Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) - SF

About the Role

The team operates with a hybrid work model, splitting time between the San Francisco office and remote work. This balance allows for both the collaboration and camaraderie of in-office work and the flexibility and comfort of working from home. Given the nature of the role, some travel, up to 50%, is required to work closely with customers and ensure successful deployments.

What You Will Do

• Own the technical delivery of complex deployments from the initial prototype phase to stable production, ensuring high-quality results and timely completion.
• Develop full-stack systems that deliver significant value to customers and contribute to the learning and improvement of Openai's models and products.
• Embed with customer teams to deeply understand their needs and guide the adoption of the systems you develop, ensuring these meet their requirements and exceed their expectations.
• Scope out work, sequence delivery, and identify and remove blockers early to maintain project momentum and ensure smooth execution.
• Make informed trade-offs between scope, speed, and quality, adjusting plans as necessary to protect delivery timelines and outcomes without compromising on quality or customer satisfaction.
• Contribute directly to coding when necessary to drive progress or provide clarity, and codify working patterns into reusable tools, playbooks, or building blocks for future projects.
• Share feedback from the field with Research and Product teams to inform the development and improvement of models and products, ensuring they meet real-world needs and are aligned with customer expectations.
• Keep projects moving forward through clear communication, proactive issue resolution, and follow-through, maintaining a high level of visibility and transparency with all stakeholders.

What We Are Looking For

• At least 5 years of experience in engineering or technical deployment roles, with a significant portion of that experience involving customer-facing work or collaboration with external stakeholders.
• Proven track record of scoping and delivering complex systems in fast-paced or ambiguous environments, demonstrating the ability to navigate uncertainty and drive projects forward under less-than-ideal conditions.
• Strong programming skills, with the ability to write and review production-grade code across both frontend and backend using languages like Python, JavaScript, or comparable technologies.
• Experience with building or deploying systems powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) or generative models, with a deep understanding of how model behavior affects product experience and user outcomes.
• Ability to simplify complex technical concepts and make rapid, sound decisions under pressure, even when faced with incomplete information or tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly to both engineers and non-technical stakeholders, including product teams and customer organizations.
• Capability to spot risks early and adjust plans without slowing down project progress, ensuring that potential issues are mitigated before they become major problems.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Agile development methodologies and version control systems like Git, demonstrating familiarity with collaborative development practices and the ability to manage code changes effectively.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure, and containerization tools like Docker, which are crucial for deploying and managing scalable, secure applications.
• Familiarity with GTM (Go-to-Market) strategies and Adjust, a mobile measurement company, indicating an understanding of how technical solutions support business objectives and customer acquisition.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive compensation package, reflecting the role's complexity and the candidate's experience, to attract top talent in the industry.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a rapidly expanding and innovative company, providing a challenging yet supportive environment for engineers to thrive.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and the chance to contribute to pioneering AI research and its applications, offering a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of technological advancement.
• Flexible working conditions, including a hybrid work model that balances office and remote work, to support work-life balance and productivity.
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates, easing the transition to a new location for those who need to relocate for the role.

• Ensure your portfolio includes examples of complex system deployments and collaborations with customers or external stakeholders, highlighting your ability to drive projects forward in ambiguous environments.
• Practice articulating technical concepts in simple terms, as this will be crucial in communicating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with LLMs or generative models and how you've addressed challenges related to model behavior and product experience.
• Show a willingness to learn and adapt, as the role involves working with cutting-edge research and technologies that are continuously evolving.
• Highlight any experience with GTM strategies and Adjust, demonstrating an understanding of how technical solutions support business objectives.
• Prepare questions for the interview, such as the team's dynamics, the most significant challenges faced by the role, and opportunities for growth within the company.