product managers, and forward-deployed engineers to understand complex business challenges, address customer concerns, and deliver AI-powered solutions.
• Implement scalable data pipelines, optimize models for performance and accuracy, and ensure they are production-ready.
• Contribute to projects that require cutting-edge technology and innovative approaches, staying ahead of the curve by engaging with the latest developments in machine learning and AI.
• Take part in code reviews, share knowledge, and lead by example to maintain high-quality engineering practices.
• Monitor and maintain deployed models to ensure they continue delivering value, making adjustments as necessary to improve performance and impact.
• Work closely with the Applied Voice Team to identify areas for improvement and innovation, proposing and implementing solutions that drive growth and excellence.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation of models, systems, and processes, ensuring that knowledge is shared and accessible across the team.
• Participate in the planning and execution of research projects, including setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and allocating resources.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, research, and breakthroughs, applying this knowledge to improve OpenAI's products and services.

What We Are Looking For

• Master's or PhD degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related field.
• 2+ years of professional engineering experience (excluding internships) in relevant roles at tech and product-driven companies.
• Demonstrated experience in deep learning and transformers models, with proficiency in frameworks like PyTorch or Tensorflow.
• Strong foundation in data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles.
• Familiarity with methods of training and fine-tuning large language models, such as distillation, supervised fine-tuning, and policy optimization.
• Experience with speech models is a plus, but not required.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a proactive approach to challenges.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, communicating complex technical concepts effectively.
• Ability to move fast in an environment where things are sometimes loosely defined and may have competing priorities or deadlines.
• Enjoy owning problems end-to-end, and are willing to pick up whatever knowledge you're missing to get the job done.

Nice to Have

• Experience with cloud-based infrastructure and containerization tools like Docker.
• Knowledge of agile development methodologies and version control systems like Git.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools like Jenkins or CircleCI.
• Experience working with remote teams and collaborating asynchronously.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and equity package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous PTO policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.
• Remote work stipend to support your home office setup.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools, including the latest hardware and software.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development, including training, workshops, and conferences.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of talented engineers and researchers.

• To stand out in your application, make sure to highlight your experience with deep learning and transformers models, and provide examples of how you've applied these technologies to solve real-world problems.
• Familiarize yourself with OpenAI's recent projects, such as gpt-realtime and demo gpt-realtime-1.5, to demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission and goals.
• Prepare to discuss your approach to optimizing models for performance and accuracy, and how you ensure that your models are production-ready.
• Showcase your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Be prepared to walk through your code and design decisions, and be ready to discuss trade-offs and alternatives.
• Consider creating a portfolio of your work, including examples of your machine learning models and projects, to demonstrate your skills and experience to potential employers.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions during the interview process, and be prepared to discuss your long-term career goals and how they align with OpenAI's mission and values.