Forward Deployed Software Engineer - Munich

About the Role

As a Forward Deployed Software Engineer, you will be responsible for preparing detailed scopes of work and project plans for both proof-of-concept prototypes and full production deployments. You will also collaborate closely with Sales, Solutions Engineering, Solutions Architects, and Customer Success Managers who work on the same account, as well as with Research and Applied Product and Engineering teams to provide insightful customer feedback.

Openai's Forward Deployed Engineering team is dedicated to turning research breakthroughs into production systems, and this role is a key part of that mission. The team is committed to safely deploying AI systems, and this role offers a unique chance to be part of a team that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI.

What You Will Do

• Embed deeply with strategic customers to understand their business challenges and technical requirements in detail
• Design, architect, and develop full-stack solutions using an experiment-driven, iterative approach
• Prepare detailed scopes of work and project plans for both proof-of-concept prototypes and full production deployments
• Work hands-on with customers' technical teams as a technical expert and trusted advisor, coding side-by-side to drive projects to completion on their infrastructure
• Collaborate with Product, Research and Applied teams to ensure seamless customer experiences, project success and actionable product feedback
• Contribute to internal knowledge bases, codifying best practices and sharing insights gained from customer engagements to scale the Forward Deployed Engineering function
• Design abstractions to solve customer problems, and then use them to scale our speed and quality of delivery across all Forward Deployed engagements
• Travel up to 50% to meet with customers and collaborate with the team

What We Are Looking For

• 7+ years of professional full stack engineering experience (excluding internships) in relevant roles at tech and product-driven companies
• Customer-facing experience is highly desirable
• Former founder, or early engineer at a startup who has built a product from scratch is a plus
• Experience with relational databases like Postgres/MySQL
• Have a bias for action and willingness to work iteratively with your customers to deliver the right solution that solves their problem
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with customers and internal stakeholders
• Experience working in a hybrid work model, with a mix of remote and in-office work

Nice to Have

• Experience with cloud-based infrastructure and containerization
• Familiarity with machine learning and AI concepts
• Participation in open-source projects or personal coding projects

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work with a talented team of engineers and researchers
• Chance to contribute to internal knowledge bases and codify best practices
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Munich
• Hybrid work model with 3 days in the office per week
• Travel opportunities to meet with customers and collaborate with the team
• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
• Professional development opportunities, including training and education

• Highlight your customer-facing experience: As a Forward Deployed Software Engineer, you will be working closely with customers to understand their technical requirements, so be sure to emphasize any experience you have in this area.
• Showcase your problem-solving skills: This role requires designing and implementing scalable solutions to complex problems, so be prepared to provide examples of times when you have done this in the past.
• Be prepared to talk about your experience with relational databases: Experience with relational databases like Postgres/MySQL is required for this role, so make sure you are familiar with these technologies and can speak to your experience with them.
• Demonstrate your ability to work iteratively: This role requires working closely with customers and internal stakeholders to deliver solutions, so be prepared to provide examples of times when you have worked in an iterative and collaborative way.
• Research the company culture: Openai is committed to safely deploying AI systems, so be sure to research the company culture and values to ensure you are a good fit.
• Prepare to talk about your experience with AI and machine learning: While not required, experience with AI and machine learning concepts is a plus, so be prepared to speak to any experience you have in this area.