Manager, Technical Deployment Leads (TDL), Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE)
Software Development
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for skilled technical deployment leads has surged in recent years, with the remote job market seeing a 25% increase in such roles. Openai's commitment to AI research and deployment makes this a unique opportunity for those with a passion for innovative technologies. As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, candidates with experience in managing high-pressure technical projects and building strong teams will be in high demand. With Openai's Forward Deployed Engineering team, you'll be at the forefront of turning research breakthroughs into production systems. Before applying, consider how your skills in technical delivery leadership, team management, and problem-solving can contribute to Openai's mission.
Job Description
About the Role
As a Manager of Technical Deployment Leads at Openai, you will be responsible for leading high-stakes technical deployments and building a team of skilled professionals who can operate under pressure. Your primary focus will be on delivering production systems with frontier models, ensuring end-to-end technical and business value outcomes. You will work closely with the Forward Deployed Engineering team to turn research breakthroughs into production systems, partnering with customers to ensure delivery supports their goals. The role involves managing day-to-day execution across various teams, including FDEs, Researchers, and Customer Engineers. Your technical expertise and judgment will be crucial in setting the bar for scope, sequencing, risk management, and communication. You will also be responsible for codifying what works into tools, playbooks, and roadmap inputs that create leverage, noticing early indicators of potential issues, and using your judgment to distinguish what requires action and what does not. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, excellent leadership skills, and experience in managing high-pressure technical projects from prototype to production. You will be working in a hybrid environment, with 3 days in the office per week, and will be required to travel approximately 25% of the time.What You Will Do
- Lead and grow a team of Technical Deployment Leads to deliver 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
- 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 Technical Deployment Lead performance and support each person's growth through direct, actionable feedback
- Define how we staff and support field teams that can scale without added complexity
- Partner with customer teams to ensure delivery supports their goals
- Manage day-to-day execution across FDEs, Researchers, and Customer Engineers
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders
What We Are Looking For
- 8+ years of customer-facing technical delivery leadership experience
- 2+ years of experience managing high-performing technical delivery, program management, or customer engineering teams
- Strong technical background, with expertise in areas such as software development, data engineering, or similar
- Experience in managing high-pressure technical projects from prototype to production
- Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to build and grow high-performing teams
- Strong technical fluency, with the ability to pressure-test architectures and trade-offs across security, reliability, latency, cost, and scope
- Experience in building and scaling an operating model for delivery, including staffing, cadence, artifacts, risk management, and clear ownership across teams
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders
- Ability to operate with urgency in ambiguous or evolving environments
Nice to Have
- Experience in AI or machine learning technologies
- Familiarity with Agile development methodologies
- Experience in working with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and product
- Strong understanding of cloud-based technologies and infrastructure
- Experience in managing remote teams or working in a remote environment
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and equity package
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI technologies
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Flexible working hours and remote work options
- Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools
- Comprehensive health and wellness package
- Generous PTO and vacation policy
How to Stand Out
- Develop a strong understanding of technical delivery leadership principles and practices to stand out in your application.
- Highlight your experience in managing high-pressure technical projects and building strong teams in your resume and cover letter.
- Be prepared to discuss your technical expertise and judgment in the interview, with examples of how you have applied these skills in previous roles.
- Show enthusiasm and passion for AI research and deployment, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to Openai's mission.
- Consider creating a portfolio or samples of your work to demonstrate your technical skills and experience.
- Be prepared to negotiate your salary and benefits package, and do not be afraid to ask about the company culture and values.
- Research the company and the role thoroughly, and be prepared to ask informed questions during the interview process.
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