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OpenAI's Hardware organization is seeking a 3P Systems Architect to define and drive rack- and cluster-level reference designs in collaboration with external partners. This role is central to translating AI workload requirements and system-level goals into concrete, scalable architectures that balance performance, cost, and operational efficiency.
You will own the end-to-end definition and execution of third-party system designs, working closely with performance modeling teams and internal architecture groups to evaluate architectural tradeoffs. Key responsibilities include:
- Define rack- and cluster-level reference architectures for AI infrastructure deployments
- Translate workload requirements into clear system design specifications and partner deliverables
- Collaborate with performance modeling teams to evaluate architectural tradeoffs and system behaviors
- Align internal stakeholders and external partners on critical system attributes (performance, cost, power, reliability, scalability)
- Identify gaps in current technology offerings and drive vendors (ODM/JDM, silicon, networking) to close those gaps
- Influence and shape vendor roadmaps to meet future infrastructure needs
- Track emerging technologies and evaluate their applicability to AI systems
- Define and lead proof-of-concept (PoC) efforts to validate new architectures and technologies
- Act as a key interface between OpenAI and external partners, ensuring execution against design intent
This is a hybrid role based in San Francisco, requiring 3 days in the office per week. Relocation assistance is offered.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Strong experience in system architecture for large-scale infrastructure or data center environments
- Understanding of AI workload characteristics and how they map to system-level design decisions
- Comfort working with performance modeling outputs to inform architectural direction
- Experience working with or managing hardware vendors (ODM/JDM, silicon, networking)
- Ability to drive alignment across multiple stakeholders with competing constraints
- Track record of turning ambiguous requirements into clear, executable system designs
- Proactive approach to identifying gaps and driving solutions across organizational boundaries
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Experience defining rack- or cluster-level systems for hyperscale or AI workloads
- Familiarity with accelerators (GPUs/ASICs), interconnects, and data center networking architectures
- Experience influencing vendor roadmaps and reference designs
- Background in infrastructure deployment, hardware engineering, or systems integration
- Experience leading PoCs or early-stage hardware validation efforts
