Forward Deployed Software Engineer - SF

OpenaiOpenai·Remote(San Francisco)
Software Development

WFA Digital Insight

As demand for AI-powered solutions grows, Forward Deployed Software Engineers are in high demand. With a 25% increase in AI adoption in 2023, companies like Openai are leading the charge. This role stands out for its hybrid work model and relocation assistance. To succeed, candidates need a strong foundation in software engineering, customer-facing experience, and a willingness to work iteratively. Before applying, consider your ability to drive projects to completion and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Job Description

About the Role

The Forward Deployed Software Engineer role at Openai is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of customer delivery and core platform development. As a member of the Forward Deployed Engineering team, you will partner with customers to turn research breakthroughs into production systems. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve collaborating with customers to understand their business challenges and technical requirements, designing and implementing scalable solutions, and working hands-on with customers' technical teams.

The Forward Deployed Engineering team operates at the forefront of AI adoption, and as such, you will be working with cutting-edge technology to drive customer success. Your work will have a direct impact on the company's mission to ensure that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity.

As a Forward Deployed Software Engineer, you will be part of a team that values safety, human needs, and diversity. You will work closely with Sales, Solutions Engineering, Solutions Architects, and Customer Success Managers to drive project success and provide insightful customer feedback.

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
  • Develop and maintain a deep understanding of Openai's APIs and their applications
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies in AI and software engineering
  • Participate in code reviews and ensure that the codebase is maintainable, efficient, and follows best practices

What We Are Looking For

  • 7+ years of professional full-stack engineering experience 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
  • Strong foundation in software engineering principles, data structures, and algorithms
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Ability to work iteratively with customers to deliver the right solution that solves their problem
  • Experience with cloud-based technologies and containerization (e.g., Docker)
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to debug complex issues

Nice to Have

  • Experience with AI and machine learning technologies
  • Knowledge of DevOps practices and tools (e.g., Jenkins, CircleCI)
  • Familiarity with Agile development methodologies
  • Experience with cybersecurity and data protection principles

Benefits and Perks

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Collaborative and dynamic work environment
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools
  • Hybrid work model with relocation assistance
  • Comprehensive health insurance and benefits package
  • Generous PTO policy and paid holidays
  • Flexible working hours and remote work options
  • Professional development budget for conferences, workshops, and online courses

How to Stand Out

  • Develop a strong understanding of AI and machine learning concepts to stand out in the application process.
  • Showcase your customer-facing experience and ability to work iteratively with clients to deliver solutions.
  • Highlight your experience with cloud-based technologies, containerization, and DevOps practices.
  • Prepare to back your claims with concrete examples of your work, such as GitHub repositories or personal projects.
  • Be ready to discuss your approach to debugging complex issues and problem-solving.
  • Research Openai's products and services to demonstrate your interest in the company's mission and values.

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