Forward Deployed Engineer - SF

Details

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

This role leads 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 scope, sequence, and build full-stack solutions that create measurable value, drive clarity across internal and external teams, and identify reusable patterns and field signals that influence the roadmap. Success means owning the delivery state across workstreams, holding the bar on quality and pace, and helping OpenAI learn through execution.

This role is based in San Francisco and uses a hybrid work model (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 that includes 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
• Strong problem-solving, the ability to simplify complexity, and to make fast, sound decisions under pressure
• Clear communication with engineers, product teams, and customer stakeholders
• Ability to spot risks early and adjust without slowing down; model calm and judgment when the stakes are high

Location & Work Model

• Based in San Francisco, United States
• Hybrid: 3 days in office per week
• Up to 50% travel required
• Relocation assistance offered

Benefits

• Base salary range: $180,000 – $280,000 (base pay may vary by market, knowledge, skills, and experience)
• Offers equity and may include performance-related bonuses for eligible employees
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
• Pre-tax accounts (Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, commuter expenses)
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid parental leave, paid medical and caregiver leave, and flexible PTO
• 13+ paid company holidays and periodic company office closures
• Mental health and wellness support; employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
• Annual learning and development stipend, daily meals in offices, meal delivery credits, and relocation support

Additional notes

• OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer and conducts background checks in accordance with applicable law. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered consistent with relevant local laws.