Forward Deployed Software Engineer - Seattle

at OpenAI

📍 Seattle, United States

USD 153,000-325,000 per year

SENIOR

✅ Hybrid

✅ Relocation

Tech Stack
Tag name is followed by "@" symbol and proficiency level value. About proficiency levels:

1-2 — basic awareness. Minimal hands-on experience, and a rudimentary understanding of the technology's purpose;

3-6 — daily use. Comfortable and regular usage, capable of handling common tasks and challenges related to the technology;

7-9 — you are an expert, you can teach others, you know all the pitfalls and tricks;

10 — exceptional knowledge, comprehensive understanding, and adeptness in all aspects of the technology, including advanced problem-solving. Think twice before claiming or demanding such level.

API MySQL @ 4 PostgreSQL @ 4

Details

OpenAI’s Forward Deployed Engineering team partners with customers to turn research breakthroughs into production systems, operating at the intersection of customer delivery and core platform development.

The role focuses on building effective custom software that leverages OpenAI’s APIs to solve customer problems. You will work with customers and OpenAI Forward Deployed Engineers to design and implement scalable solutions, create reusable abstractions, and improve the speed and quality of delivery across Forward Deployed engagements.

This role is based in Seattle and follows a hybrid work model requiring three days in the office per week. Travel of up to 50% is required.

Responsibilities

Embed deeply with strategic customers to understand their business challenges and technical requirements.
Design, architect, and develop full-stack solutions using an experiment-driven, iterative approach.
Prepare detailed scopes of work and project plans for proof-of-concept prototypes and full production deployments.
Work hands-on with customers’ technical teams as a technical expert and trusted advisor, coding alongside them to drive projects to completion on their infrastructure.
Collaborate with Sales, Solutions Engineering, Solutions Architects, Customer Success Managers, Product, Research, and Applied Engineering teams.
Provide actionable customer feedback to Product, Research, and Applied teams.
Contribute to internal knowledge bases by documenting best practices and insights from customer engagements.

Requirements

7+ years of professional full-stack engineering experience, excluding internships, in relevant roles at technology and product-driven companies.
Customer-facing experience is highly desirable.
Experience with relational databases such as PostgreSQL or MySQL.
Bias for action and willingness to work iteratively with customers to deliver effective solutions.
Experience as a founder or early startup engineer who built a product from scratch is a plus.

Benefits

Base salary of $153,000–$325,000 per year, plus equity.
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, medical, and caregiver leave.
Paid time off, paid company holidays, and paid sick or safe time as required by applicable 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 where eligible.
Relocation support for eligible employees.
Additional benefits may include charitable donation matching and wellness stipends.

OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Background checks may be administered in accordance with applicable law.