Forward Deployed Engineer - Tokyo
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for skilled engineers who can turn research breakthroughs into production systems is on the rise, with experts predicting a 25% increase in such roles by 2027. As a forward-deployed engineer, you'll be at the forefront of AI innovation, working closely with customers to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Openai's commitment to safe and beneficial AI makes this role particularly attractive to those passionate about responsible tech. With the Japanese market being a hub for digital innovation, bilingual candidates with a strong technical background are in high demand. Before applying, consider your experience with GTM and Adjust, as well as your ability to work in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
Job Description
About the Role
As a Forward Deployed Engineer at Openai, you'll be part of a pioneering team that partners with customers to turn research breakthroughs into production systems. Your day-to-day will involve leading complex end-to-end deployments of frontier models, working closely with customer engineering and domain teams to ensure seamless integration. You'll be the driving force behind the technical delivery of these deployments, from initial discovery to stable production.The Forward Deployed Engineering team operates at the intersection of customer delivery and core platform development, making this role a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI. You'll be working in a hybrid environment, with three days spent in the office and the flexibility to work remotely for the remainder of the week. Relocation assistance is offered to new employees, and travel within Japan will be required.
Openai's mission to ensure that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity is at the heart of everything they do. As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll be contributing directly to this mission, working on projects that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives.
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 Product, Research, Partnerships, GRC, Security, and GTM teams to drive project success
- Measure success through production adoption, measurable workflow impact, and eval-driven feedback
What We Are Looking For
- 5+ years of engineering or technical deployment experience, including customer-facing work
- Experience scoping and delivering complex systems in fast-moving or ambiguous environments
- Ability to write and review production-grade code across frontend and backend using Python, JavaScript, or comparable stacks
- Experience building or deploying systems powered by LLMs or generative models, with an understanding of how model behavior affects product experience
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to simplify complexity and make fast, sound decisions under pressure
- Fluency in both Japanese and English (spoken and written)
- Experience working in a hybrid or remote environment, with a self-motivated and disciplined approach to work
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to spot risks early and adjust without slowing down
- Ability to model calm and judgment when the stakes are high
Nice to Have
- Experience with Adjust and GTM
- Knowledge of cloud-based platforms and containerization
- Familiarity with Agile development methodologies
- Experience working with cross-functional teams, including Product, Research, and Design
Benefits and Perks
- Relocation assistance for new employees
- Hybrid work model, with three days spent in the office and flexible remote work options
- Opportunities for professional growth and development in a fast-paced and innovative environment
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of talented engineers and researchers
- Comprehensive health insurance and other benefits
- Flexible PTO policy and paid holidays
- Remote stipend and other perks to support your work-from-home experience
How to Stand Out
- Make sure your resume is submitted in English, as this will be the primary language used in the interview process.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with GTM and Adjust, and how you've applied these skills in previous roles.
- Showcase your ability to simplify complex technical concepts and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Highlight your experience working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments, and your ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with cloud-based platforms, containerization, and Agile development methodologies.
- Consider including examples of your work in your portfolio, particularly if you have experience building or deploying systems powered by LLMs or generative models.
- Don't be afraid to ask about the company culture and values during the interview process, to ensure this role is the right fit for you.
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