OpenAI is a pioneering AI research and deployment company focused on ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. Our mission combines advancing the capabilities of AI systems and deploying them responsibly to the world.

In our search for a Data Engineer, we invite candidates ready to lead in shaping our data pipelines and core tables. As a data engineer at OpenAI, you will work on powering essential analyses, ensuring the safety and efficacy of our systems, and contributing to our continued growth. This role requires collaboration with top-tier researchers and cross-departmental teams, building robust, fault-tolerant systems for data ingestion and processing. Join us to be a pivotal part of OpenAI’s mission and help us harness AI for greater societal benefit.

Explore our detailed interview guide on Interview Query for insights into the application process, commonly asked questions, and valuable preparation tips.

Submitting Your Application

The first step is to submit a compelling application that reflects your technical skills and interest in joining OpenAI as a Data Engineer. Whether you were contacted by an OpenAI recruiter or have taken the initiative yourself, carefully review the job description and tailor your CV according to the prerequisites.

Tailoring your CV may include identifying specific keywords that the hiring manager might use to filter resumes and crafting a targeted cover letter. Furthermore, don’t forget to highlight relevant skills and mention your work experiences.

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your CV happens to be among the shortlisted few, a recruiter from the OpenAI Talent Acquisition Team will make contact and verify key details like your experiences and skill level. Behavioral questions may also be a part of the screening process.

In some cases, the OpenAI Data Engineer hiring manager stays present during the screening round to answer your queries about the role and the company itself. They may also indulge in surface-level technical and behavioral discussions.

The whole recruiter call should take about 30 minutes.

Technical Virtual Interview

Successfully navigating the recruiter round will present you with an invitation for the technical screening round. Technical screening for the OpenAI Data Engineer role usually is conducted through virtual means, including video conference and screen sharing. Questions in this 1-hour long interview stage may revolve around OpenAI’s data systems, ETL pipelines, and SQL queries.

You might also get some test tasks to work on, and they will ask you questions about it during the interviews. Apart from these, your proficiency against Python, Scala, Java, Hadoop, Flink, and other related technologies may also be assessed during the round.

Depending on the seniority of the position, coding, ML theory, statistics, and general interview rounds focusing on broader topics will be incorporated.

Onsite Interview Rounds

Followed by a second recruiter call outlining the next stage, you’ll be invited to attend the onsite interview loop. Multiple interview rounds, varying with the role, will be conducted during your day at the OpenAI office. Your technical prowess, including coding and system design capabilities, will be evaluated against the finalized candidates throughout these interviews.

If you were assigned take-home exercises, a presentation round may also await you during the onsite interview for the Data Engineer role at OpenAI.

Quick Tips For OpenAI Data Engineer Interviews

You should plan to brush up on any technical skills and try as many practice interview questions and mock interviews as possible. A few tips for acing your OpenAI interview include:

• Understand OpenAI's Mission: Know that OpenAI's mission revolves around building and deploying safe AGI. Familiarize yourself with their core values and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their mission.
• Be Proficient in Required Technologies: Ensure that you are comfortable with Python, Scala, Java, Hadoop, Flink, and ETL schedulers like Airflow, Dagster, and Prefect. You will be tested on these technologies.
• Emphasize Data Engineering Skills: Highlight your ability to design and manage data pipelines, handle data architecture, ensure data security and compliance, and work collaboratively with various teams.

Typically, interviews at OpenAI vary by role and team, but commonly Data Engineer interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.

• How would you measure the effectiveness of extra pay for delivery drivers during peak hours? You work at a food delivery company. How would you measure the effectiveness of giving extra pay to delivery drivers during peak hours to meet consumer demand?

• Create a function rain_days to calculate the probability of rain on the nth day after today. The probability that it will rain tomorrow depends on whether it rained today and yesterday. If it rained both days, there's a 20% chance it will rain tomorrow. If it rained one of the days, there's a 60% chance. If it rained neither day, there's a 20% chance. Given it rained today and yesterday, calculate the probability it will rain on the nth day after today.

• What are the assumptions of linear regression? List and explain the key assumptions that must be met for linear regression analysis to be valid.

What is the average salary for a Data Engineer at OpenAI?

Q: What is the interview process like for the Data Engineer position at OpenAI?

The interview process is thorough and may take 3-4 months, involving multiple stages. Expect a recruiter call, followed by coding interviews focusing on ML and CS, and possibly a test task. There can also be technical and general topic discussions, plus a presentation on research if applicable.

Q: What kind of projects will I be working on as a Data Engineer at OpenAI?

You'll design, build, and manage data pipelines crucial for analysis, safety systems, product growth, and fraud prevention. This role involves close collaboration with researchers, particularly those working on ChatGPT, to create impactful data solutions.

Q: What skills are necessary to succeed in the Data Engineer role at OpenAI?

Candidates should have 3+ years of experience in data engineering, proficiency in languages like Python, Scala, or Java, and familiarity with distributed processing technologies such as Hadoop or Flink. Expertise in ETL schedulers like Airflow, Dagster, or Prefect is also essential.

Q: What is the company culture like at OpenAI?

OpenAI promotes a culture of trust, transparency, and safety over unfettered growth. The company is dedicated to ensuring AI benefits all of humanity and values diverse perspectives. The Safety Systems team is particularly focused on deploying models responsibly.

Q: What benefits and perks does OpenAI offer for the Data Engineer position?

OpenAI offers competitive compensation, generous equity, and a range of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, mental health support, 401(k) with matching, unlimited time off, paid parental leave, and a learning & development stipend.

Applying for the Data Engineer position at OpenAI presents a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of developing advanced AI systems with a dedication to safety and societal benefit. The interview process can be rigorous, involving multiple stages including coding, machine learning theory, and a research presentation if applicable. This reflects the thorough nature of OpenAI's recruitment to ensure candidates are well-prepared to contribute effectively. The Safety Systems team, which you'll be joining, is critical in ensuring that AI deployments are responsible and secure. If you're interested in gaining deeper insights and preparing thoroughly, check out our main OpenAI Interview Guide, where we cover essential interview questions and insights into different roles. At Interview Query, we provide comprehensive tools and strategic guidance to help you conquer the OpenAI Data Engineer interview and excel in your preparation.

Good luck with your interview!