Staff+ Software Engineer, Identity Infrastructure Engineering

About the Role

The Identity Infrastructure Engineering team is at the core of OpenAI's security efforts, and as a Staff+ Software Engineer, you will play a critical role in leading the architecture, development, and operation of identity infrastructure that spans cloud platforms, internal systems, and critical engineering services. You will design and evolve systems for authentication, authorization, access governance, auditability, and policy enforcement, with a strong focus on reliability, scalability, and secure-by-default design.

As a leader in the team, you will drive ambiguous, high-impact technical initiatives across security, infrastructure, and engineering teams, driving alignment and execution across multiple stakeholders. You will partner closely with engineers, researchers, and security teams to build scalable access patterns and infrastructure that enable rapid development while maintaining strong security boundaries and operational rigor.

What You Will Do

• Lead the architecture, development, and operation of identity infrastructure that spans cloud platforms, internal systems, and critical engineering services
• Design and evolve systems for authentication, authorization, access governance, auditability, and policy enforcement with a strong focus on reliability, scalability, and secure-by-default design
• Build foundational infrastructure and platform capabilities that are broadly used across engineering, research, and security teams
• Improve the reliability, observability, performance, and operational maturity of identity infrastructure that supports mission-critical systems and workflows
• Lead ambiguous, high-impact technical initiatives across security, infrastructure, and engineering teams, driving alignment and execution across multiple stakeholders
• Partner closely with engineers, researchers, and security teams to build scalable access patterns and infrastructure that enable rapid development while maintaining strong security boundaries and operational rigor
• Raise the engineering bar through strong technical judgment, thoughtful system design, operational excellence, and long-term ownership of critical infrastructure
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and prioritize technical initiatives that drive business value and improve the overall security posture of the company
• Develop and maintain technical documentation and knowledge base for identity infrastructure and related systems

What We Are Looking For

• 10+ years of experience building and operating large-scale infrastructure, platform, or backend systems
• Deep experience with cloud infrastructure, identity systems, distributed systems, and infrastructure-as-code
• Experience leading complex technical initiatives across teams and driving architecture in ambiguous environments
• Experience building security-critical systems involving authentication, authorization, access governance, privileged access, or policy enforcement
• Strong software engineering fundamentals with experience in Go, Rust, Python, or similar languages
• Ability to debug across code, cloud infrastructure, identity systems, networking, and operations
• High bar for reliability, security, auditability, and operational rigor in mission-critical systems
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and version control systems such as Git
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams

Nice to Have

• Experience with Excel and data analysis
• Knowledge of security frameworks and compliance standards such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or SOC 2
• Experience with cloud security platforms such as AWS IAM, Google Cloud IAM, or Azure Active Directory
• Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
• Experience with monitoring and logging tools such as Prometheus, Grafana, or ELK

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge identity infrastructure and AI research projects
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced engineers and researchers
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and flexible hours
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference sponsorship
• Access to the latest tools and technologies, including cloud infrastructure and security platforms
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates

• Be prepared to showcase your technical expertise in cloud infrastructure, security, and software engineering, and explain how you have applied these skills in previous roles.
• Highlight your experience with identity and access management systems, including authentication, authorization, and access governance.
• Demonstrate your ability to lead complex technical initiatives and drive architecture in ambiguous environments.
• Show your passion for building secure and reliable infrastructure, and explain how you stay up-to-date with the latest security threats and technologies.
• Be ready to talk about your experience with Agile development methodologies and version control systems such as Git.
• Consider creating a portfolio or repository of your work, including code samples and technical documentation, to demonstrate your skills and experience.
• Research OpenAI's mission and values, and be prepared to explain how your skills and experience align with the company's goals and objectives.