Optical Network Engineer

OpenAI; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 342,000 - 445,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenAI is currently looking for an experienced Optical Network Engineer based in San Francisco, California. This role involves leading laser-related efforts in optical interconnect projects for large-scale compute systems, ensuring performance and manufacturability of optical technologies.

The ideal candidate will possess strong optical engineering experience, with an emphasis on IM/DD systems. Compensation ranges from $342K to $445K, and candidates must meet U.S. export control laws.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in optical engineering, particularly with lasers.
• Hands-on background in IM/DD optical technologies.
• Experience with external suppliers and production execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation and validation of optical components.
• Drive technical direction for optical interconnects.
• Support optical testing and integration for large-scale systems.

Skills

Optical engineering

IM/DD optical technologies

Data-driven debugging

Clear communication

Education

Advanced degree in engineering

Job description

About The Team

OpenAI’s Hardware organization develops silicon and system-level solutions designed for the unique demands of advanced AI workloads. The team is responsible for building the next generation of AI-native silicon while working closely with software and research partners to co-design hardware tightly integrated with AI models. In addition to delivering production-grade silicon for OpenAI’s supercomputing infrastructure, the team also creates custom design tools and methodologies that accelerate innovation and enable hardware optimized specifically for AI.

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced Optical Network Engineer to lead Laser related work within our optical interconnect efforts for large-scale compute systems. The role also requires broad, hands‑on optical validation experience across IM/DD-based interconnects, working from lab characterization through production readiness and scaled deployment.

In This Role You Will

• Drive laser-focused requirements and technical direction within the broader optical interconnect roadmap.
• Lead evaluation and validation of optical components and subsystems, including laser-based elements, in lab and production-representative environments.
• Support end-to-end optical testing for IM/DD interconnects (e.g., module/system bring‑up, characterization, debug, and readiness for scale).
• Work with external partners to align on development milestones, performance targets, and quality expectations.
• Own technical issue triage and resolution across performance, reliability, and manufacturability topics.
• Collaborate across internal teams to support integration, rollout, and operational success at scale.

You Might Thrive In This Role If You Have

• Strong experience in laser-focused optical engineering (development, validation, manufacturing readiness, or field support).
• Broad hands‑on background with IM/DD optical technologies and optical test/debug workflows.
• Experience working with external suppliers/manufacturing partners and production-oriented execution.
• Demonstrated ability to debug complex technical issues using data‑driven methods.
• Clear written and verbal communication; ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Advanced degree in a relevant engineering field preferred (or equivalent industry experience).

To comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidates for this role may need to meet certain legal status requirements as provided in those laws and regulations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are 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.

Compensation Range: $342K - $445K