Forward Deployed Security Engineer

Details

About the Team

Security is at the foundation of OpenAI’s mission to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity. The Security team protects OpenAI’s technology, people, and products. The team is technical in what it builds and operational in how it works, supporting products and research with tenets including prioritizing for impact, enabling researchers, preparing for future transformative technologies, and engaging a robust security culture.

Role summary

As a Forward Deployed Security Engineer (FDSecE) you will be responsible for securing novel applications of OpenAI’s technology, especially for strategic public sector customers. You will embed directly throughout the lifecycle of deployments, working on-site and being hands-on to ensure the security of deployments from design to production and through ongoing operations. This role prefers candidates based in Washington, DC, may consider remote work, follows a hybrid model (3 days in office per week), requires travel to and working from customer sites, and offers relocation assistance to new employees.

Responsibilities

• Deeply embed with strategic public sector customers to implement and maintain robust security controls.
• Serve as a design and technical thought partner on protective controls including access controls, authentication, encryption, network, and system security.
• Collaborate closely with teammates, cross-functional teams, customers, and service providers to achieve security and compliance goals.
• Ensure continuity of critical security and monitoring controls through routine security assessments, threat monitoring, and security validation exercises.

Requirements

• Active US security clearance (preferred).
• 5+ years of security engineering experience, with emphasis on infrastructure security, application security, network security, datacenter security, and systems engineering.
• Familiarity with deployment models to cloud platforms (Azure, AWS) and underlying infrastructure primitives such as Kubernetes and Terraform.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Golang, or similar languages.
• Proven track record of developing high-quality, scalable, and secure infrastructure.
• Experience with security operations, including insider threat monitoring, network/endpoint detection and response, or red team/penetration testing operations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of modern adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in cross-functional teams and to navigate ambiguity in dynamic environments.

Benefits

• Base pay range: $293,000 – $385,000 (total compensation also includes equity and potential performance-related bonuses).
• 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 and caregiver leave; flexible PTO for exempt employees.
• 13+ paid company holidays and additional company office closures; 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 (charitable donation matching, wellness stipends, etc.).

Other details

• Workplace type: Hybrid (3 days in office per week). Preferred location: Washington, DC, but remote candidates may be considered. Travel to customer sites required. Background checks will be administered in accordance with applicable law. OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.