Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) - NYC

About the Role

The Forward Deployed Engineering team operates at the intersection of customer delivery and core platform development, making this role a critical component of Openai's mission to safely deploy AI systems. You will have the opportunity to work with a range of stakeholders, including customer engineering and domain teams, to deliver complex end-to-end deployments of frontier models.

Openai's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction makes this role an exciting opportunity for engineers who are passionate about AI and its applications. With a strong focus on collaboration and communication, this role requires a unique blend of technical skills and interpersonal abilities.

What You Will Do

• 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
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product, Research, and Partnerships
• Develop and maintain technical documentation to support knowledge sharing and reuse
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies in AI and related fields

What We Are Looking For

• 5+ years of engineering or technical deployment experience that includes customer-facing work
• Experience with GTM and Adjust, or similar technologies
• Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, JavaScript, or comparable stacks
• Experience building or deploying systems powered by LLMs or generative models
• Ability to simplify complexity and make fast, sound decisions under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with engineers, product teams, and customer stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to spot risks early and adjust plans accordingly
• Experience working in fast-moving or ambiguous environments
• Ability to model calm and judgment when the stakes are high
• Strong understanding of AI and its applications, with a passion for innovation and customer satisfaction

Nice to Have

• Experience with cloud-based technologies, such as AWS or Google Cloud
• Knowledge of machine learning frameworks and libraries, such as TensorFlow or PyTorch
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and version control systems, such as Git
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools, such as Docker or Kubernetes
• Certification in AI or related fields, such as machine learning or data science

Benefits and Perks

• Opportunity to work with a cutting-edge AI company that is leading the industry
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced engineers and researchers
• Flexible work arrangements, with a hybrid work model that combines remote and in-office work
• Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs
• Competitive compensation and benefits package, with a focus on employee well-being and satisfaction
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools, with the opportunity to work on complex and challenging projects
• Recognition and reward for outstanding performance, with opportunities for career growth and advancement
• A culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a commitment to creating a positive and supportive work environment
• Relocation assistance and travel opportunities, with the chance to work with customers and partners around the world
• Health and wellness programs, with a focus on employee health and well-being
• Retirement savings plan and other financial benefits, with a focus on supporting employees' long-term financial goals

• Develop a strong understanding of AI and its applications, including machine learning frameworks and libraries, to increase your chances of success in this role.
• Highlight your customer-facing skills, including experience working with non-technical stakeholders and developing tailored solutions to meet customer needs.
• Emphasize your technical expertise, including programming languages, cloud-based technologies, and DevOps practices, to demonstrate your ability to deliver complex technical projects.
• Prepare to discuss your experience with GTM and Adjust, including how you have used these technologies to drive business results and improve customer satisfaction.
• Showcase your problem-solving skills, including your ability to simplify complexity and make fast, sound decisions under pressure, to demonstrate your fit for this role.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience working in fast-moving or ambiguous environments, including how you have adapted to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Highlight your passion for innovation and customer satisfaction, including your experience working with cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions.