Security Researcher, Agentic AI Threats

at OpenAI

📍 San Francisco, United States

USD 293,000-405,000 per year

MIDDLE

✅ 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.

AI @ 1 CI/CD @ 3 Distributed Systems @ 3 Security @ 6

Details

Preparedness is a critical Safety Research team focused on mitigating AI threats to global security that could scale to an extreme level of severity. The team monitors and predicts the evolving capabilities of frontier AI systems, maintains misuse safeguards and security measures, and coordinates mitigation targets through OpenAI's preparedness framework.

As AI agents become more capable at software engineering and automate more internal work, they could become a dangerous cyber threat. This role focuses on preparing for security threats from advanced AI agent insiders.

Responsibilities

Identify paths by which capable future internal AI agents could compromise OpenAI.
Design security controls, with a focus on measures with long lead times that benefit from advanced preparation.
Stress-test defenses using AI agent evaluations and penetration tests.
Engage effectively with stakeholders across the organization.

Requirements

Deep technical knowledge across security and modern infrastructure.
Comfort working with operating systems, cloud infrastructure, containers, CI/CD, and distributed systems.
Strong software engineering skills and the ability to build prototypes independently.
Interest in engaging with stakeholders and communicating effectively.
Bonus: experience securing cloud infrastructure and deep familiarity with core components of the AI stack.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary: $293,000–$405,000 USD.
Equity, performance-related bonuses for eligible employees, and comprehensive benefits.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts.
Pre-tax FSA, dependent care, and commuter accounts.
401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
Paid parental, medical, and caregiver leave.
Paid time off, company holidays, office closures, and sick or safe time.
Mental health and wellness support.
Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage.
Annual learning and development stipend.
Daily office meals and eligible meal delivery credits.
Relocation support for eligible employees.
Additional benefits may include charitable donation matching and wellness stipends.

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