Software Engineer, Discovery Engineering

As a Software Engineer in Discovery Engineering at OpenAI, you'll oversee designing and operating data storage pipelines capable of handling large volumes. Your role will involve developing search and discovery services, automating secure data transfers, and establishing locked-down compute environments that prioritize security while remaining user-friendly. Additionally, you'll work cross-functionally to formalize standard operational procedures and documentation that comply with legal standards, ensuring that everything adheres to high accountability and scrutiny.

To qualify for the Software Engineer role at OpenAI, candidates should have hands-on experience in building or operating large-scale data systems on platforms like Azure, AWS, or GCP. Familiarity with Terraform or Pulumi, as well as CI/CD practices, is essential. Interested applicants should also demonstrate a clear understanding of discovery workflows and the ability to communicate technical concepts across various teams, especially legal and engineering.

While direct experience in legal compliance workflows isn't explicitly required, familiarity with legal holds, enterprise document collections, and secure review processes will be beneficial for a Software Engineer in Discovery Engineering at OpenAI. The position emphasizes a willingness to learn and adapt quickly to this specialized area as you collaborate closely with legal teams to establish technical workflows.

Candidates applying for the Software Engineer position in Discovery Engineering at OpenAI should be comfortable with data infrastructure tools and cloud platforms including Azure, AWS, and GCP. Knowledge of Terraform, Pulumi, and CI/CD tools is crucial for developing and maintaining efficient workflows. Familiarity with secure coding practices and document handling mechanisms is also key to ensuring data security and compliance in this role.

At OpenAI, Software Engineers, particularly those in Discovery Engineering, enjoy a collaborative and innovative work environment. The team culture prioritizes communication, rigorous documentation, and cross-functional collaboration, especially with Legal and IT departments. The company also values diversity and inclusion, creating a workspace that welcomes various perspectives, helping enrich the overall problem-solving approach.

In answering this question, highlight a project where you managed significant data volumes, detailing your role, the technologies used, and the challenges you faced. Be sure to explain how you ensured the integrity and security of the data processed.

Demonstrate your familiarity with specific services these platforms offer, providing examples of previous projects where you've utilized these tools. Discuss the benefits you found in leveraging cloud technology for scalable solutions in your work.

Describe the measures you take to embed security in every phase of a project. Speak about tools or frameworks you use to ensure compliance, and give examples of how you've implemented these measures in past roles.

Discuss your communication style and methods for effectively engaging with various departments such as Legal and IT. Provide examples of successful collaborations and how they contributed to a project’s success.

Focus on a specific case, detailing the steps you took to transform the legal requirements into a workable technical plan. Highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to navigate interdisciplinary challenges.

Outline the tools you have experience with, such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, or CircleCI, and explain the reasons for your preference based on user experience, functionality, and how they fit into team workflows.

Talk about the testing processes you incorporate, including unit tests, integration tests, and any monitoring solutions you deploy to track system performance and potential issues actively.

Reflect on the complexities involved in data management, including regulatory requirements that may change over time. Discuss how you stay updated on these changes and ensure compliance in your projects.

Provide a concrete instance where you had to balance the urgency of a project with necessary security measures. Explain your thought process in making that trade-off and the final outcomes.

Share your strategies for continuous learning, whether through online courses, industry conferences, reading technical blogs, or engaging in communities. Highlight how you apply these insights to your work as a Software Engineer.