Program Manager, Safety

OpenaiOpenai·Remote(San Francisco)
Project Management

WFA Digital Insight

As the demand for AI safety specialists continues to rise, with over 25% growth in the past year, companies like Openai are seeking experts to navigate the complex landscape of AI development and deployment. With the increasing need for digital skills in remote work, this role stands out for its unique blend of technical expertise and cross-functional collaboration. Candidates should be aware that this role requires a deep understanding of safety protocols, risk management, and the ability to work with multiple stakeholders. Openai's commitment to AGI safety and its hybrid remote work model make this an attractive opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in the AI industry.

Job Description

About the Role

The Safety Systems team at Openai is responsible for ensuring that the company's most capable models can be developed and deployed responsibly. As a Program Manager, Safety, you will play a critical role in streamlining the safety review process, synthesizing inputs from multiple stakeholders, and ensuring that all risks are effectively monitored, mitigated, or resolved. This role is incredibly cross-functional, requiring collaboration with stakeholders across research, product, engineering, legal, and policy teams. The Safety Program Manager will be responsible for driving the safe deployment of new models and products, working closely with technical stakeholders to create scalable, repeatable safety processes. This role is based in San Francisco, CA, and offers a hybrid work model with 3 days in the office per week and relocation assistance to new employees. The ideal candidate will have a graduate degree in computer science, engineering, management, or equivalent experience, with an extensive track record of delivering high-profile, complex projects against tight deadlines.

What You Will Do

  • Coordinate cross-functional safety launch readiness across model and product releases, ensuring risk tables, mitigations, monitoring plans, and decision points are clearly tracked from early scoping through post-launch review.
  • Build operating rhythms across Safety Systems, Integrity, Strategy, User Operations, and engineering teams to translate safety learnings from past launches into concrete improvements to automated safeguards, tooling, and review processes.
  • Design and run key internal programs, including incident management and processes for regularly updating safety mitigations.
  • Work directly with technical stakeholders to create scalable, repeatable safety processes.
  • Develop and maintain risk tables, mitigations, and monitoring plans for model and product launches.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety launch readiness and identify potential risks.
  • Act as the connective tissue to enhance the deployment of safety systems, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and informed.
  • Develop and implement processes for tracking and mitigating safety risks.
  • Work closely with the research team to understand the capabilities and limitations of Openai's models and develop safety protocols accordingly.

What We Are Looking For

  • Graduate degree in computer science, engineering, management, or equivalent experience.
  • Extensive track record of successfully delivering high-profile, complex projects against tight deadlines.
  • Technical expertise and experience partnering with engineering and fundamental research teams.
  • Expertise in designing and implementing simple, scalable processes that solve complex problems.
  • Strong knowledge of content integrity and moderation, including industry best practices and regulatory guidelines.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and thrive in a culture of rapid iteration and experimentation.
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product, and design.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data sets and develop insights.

Nice to Have

  • Experience with AI safety protocols and regulatory guidelines.
  • Knowledge of machine learning and deep learning concepts.
  • Experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems.
  • Familiarity with cloud-based technologies and infrastructure.
  • Experience working in a hybrid remote work environment.

Benefits and Perks

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI technology and contribute to the development of safe and responsible AI systems.
  • Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced professionals.
  • Hybrid remote work model with 3 days in the office per week and relocation assistance to new employees.
  • Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs.
  • Access to the latest technologies and tools, including cloud-based infrastructure and machine learning frameworks.
  • Comprehensive health and wellness program, including mental health support and employee assistance programs.

How to Stand Out

  • Develop a strong understanding of AI safety protocols and regulatory guidelines to stand out in the application process.
  • Showcase your experience working with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product, and design, to demonstrate your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively.
  • Highlight your analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data sets and develop insights.
  • Be prepared to discuss your experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems, as well as your familiarity with cloud-based technologies and infrastructure.
  • Emphasize your ability to work in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and thrive in a culture of rapid iteration and experimentation.
  • Consider including examples of your experience with machine learning and deep learning concepts, as well as your knowledge of content integrity and moderation.
  • Prepare to discuss your salary expectations and be ready to negotiate based on industry standards and your level of experience.

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