Software Engineer, API SDK

OpenaiOpenai·Remote(San Francisco)
Software Development
GTM

WFA Digital Insight

As demand for artificial intelligence solutions grows, the need for skilled software engineers to build seamless developer experiences is skyrocketing. With over 34% growth in AI-related job postings in 2025, professionals with expertise in API SDK development are in high demand. Openai, a pioneer in AI research and deployment, stands out for its commitment to creating general-purpose artificial intelligence that benefits humanity. This role offers a unique chance to work on the forefront of AI technology, shaping the future of developer experiences. Before applying, candidates should be aware of the fast-paced environment and the importance of collaborative work with cross-functional teams.

Job Description

About the Role

The Software Engineer, API SDK role at Openai is a critical position that involves building and maintaining the official SDKs for the Openai API. This API is used by millions of developers and powers a significant portion of AI applications in use today. The successful candidate will be part of a team that is passionate about creating reliable, idiomatic developer experiences across languages, including Python, Node.js, Golang, Java, and Ruby.

As a software engineer on this team, you will have the opportunity to shape the developer experience for all new API features and future versions of the APIs. This involves defining and implementing the SDK experience, building and maintaining systems for streamlined and automated SDK maintenance and generation, and contributing to the SDK strategy and roadmap. Your work will have a direct impact on how developers interact with Openai's technology, making it essential to have a strong understanding of what developers need and how to deliver it.

The team at Openai is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities and ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. This role is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team that is at the forefront of AI research and deployment, with a strong focus on safety, human needs, and the potential for AI to transform the world for the better.

What You Will Do

  • Define and implement the SDK experience for all new API features and future versions of the APIs.
  • Build and maintain systems to make SDK maintenance and generation streamlined and automated.
  • Contribute to the SDK strategy and roadmap, including decisions on which languages to support and what features to prioritize.
  • Collaborate closely with the API team, the Developer Experience team, and the GTM team to ensure that the SDKs are the best in the world.
  • Work directly with developers to add features, fix issues, and contribute to documentation, ensuring that the SDKs meet the needs of the developer community.
  • Participate in code reviews to maintain high standards of code quality and best practices.
  • Engage with the open-source community to gather feedback and insights that can inform SDK development and improvement.
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in AI and software development to continuously improve the SDKs and the developer experience.

What We Are Looking For

  • 7+ years of professional engineering experience in relevant roles at tech and product-driven companies.
  • A strong background in building software development kits (SDKs) or experience with SDK generation software.
  • Experience working with multiple programming languages, including Python, Node.js, Golang, Java, and Ruby.
  • A passion for building for other developers, with a focus on delivering high-quality, reliable, and easy-to-use SDKs.
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work closely with cross-functional teams.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with ambiguous requirements and goals.
  • A willingness to lean into product decisions and contribute to the product roadmap.
  • Experience maintaining SDKs or building SDK generation software.
  • A strong understanding of the needs of developers and the ability to design and deliver SDKs that meet those needs.

Nice to Have

  • Previous experience working in the open-source community, with a portfolio of contributions to open-source projects.
  • Experience with AI and machine learning technologies, with a deep understanding of the capabilities and limitations of these technologies.
  • Knowledge of agile development methodologies and version control systems such as Git.
  • Experience with automated testing and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.

Benefits and Perks

  • Competitive compensation package, reflecting the company's commitment to attracting and retaining top talent.
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI technology that has the potential to transform industries and improve lives.
  • Collaborative and dynamic work environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and growth.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings plan, and paid time off.
  • Access to the latest tools and technologies, with ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
  • Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options, to support work-life balance and individual needs.
  • Recognition and reward for outstanding performance, with opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.

How to Stand Out

  • Ensure your resume and online profiles highlight your experience with SDK development, AI technologies, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Prepare to discuss specific examples of your work, including code samples or contributions to open-source projects, to demonstrate your skills and experience.
  • Research Openai's products and services to understand the company's mission and values, and be ready to explain how your skills and experience align with these.
  • Develop a portfolio of your work, including any open-source contributions or personal projects, to showcase your abilities and passion for building for developers.
  • Practice your communication and collaboration skills, as these are critical for success in this role, and be prepared to provide examples of how you have worked effectively with teams in the past.
  • Be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving and how you handle ambiguity and complexity in your work.
  • Consider reaching out to current or former employees to gain insights into the company culture and what to expect in the interview process.

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