Forward Deployed Software Engineer - Tokyo
WFA Digital Insight
The remote job market is witnessing a significant surge in demand for skilled software engineers, with a focus on AI and digital transformation. As companies like Openai continue to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence, the need for customer-focused engineers who can turn research into production systems is on the rise. With the ability to work remotely and collaborate with global teams, this role offers a unique opportunity for engineers to make a real impact. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their technical expertise, customer-facing skills, and ability to work iteratively to deliver solutions. According to recent statistics, the demand for AI professionals has grown by over 50% in the past year, making this an exciting time to join the industry.
Job Description
About the Role
As a Forward Deployed Software Engineer at Openai, you will be part of a team that partners with customers to turn research breakthroughs into production systems. Your primary focus will be on building effective custom software solutions that leverage Openai's APIs to solve real customer problems. You will work closely with customers and other engineers to design and implement scalable solutions that address their most challenging issues.The Forward Deployed Engineering team operates at the intersection of customer delivery and core platform development, making this role a unique opportunity to work on both customer-facing projects and core product development. You will be responsible for designing abstractions to solve customer problems and then using them to scale the speed and quality of delivery across all Forward Deployed engagements.
The team uses a hybrid work model, with three days in the office per week, and offers relocation assistance to new employees. As the role is based in Tokyo, you will need to be fully bilingual in Japanese and English.
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 technical documentation for customer solutions
- Participate in code reviews and ensure high-quality code standards
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies, applying this knowledge to improve customer solutions
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
- Strong skills in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++
- Experience with cloud-based platforms like AWS or Azure
- Strong understanding of software development principles, including design patterns and testing
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work with cross-functional teams
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities
Nice to Have
- Experience with machine learning or artificial intelligence technologies
- Familiarity with Agile development methodologies
- Experience with containerization using Docker
- Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and principles
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work with a leading AI research and deployment company
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance
- Flexible working hours and remote work options
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates
- Health and wellness programs, including mental health support
- Paid time off and vacation days
How to Stand Out
- To stand out in your application, highlight your experience with customer-facing projects and your ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Make sure your resume and online profiles are up-to-date and showcase your skills in programming languages, software development, and cloud-based platforms.
- Prepare to talk about your experience with relational databases and how you have applied them in previous roles.
- Be ready to discuss your understanding of software development principles, including design patterns and testing.
- Show enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced environment and adapting to changing priorities, and ask informed questions about the company culture and team dynamics during the interview.
- Consider creating a portfolio that demonstrates your technical skills and experience, and be prepared to walk the interviewer through your thought process and problem-solving approach.
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