Machine Learning Engineer, Distributed Data Systems - Robotics

OpenAI; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 295,000 - 445,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenAI is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer in Los Angeles to design and scale large-scale multimodal training infrastructure. This hybrid role offers $295K - $445K plus equity. You will manage distributed data pipelines and work closely with researchers to ensure systems are production-ready. Successful candidates will have strong experience in distributed systems, be detail-oriented, and possess excellent software engineering skills. Relocation assistance is available for qualified applicants.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with distributed systems.
• Detail-oriented with rigorous systems maintenance.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain data infrastructure systems.
• Ensure data platform scalability and reliability.
• Work with researchers to translate requirements.

Skills

distributed systems

large-scale infrastructure

data orchestration

software engineering fundamentals

Job description

Machine Learning Engineer, Distributed Data Systems – Robotics

Location: San Francisco, CA. Hybrid work model of 3 days in office per week; relocation assistance offered.

About the Team

Our mission is to expand the capabilities of foundational models to support general‑purpose robotics in dynamic, real‑world environments, ensuring reliable and safe operation. These capabilities include action generation, motion planning, world modeling, and real‑time communication through voice and emotions.

We work across the entire robotics stack, integrating cutting‑edge hardware, sensors, end‑effectors, and models to explore a diverse range of robotic form factors. Our goal is to develop models that provide state‑of‑the‑art intelligence combined with seamless physical skills under the practical constraints of robotic platforms.

About the Role

As a Research Engineer, Distributed Data Systems, you will design and scale the infrastructure that powers large‑scale multimodal training and evaluation at OpenAI. You’ll manage distributed data pipelines, collaborate closely with researchers to translate requirements into robust systems, and harden pipelines that serve as the backbone for OpenAI's rapid iteration cycles.

We’re looking for engineers who are detail‑oriented, have strong experience with distributed systems, and excel at building reliable infrastructure in high‑stakes environments.

In this role, you will:

• Design, build, and maintain data infrastructure systems such as distributed compute, data orchestration, distributed storage, streaming infrastructure, and machine learning infrastructure while ensuring scalability, reliability, and security.
• Ensure our data platform can scale by orders of magnitude while remaining reliable and efficient.
• Partner with researchers to deeply understand requirements and translate them into production‑ready systems.
• Harden, optimize, and maintain critical data infrastructure systems that power multimodal training and evaluation.

You might thrive in this role if you:

• Have strong experience with distributed systems and large‑scale infrastructure with a strong interest in data.
• Are detail‑oriented and bring rigor to building and maintaining reliable systems.
• Demonstrate excellent software engineering fundamentals and organizational skills.
• Are comfortable with ambiguity and rapid change.

Compensation

$295K – $445K + Equity

Equal Opportunity Employer

OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristic.