Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering - Paris

About the Role

The role is based in Paris, with a hybrid work model that includes 3 days in the office per week. Relocation assistance is available, and the role will require up to 25% travel. As a leader on the Forward Deployed Engineering team, you will be responsible for growing a team that can operate under pressure and help OpenAI learn from the field.

The success of this role will be measured by the consistency of shipments, the clarity of signal delivery to Research and Product, and the durability of the team and delivery model. Your decisions will have a direct impact on how OpenAI is trusted by its customers, particularly those closest to deployment work.

What You Will Do

• Lead and grow a team of Forward Deployed Engineers delivering production systems with frontier models.
• Own end-to-end delivery outcomes through clarity, speed, tight coordination, and technical quality.
• Codify what works into tools, playbooks, and roadmap inputs that create leverage for both OpenAI and the wider developer community.
• Notice early indicators and raise them with urgency, whether in product behavior, customer environments, or delivery practices.
• Use judgment to distinguish what requires action and what does not.
• Set a high bar for Forward Deployed Engineering performance and support each person's growth through direct, actionable feedback.
• Define how to staff and support field teams that can scale without added complexity.
• Partner with Product, Research, Sales, and GTM to ensure fieldwork informs roadmap priorities and drives new exploration.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of customer needs and market trends.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in AI and machine learning.

What We Are Looking For

• 8+ years of engineering or technical delivery experience, including 2+ years managing high-performing Forward Deployed Engineers or customer-facing engineers.
• Proven track record of leading high-pressure technical projects from prototype to production.
• Experience writing and reviewing production-grade code across frontend and backend using Javascript or Python.
• Ability to simplify complex work and make fast, sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong judgment and ability to operate with urgency in ambiguous or evolving environments.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build deep trust with your team.
• Experience working in a hybrid or remote environment, with a strong ability to self-manage and prioritize tasks.
• Strong understanding of GTM principles and practices.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.

Nice to Have

• Experience working with AI or machine learning technologies.
• Knowledge of cloud-based infrastructure and deployment models.
• Experience with containerization and orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, startup environment.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and equity package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous PTO and holiday schedule.
• Remote work stipend and relocation assistance.
• Professional development opportunities, including conferences, training, and education assistance.
• Access to the latest technologies and tools.
• Collaborative, dynamic work environment with a team of experienced engineers and researchers.
• Opportunity to work on high-impact projects that shape the future of AI adoption.
• Flexible work schedule and autonomy to manage your work and priorities.

• Be prepared to showcase your technical expertise in GTM and engineering, as well as your ability to lead high-performing teams.
• Highlight your experience working in high-pressure, customer-facing environments and your ability to make fast, sound decisions under pressure.
• Emphasize your strong judgment and ability to operate with urgency in ambiguous or evolving environments.
• Be sure to research OpenAI's mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's goals.
• Consider preparing examples of your experience with production-grade code, Agile development methodologies, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Don't be afraid to ask about the company culture, team dynamics, and opportunities for growth and professional development during the interview process.