Forward Deployed Engineer - NYC

Details

About the team

OpenAI’s Forward Deployed Engineering team partners with customers to turn research breakthroughs into production systems. We embed deeply with users to solve high-leverage problems. We move quickly from prototype to deployment and surface patterns that shape the platform. We operate at the intersection of customer delivery and core development and work closely with Product, Research, and Go-To-Market (GTM).

About the role

Forward Deployed Engineers lead complex deployments of frontier models in production. You will embed with customers where model performance matters, delivery is urgent, and ambiguity is the default. You will map customer problems, structure delivery, and ship fast. You will scope, sequence, and build full-stack solutions that create measurable value and drive clarity across internal and external teams. You will identify reusable patterns and share field signals that influence the roadmap.

This role is based in New York City and uses a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week. Relocation assistance is offered. Travel up to 50% is required.

Responsibilities

• Own technical delivery across multiple deployments from first prototype to stable production
• Build full-stack systems that deliver customer value and sharpen how we learn
• Embed closely with customer teams, understand their needs, and guide adoption of what you build
• Scope work, sequence delivery, and remove blockers early
• Make trade-offs between scope, speed, and quality; adjust plans to protect delivery
• Contribute directly in the code when progress or clarity depends on it
• Codify working patterns into tools, playbooks, or building blocks that others can use
• Share field feedback that helps Research and Product understand where the models succeed and where they can improve
• Keep teams moving through clarity and follow-through

Requirements

• 5+ years of engineering or technical deployment experience, including customer-facing work
• Experience scoping and delivering complex systems in fast-moving or ambiguous environments
• Ability to write and review production-grade code across frontend and backend using Python, JavaScript, or comparable stacks
• Experience building or deploying systems powered by LLMs or generative models and understanding how model behavior affects product experience
• Ability to simplify complexity and make fast, sound decisions under pressure
• Strong communication with engineers, product teams, and customer stakeholders
• Ability to spot risks early and adjust without slowing down; model calm and judgment when stakes are high

Benefits

The base pay offered may vary depending on factors including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to the listed salary range, total compensation includes equity and may include performance-related bonuses. Benefits described in the posting include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
• Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid parental leave and paid medical/caregiver leave
• Flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees
• 13+ paid company holidays and office closures, plus paid sick or safe time as required by law
• Mental health and wellness support
• Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
• Annual learning and development stipend
• Daily meals in offices and meal delivery credits as eligible
• Relocation support for eligible employees
• Additional taxable fringe benefits (e.g., charitable donation matching, wellness stipends)

OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer. Background checks and reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities are described in the posting.