David Awoyode
Jigar Bhati, now a member of the technical staff at OpenAI, joined the company in 2023 after nearly seven years at Twitter. Seeking a smaller-scale, fast-paced environment, he was drawn to OpenAI’s startup-like culture and groundbreaking AI products.
Fascination with ChatGPT Sparked the Move
Bhati was already a user and admirer of ChatGPT before joining. As a software engineer, he felt an immediate connection to the product, recognizing the massive potential and impact it could have worldwide.
Leveraging Experience in Infrastructure and Scaling
With a strong background in large-scale distributed systems and infrastructure from his time at Twitter, Bhati was well-equipped to tackle OpenAI’s scaling challenges. His expertise proved vital in guiding critical infrastructure projects.
Networking and Public References Open Doors
Bhati credits professional networking, public conference talks, and staying updated with cutting-edge technology as key factors in securing his role. He emphasized that relevant experience and a strong portfolio are essential for landing the right position.
Cultural Fit and Passion Are Key
According to Bhati, working at OpenAI requires cultural alignment, speed, and passion for solving complex problems. The company values engineers who can adapt quickly and contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects.
OpenAI Welcomes All Career Stages
Bhati noted that OpenAI hires not only seasoned engineers but also new graduates and interns. He has seen fresh talent thrive in the company, bringing innovative ideas and capabilities.
Startup Spirit Remains Alive
Despite rapid growth in engineers, products, and users, Bhati says OpenAI still operates like a startup. Collaboration, fast shipping cycles, and high productivity define its work environment.
Fast-Paced Shipping Culture
Engineers at OpenAI ship products daily, unlike the slower weekly or monthly release cycles in many tech companies. This constant iteration fosters momentum and excitement.
Empowered to Shape AI’s Future
Bhati finds it thrilling to work directly on AI products shaping the future. Engineers have a direct hand in refining models, adding capabilities, and enhancing usability for hundreds of millions of global users.
GPT-5: Engineers in the Driver’s Seat
With GPT-5, Bhati and his colleagues had early access and contributed to steering its launch direction. He sees this as a prime example of the real-world impact OpenAI engineers can have on global technology adoption
Charles Esther