OpenAI's Software Engineer interview is different from the classic big-tech loop in one obvious way: it leans toward real engineering work. You are less likely to get a string of abstract puzzle questions and more likely to face implementation tasks, production-focused design prompts, and conversations about reliability, safety, and user impact. If you are preparing for this process, practice like an engineer who ships systems, not like someone grinding trick problems. The process is structured, but it still changes by team. In most cases, you can expect application review, an intro screen, one or more technical assessments, and a final loop. Finals usually take 4 to 6 hours total with 4 to 6 interviewers across 1 or 2 days. Most loops are virtual, with an onsite option in San Francisco for some candidates. Some teams move fast, some take longer, so do not read too much into a few quiet days. Interview process overview 1. Resume review This part is async and often takes around a week.…