Software Engineer, Identity Infrastructure Engineering

About the Role

The role requires a balance of strong technical depth, collaboration, and a passion for embedding secure-by-default principles into every layer of the stack. You will be instrumental in creating, deploying, and operating foundational security tools and infrastructure, working with a broad range of technologies to support multi-cloud deployments. This will ensure that researchers and engineers can safely build, test, and scale transformative AI systems.

Openai uses a hybrid work model, with three days in the office per week, and offers relocation assistance to new employees. The company is committed to fostering a culture of security and innovation, and this role is an opportunity to be at the forefront of that effort.

What You Will Do

• Build new features for the IAM platform that seamlessly integrate with evolving cloud services, enabling teams to work efficiently while adhering to security best practices.
• Drive security innovation by designing tools, processes, and architectures that protect data at scale and reinforce a secure development culture across the organization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with researchers, engineers, and compliance teams to address security requirements for multi-cloud deployments, large-scale model training, and emerging AI use cases.
• Implement and refine access policies that strike the right balance between enabling rapid experimentation and protecting high-value assets, including model weights and customer data.
• Troubleshoot complex identity or access issues across distributed systems, ensuring minimal downtime and a safe environment for AI research and product teams.
• Develop robust frameworks, APIs, and CLI tools that automate recurring security tasks, freeing teams to focus on AI innovation without sacrificing security.
• Design architectures and tooling that protect model weights, custom data, and sensitive assets while operating seamlessly in AWS, Azure, GCP, or future cloud environments.
• Build and maintain the systems and interfaces that manage user and service identity, ensuring fine-grained access controls are consistent across cloud providers and internal services.

What We Are Looking For

• A background in building secure systems, from core IAM services to orchestration layers that manage credentials, roles, or policies at scale.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Go, or similar, with a track record of writing high-quality, maintainable code.
• Experience with modern cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP) and familiarity with industry-standard security protocols (OAuth, SAML, OpenID Connect) and authentication/authorization patterns.
• A security-focused mindset, with knowledge of threat modeling, risk assessment, and the ability to embed security features throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to work well across diverse technical and non-technical teams, turning broad objectives into actionable solutions.
• Experience with multi-cloud security, including designing and implementing secure architectures that protect data and assets across multiple cloud environments.
• Knowledge of identity and access management principles, including identity orchestration and access control.

Nice to Have

• Experience with automation and tooling, including developing robust frameworks, APIs, and CLI tools that automate recurring security tasks.
• Familiarity with emerging AI technologies and their security implications.
• A strong understanding of security best practices and the ability to apply them in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and equity package.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI projects that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced professionals.
• Flexible working hours and remote work options.
• Access to the latest technologies and tools.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.
• Comprehensive health insurance and benefits package.
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.

• Develop a strong understanding of secure-by-default principles and how to apply them in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
• Showcase your experience with modern cloud infrastructure and industry-standard security protocols.
• Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including researchers, engineers, and compliance teams.
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to threat modeling, risk assessment, and security feature development.
• Consider developing a personal project that demonstrates your skills in identity and access management, such as building a secure authentication system or designing a secure architecture for a cloud-based application.
• Research Openai's current projects and initiatives, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their goals and values.
• Practice your problem-solving skills, including troubleshooting complex identity or access issues, and be prepared to walk the interviewer through your thought process.