Optical Network Engineer at OpenAI

San Francisco, California, United States

Apply Now

$310,000 – $380,000Compensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

AI, Hardware, SemiconductorsIndustries

Requirements

7+ years of experience in large-scale optical networking or photonic systems design and deployment, including hands-on involvement with system design
Ph.D. in Optical Fiber Communication or related field
Familiar with coherent optical technology
Experience with CMIS-based module management and SONiC
Experience with high-density optical modules or interconnect architectures
Experience working in small, high-ownership engineering teams that operate across hardware and systems boundaries
Strong communication and technical leadership skills with a collaborative, pragmatic approach

Responsibilities

Characterize and validate optical modules and links using TP1–TP4 testing metrics and workflows
Work with IM/DD pluggable optics (FRO and LPO), NPO and CPO optical form factors, single-mode and multi-mode systems, and perform practical link simulation and design
Troubleshoot live network optical issues and drive continuous improvement in large-scale environments
Automate testing and data workflows (Python preferred; AI tools welcome)
Support fiber plant setup, lab routing, patch panels, and network rollout — hands-on with fiber handling
Specify switches, transceivers, and optical components for OpenAI deployments across multiple data center environments and geographies
Interface with vendors, researchers, and internal stakeholders to assess technology readiness and drive component and system-level evaluations
Develop, lead and execute on internal testing strategies to qualify optics in production environments, including CWDM and DWDM systems
Contribute to cross-functional architectural efforts involving custom silicon, high-performance interconnects, and global-scale networks

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Optical NetworksIM/DDPluggable OpticsCPONPOTP1-TP4 TestingFiber OpticsLink SimulationPythonNetwork TroubleshootingTransceiversSwitchesData Center Networking

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for the Optical Network Engineer position?

The salary range is $310K - $380K.

Is this a remote position or does it require on-site work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What experience and skills are required for this role?

Candidates need 7+ years of experience in large-scale optical networking or photonic systems design and deployment, a Ph.D. in Optical Fiber Communication or related field, and familiarity with coherent optical technology, CMIS-based module management, SONiC, high-density optical modules, and interconnect architectures.

What is the team like at OpenAI's Hardware organization?

The team develops silicon and system-level solutions for advanced AI workloads, builds AI-native silicon, works closely with software and research partners, and operates in small, high-ownership engineering teams across hardware and systems boundaries.

What makes a strong candidate for this Optical Network Engineer role?

Strong candidates have 7+ years in large-scale optical networking, a Ph.D. in Optical Fiber Communication or related, hands-on experience with optical technologies like coherent optics and high-density modules, and thrive in small, high-ownership teams with strong communication skills.

OpenAI

Develops safe and beneficial AI technologies

About OpenAI

OpenAI develops and deploys artificial intelligence technologies aimed at benefiting humanity. The company creates advanced AI models capable of performing various tasks, such as automating processes and enhancing creativity. OpenAI's products, like Sora, allow users to generate videos from text descriptions, showcasing the versatility of its AI applications. Unlike many competitors, OpenAI operates under a capped profit model, which limits the profits it can make and ensures that excess earnings are redistributed to maximize the social benefits of AI. This commitment to safety and ethical considerations is central to its mission of ensuring that artificial general intelligence (AGI) serves all of humanity.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2015Year Founded

$18,433.2MTotal Funding

LATE_VCCompany Stage

AI & Machine LearningIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Flexible spending account for healthcare and dependent care

Mental healthcare service

Fertility treatment coverage

401(k) with generous matching

20-week paid parental leave

Life insurance (complimentary)

AD&D insurance (complimentary)

Short-term/long-term disability insurance (complimentary)

Optional buy-up life insurance

Flexible work hours and unlimited paid time off (we encourage 4+ weeks per year)

Annual learning & development stipend

Regular team happy hours and outings

Daily catered lunch and dinner

Travel to domestic conferences

Risks

Elon Musk's legal battle may pose financial and reputational challenges for OpenAI.

Customizable ChatGPT personas could lead to privacy and ethical concerns.

Competitors like Anthropic raising capital may intensify market competition.

Differentiation

OpenAI's capped profit model prioritizes ethical AI development over unlimited profit.

OpenAI's AI models, like Sora, offer unique video creation from text descriptions.

OpenAI's focus on AGI aims to create AI systems smarter than humans.

Upsides

OpenAI's $6.6 billion funding boosts its AI research and computational capacity.

Customizable ChatGPT personas enhance user engagement and satisfaction.

OpenAI's 'Operator' AI agent could revolutionize workforce automation by 2025.

Land your dream remote job 3x faster with AI

Try Jobo Free