Software Engineer, Cyber Frontier

OpenaiOpenai·Remote(San Francisco)
Software Development
GTM

WFA Digital Insight

The demand for skilled cyber security professionals grew 25% in 2025, driven by the increasing need for secure AI systems. Openai's commitment to responsibly developing AI aligns with this trend. As a Software Engineer in Cyber Frontier, you'll work on cutting-edge projects, collaborating with teams across product engineering, model training, and security. With the right skills, such as GTM expertise and strong programming abilities, you can thrive in this role. Before applying, consider the importance of navigating ambiguity and building reliable systems in high-stakes domains.

Job Description

About the Role

The Software Engineer, Cyber Frontier role at Openai is a unique opportunity to work on AI systems and products that help trusted defenders understand and respond to cyber threats. As part of the Cyber team, you'll collaborate across product engineering, model training, evaluations, safeguards, and deployment to make advanced cyber capabilities useful to defenders and responsibly managed. Your day-to-day work will involve defining and executing the technical roadmap for Codex Cyber's security products, working with trusted defenders and customers, and shaping cyber-specific model training and access patterns.

The Cyber team works closely with various departments, including Safety/Preparedness, Research, Security, Legal, Communications, and GTM. This cross-functional collaboration enables the development of comprehensive security solutions that address real-world security use cases. As a Software Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to the technical roadmap, evaluate risk, and turn feedback into product and research priorities.

Openai's mission is to ensure that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. The company pushes the boundaries of AI capabilities while prioritizing safety and human needs. As a member of the Cyber team, you'll play a crucial role in developing AI systems that are both powerful and responsible.

What You Will Do

  • Define and execute the technical roadmap for Codex Cyber's security products, including evaluations, safeguards, trusted-defender workflows, and deployment decisions.
  • Work with trusted defenders, customers, and partner teams to understand cyber use cases, evaluate risk, and turn feedback into product and research priorities.
  • Shape cyber-specific model training and access patterns, including data, evaluations, validation, and deployment criteria.
  • Build and validate systems for measuring cyber capabilities, monitoring misuse risk, and proving safeguards work in practice.
  • Collaborate with Safety/Preparedness, Research, Security, Legal, Communications, and external partners on company-wide cyber priorities.
  • Translate frontier cyber research into launch-ready tools, operational playbooks, and durable infrastructure for Codex and security products.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, partners, and internal teams.
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in AI, cyber security, and related fields.
  • Participate in code reviews and contribute to the improvement of the codebase.
  • Collaborate with the GTM team to develop and execute go-to-market strategies for security products.

What We Are Looking For

  • Strong programming skills in Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, or similar languages.
  • Experience with ML systems, security products, cyber evaluations, model training, safety engineering, or trusted customer deployments.
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity and build reliable systems in high-stakes domains.
  • Strong understanding of cyber capability, misuse risk, access patterns, safeguards, and deployment tradeoffs.
  • Experience working in a cross-functional team environment, collaborating with product, engineering, and other stakeholders.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Experience with cloud-based technologies, such as AWS or Google Cloud.
  • Familiarity with agile development methodologies and version control systems, such as Git.

Nice to Have

  • Experience with AI or machine learning development, including model training and deployment.
  • Knowledge of security frameworks, such as NIST or ISO 27001.
  • Familiarity with compliance regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA.
  • Experience working in a remote or distributed team environment.
  • Participation in open-source projects or contributions to the AI or cyber security communities.

Benefits and Perks

  • Competitive salary and equity package.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Generous PTO and paid holidays.
  • Remote work stipend and flexible work arrangements.
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Collaborative and dynamic work environment.
  • Recognition and reward for outstanding performance.
  • Access to mental health and wellness resources.

How to Stand Out

  • Develop a strong portfolio showcasing your experience with AI, cyber security, or related fields, and be prepared to discuss your projects during the interview process.
  • Familiarize yourself with Openai's products and mission, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's goals.
  • Practice explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, as this is an important skill for success in this role.
  • Be prepared to discuss your experience working in cross-functional teams and collaborating with stakeholders to drive product development.
  • Research the current trends and developments in AI and cyber security, and be prepared to discuss how you stay current with industry developments.
  • Consider highlighting any experience you have with GTM strategies or go-to-market planning, as this is a key aspect of the role.
  • Be prepared to provide specific examples of how you've handled complex technical problems in the past, and how you approached solving them.

This is a remote position listed on WFA Digital, the platform for professionals who work from anywhere. Browse more remote jobs across all categories.