About the job
About Our Team
Join OpenAI’s innovative Hardware team, where we are redefining the landscape of silicon and system-level solutions tailored to the specific demands of cutting-edge AI workloads. Our mission is to design the next generation of AI-native silicon, collaborating closely with software and research teams to co-create hardware that seamlessly integrates with advanced AI models. Beyond developing production-grade silicon for OpenAI’s supercomputing infrastructure, we also craft bespoke design tools and methodologies that drive innovation and optimize hardware specifically for AI applications.
About the Role
We are seeking a passionate Junior RTL Engineer to contribute to the design and implementation of critical compute, memory, and interconnect components for our custom AI accelerator. You will engage closely with architecture, verification, physical design, and machine learning engineers to translate complex AI workloads into efficient hardware architectures. This hands-on role offers substantial ownership over the design definition, modeling, and implementation processes.
This position is based in San Francisco, CA, utilizing a hybrid work model with three days in the office each week. Relocation assistance is available for new hires.
Key Responsibilities
Develop clean, production-quality microarchitecture and RTL for major accelerator subsystems.
Engage in architectural studies, including performance modeling and feasibility assessments.
Collaborate with software, simulator, and compiler teams to ensure effective hardware/software co-design and workload optimization.
Work with design verification and physical design teams to ensure functional correctness, timing closure, and adherence to area/power specifications.
Create and review performance and functional models to validate design intent.
Participate in design reviews, documentation processes, and provide support throughout the silicon lifecycle.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Graduate-level research or industry experience in computer architecture, AI/ML hardware-software co-design, encompassing workload analysis, dataflow mapping, or accelerator algorithm optimization.
Proficient in writing production-quality RTL in Verilog/SystemVerilog, with a proven track record of delivering complex blocks to tape-out.
Experience in developing hardware design models or architectural simulators, particularly in AI/ML or high-performance computing domains.
Familiarity with industry-standard design tools and methodologies (lint, CDC/RDC, synthesis, STA).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a collaborative mindset.

