OpenAI

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company. Our mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.

501-1000 Employees

Technology

San Francisco

Team Values

A collection of principles and convictions that guide the decisions and actions of OpenAI.

Team Values

A collection of principles and convictions that guide the decisions and actions of OpenAI.

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AGI focus

We are committed to building safe, beneficial AGI that will have a massive positive impact on humanity's future. Anything that doesn’t help with that is out of scope.

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Intense and scrappy

Building something exceptional requires hard work (often on unglamorous stuff) and urgency; everything (that we choose to do) is important. Be unpretentious and do what works; find the best ideas wherever they come from.

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03

Scale

We believe that scale—in our models, our systems, ourselves, our processes, and our ambitions—is magic. When in doubt, scale it up.

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04

Make something people love

Our technology and products should have a transformatively positive effect on people’s lives.

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05

Team spirit

Our biggest advances, and differentiation, come from effective collaboration in and across teams. Although our teams have increasingly different identities and priorities, the overall purpose and goals have to remain perfectly aligned. Nothing is someone else’s problem.

Showcase

Browse the team's work, both finished and in-progress, and gain insight into their decision-making and processes.

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Meet The Team

Get a vibe of each individual who makes up the OpenAI Design team and be a fly on the wall as they discuss the topics that matter to them together.

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UX Designer

James Blake

A product designer with 10+ years of experience, excels in creating intuitive, engaging, and beautiful interfaces.

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Brand Designer

Claire Lee

Combining graphic design and tech skills, Claire delivers innovative, user-centric designs.

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Product Designer

Chris Povey

Focused on user research and prototyping, Chris Povey crafts seamless and engaging user experiences for the web.

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Design Director

Beth Underwood

With an industrial design background, Beth leads the team to create visually stunning, functional designs.

Why did you join OpenAI?

CL

I joined OpenAI because I've always been fascinated by the potential of AI to transform our lives in meaningful ways. Plus, the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the field was too good to pass up. It's been an incredible journey so far! I've had the chance to work on some truly groundbreaking projects that I believe will have a lasting impact. The collaborative environment here is just amazing, and it really fosters creativity and innovation. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, which keeps things exciting.

JB

Honestly, it was the mission that drew me in. The idea of creating AI that can benefit humanity really resonated with me. Also, the chance to design interfaces and experiences for such cutting-edge technology was super exciting. Working here has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. I've met so many passionate and talented individuals who inspire me daily. It's a place where big ideas are not only welcomed but encouraged, and that kind of atmosphere is rare.

BU

I've been a tech enthusiast my whole life, and AI is where all the action is right now. Joining OpenAI seemed like the perfect way to be at the forefront of innovation. Plus, it's pretty cool to say you're working on projects that could shape the future! The projects we're tackling are not only challenging but also incredibly rewarding. I love the fact that what we do here has the potential to make a significant difference in the world. Being part of this team has been a dream come true, and I look forward to what we can achieve together.

What project are you most proud of?

CP

The project I'm most proud of at OpenAI is definitely the development of the latest GPT model. Seeing it evolve from an initial concept to a tool that millions of people use daily has been incredibly rewarding. I got to work closely with a fantastic team to refine the user interface and ensure it's as intuitive as possible. The feedback we've received has been amazing, and knowing that our work is helping people in so many ways makes all the hard work worth it. Plus, it's pretty cool to see something you’ve worked on become such a big part of the AI landscape.

CL

I'd have to say the AI-assisted creative tools project is the one I'm most proud of. This project was all about empowering artists and creators with AI-driven features that enhance their work without taking away from their creative process. I was heavily involved in designing the user experience, ensuring it was seamless and genuinely helpful. Watching creators use these tools to push the boundaries of their art has been incredibly fulfilling. It's amazing to see how our technology can inspire and elevate human creativity in ways we never imagined.

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How does the design team collaborate?

JD

Our design team collaborates in a pretty dynamic and open way. We start with regular brainstorming sessions where everyone throws their ideas into the mix. This helps us get a wide range of perspectives right from the start. We also make heavy use of digital collaboration tools like Figma and Miro, which allow us to work on designs in real-time, even if we're not all in the same room. Communication is key, so we have frequent check-ins and stand-up meetings to ensure everyone is on the same page and any roadblocks are quickly addressed.

BU

Collaboration within our design team is very fluid and iterative. We often work in small cross-functional groups that include not just designers but also engineers and product managers. This ensures that our designs are feasible and aligned with the overall project goals. We rely a lot on feedback loops, where we present our work, gather input, and refine our designs based on that feedback. It's a really collaborative environment where everyone's input is valued, and the end product is always better for it.

What tools do you use?

JB

We use a variety of tools to get our work done efficiently. Figma is our go-to for designing and prototyping because it’s super collaborative and easy to use. For brainstorming and mapping out ideas, we rely on Miro, which is great for virtual whiteboarding. When it comes to project management, Asana helps us keep track of tasks and deadlines. Of course, Slack is essential for daily communication and quick check-ins. These tools together make our workflow smooth and keep everyone connected.

What are the challenges designing for AI?

CP

Designing for AI comes with its own set of unique challenges. One big challenge is ensuring that the AI feels intuitive and easy to use for people who might not be tech-savvy. We have to strike a balance between making the interface simple enough for beginners but powerful enough for advanced users. Another challenge is dealing with the unpredictability of AI responses. We have to design with flexibility in mind, creating interfaces that can handle a wide range of outputs without confusing users. Plus, there's always the ethical aspect, making sure the AI behaves responsibly and respects user privacy.

CP

One of the toughest parts of designing for AI is making the technology accessible and understandable. AI can be incredibly complex, so our job is to create interfaces that demystify it and make it user-friendly. Another challenge is managing user expectations. People often expect AI to be perfect, but it can make mistakes or produce unexpected results. We have to design ways to gracefully handle these situations and maintain user trust.

Any advice for people wanting to join OpenAI?

JB

If you're eager to join OpenAI, my advice is to showcase your passion for AI and its potential to positively impact the world. OpenAI values innovation and collaboration, so be sure to highlight any projects or experiences that demonstrate your creativity and ability to work effectively in a team. Keep an eye on our job postings and apply for positions that align with your skills and interests. Don't be discouraged if you don't get in on the first try—persistence pays off!

JD

To join OpenAI, my advice is to focus on honing your skills and building a strong portfolio that showcases your expertise in AI, machine learning, and related fields. Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and hands-on projects to deepen your knowledge and gain practical experience. Additionally, don't underestimate the importance of soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and adaptability—these are just as crucial in a dynamic and fast-paced environment like OpenAI. Finally, be persistent in your pursuit of opportunities at OpenAI and don't hesitate to reach out to recruiters or hiring managers to express your interest and enthusiasm.

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What's the culture like at OpenAI?

CL

The culture at OpenAI is incredibly dynamic and collaborative. We have a diverse team of passionate individuals who are united by a shared mission to advance AI for the benefit of humanity. There's a strong emphasis on innovation and pushing the boundaries of what's possible, which fosters a culture of creativity and exploration. Despite the complex nature of our work, there's a genuine sense of camaraderie and support among team members. We're encouraged to voice our ideas, challenge assumptions, and learn from each other, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

CP

At OpenAI, the culture is one of intellectual curiosity and relentless pursuit of excellence. We're constantly pushing the boundaries of AI research and development, and that spirit of innovation permeates everything we do. Collaboration is at the heart of our culture—we believe that the best ideas emerge when people with diverse perspectives come together to solve complex problems. There's also a strong emphasis on transparency and open communication, with regular updates and forums for sharing ideas and feedback. Overall, it's an inspiring and dynamic environment where every team member is empowered to make a meaningful impact.

BU

The culture at OpenAI is both stimulating and supportive. We're a team of passionate individuals who are driven by a shared vision of creating beneficial AI for all. Collaboration is deeply ingrained in our culture—we work closely across teams and disciplines to tackle some of the most challenging problems in AI. There's a culture of continuous learning and growth, with ample opportunities for professional development and mentorship. At the same time, there's a strong emphasis on work-life balance and well-being, with initiatives in place to support the holistic health of employees. Overall, it's a vibrant and inclusive culture where everyone is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work.

Workspaces

Take a peek into the home offices and workspaces of the OpenAI team.

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Perks and Benefits

Read about how various perks and benefits have impacted the lives of team members.

Flexible Working Hours

Having the flexibility to work when I want gives me the freedom to work on side projects and still be productive at work.

James

Tech Budget

Being able to design using the latest and greatest hardware is great. It makes me feel more inspired and creative.

Claire

Parental Leave

Being able to be there for the first few month’s of my son’s life without worrying about providing for my family was priceless.

Chris

Private Healthcare

The private healthcare had this amazing effect on my life and I am very grateful.

Beth

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to those burning questions we always receive in interviews and conversations with other teams.

What is the hiring process like at OpenAI?

The hiring process typically involves an initial phone screen, followed by technical interviews and a final round of interviews that may include a project or presentation. We aim to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. The process is designed to be thorough but fair, ensuring we bring on individuals who are both highly skilled and aligned with our mission.

What qualities does OpenAI look for in candidates?

We look for candidates who are passionate about AI and its potential to positively impact the world. Strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative mindset are essential. We also value curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical AI development.

How does OpenAI support development?

OpenAI supports professional development through ongoing learning opportunities, workshops, and access to industry conferences. We encourage employees to pursue their interests and provide resources for continuous skill enhancement. Mentorship and collaborative projects also play a big role in our professional growth environment.

What is the work-life balance like at OpenAI?

Work-life balance is important at OpenAI, and we strive to create a supportive environment that respects personal time. Flexible work hours and remote work options are available to help employees manage their schedules. We also offer wellness programs and encourage taking time off to recharge.

What kind of projects will I work on at OpenAI?

At OpenAI, you'll work on cutting-edge AI research and development projects that aim to advance the field and create positive societal impact. Projects range from developing new models and algorithms to applying AI in various domains. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with experts across different areas of AI.

How does OpenAI ensure collaboration?

OpenAI fosters collaboration through cross-functional teams, regular meetings, and open communication channels. We use tools like Slack, Figma, and Miro to facilitate real-time collaboration and idea sharing. Team-building activities and a culture of mutual respect also help maintain a strong collaborative spirit.

What is OpenAI’s stance on diversity and inclusion?

Diversity and inclusion are core values at OpenAI. We are committed to building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. We have initiatives in place to support diversity in hiring, provide ongoing training, and create a culture of belonging.

What are the benefits of working at OpenAI?

Working at OpenAI comes with a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive salaries, health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. Employees also enjoy flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on pioneering projects. The collaborative and innovative culture is a significant perk as well.