3P Architect

OpenAI

. Define rack- and cluster-level reference architectures for AI infrastructure deployments.

Posted 4/21/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $342,000 - $555,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Have strong experience in system architecture for large-scale infrastructure or data center environments.
Understand AI workload characteristics and how they map to system-level design decisions.
Are comfortable working with performance modeling outputs to inform architectural direction.
Have experience working with or managing hardware vendors (ODM/JDM, silicon, networking).
Can drive alignment across multiple stakeholders with competing constraints.
Have a track record of turning ambiguous requirements into clear, executable system designs.
Are proactive in identifying gaps and driving solutions across organizational boundaries.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Paid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents), plus paid medical and caregiver leave (up to 8 weeks)
Paid time off: flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees
13+ paid company holidays, and multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge, plus paid sick or safe time (1 hour per 30 hours worked, or more, as required by applicable state or local law)
Mental health and wellness support
Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
Annual learning and development stipend to fuel your professional growth
Daily meals in our offices, and meal delivery credits as eligible
Relocation support for eligible employees
Additional taxable fringe benefits, such as charitable donation matching and wellness stipends, may also be provided.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

system architectureAI infrastructureperformance modelingproof-of-concept (PoC)system design specificationslarge-scale infrastructuredata center environmentshardware vendor managementarchitectural tradeoffsemerging technologies

Soft Skills

collaborationstakeholder alignmentproactive problem solvingcommunicationinfluenceorganizational boundary managementturning ambiguous requirements into executable designs