SMS Prototype Handling Specialist

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 Secure Manufacturing & Stealth (SMS) team partners with supply chain and operations teams to protect OpenAI’s most sensitive projects by designing and enforcing safeguards that keep innovations confidential until launch while enabling engineers and partners to move quickly.

About the role

We are seeking a Senior SMS Prototype Handling Specialist to lead efforts around handling sensitive product prototypes and secure logistics. This staff-level individual contributor owns the design, execution, and continuous improvement of prototype handling operations, ensuring prototypes are continuously accounted for and securely transported worldwide. The role reports to the Senior Secure Manufacturing and Stealth Specialist, does not manage direct reports, and requires deep judgment, high trust, and the ability to operate amid ambiguity and urgency.

Location and work model

• Based in San Francisco, CA
• Hybrid work model: 3 days in the office per week
• Travel: up to ~25% to international vendor and partner locations
• Relocation assistance is offered to new employees

Compensation

• Base salary range: $288,000 - $320,000 (San Francisco tier)
• Offers equity and additional compensation components as described during hiring

Responsibilities

• Maintain continuous, auditable accountability for all assigned OpenAI hardware prototypes
• Operate and administer a secure prototype library, including inventory systems, physical storage, and check-in/check-out workflows
• Execute access control processes so prototypes are issued only to approved personnel with appropriate authorization
• Coordinate secure domestic and international logistics for prototypes, including shipment planning, hand-carry transport, customs coordination, and chain-of-custody documentation
• Support engineering teams through prototype build, testing, iteration, and return cycles
• Perform routine and ad-hoc inventory audits, reconciliations, and discrepancy investigations
• Maintain accurate records, logs, and reporting on prototype status, location, and access history
• Identify operational risks, gaps, or anomalies and escalate promptly to senior staff
• Support incident response activities related to lost, damaged, or compromised devices
• Execute established security procedures consistently and contribute practical feedback to improve operations

Requirements / Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in secure logistics, hardware operations, prototype management, physical asset control, or supply chain operations
• Hands-on experience managing sensitive or high-value hardware across multiple teams or locations
• Comfortable being personally accountable for inventory accuracy and chain-of-custody integrity
• Demonstrated sound judgment, discretion, and reliability when handling confidential materials
• Experience with asset tracking systems, audit processes, and operational documentation
• Ability to work independently on well-defined problems while collaborating with engineers, security partners, and operations teams
• Comfortable traveling internationally and operating in high-trust, high-sensitivity environments

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer HSA contributions
• Pre-tax accounts: Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, commuter benefits
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid parental leave and additional medical/caregiver leave options
• Paid time off (flexible PTO for exempt employees; up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees)
• 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 and meal delivery credits as eligible
• Relocation support for eligible employees
• Additional taxable fringe benefits (charitable donation matching, wellness stipends, etc.)

Additional notes

• Background checks will be administered in accordance with applicable law
• OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities