Software Engineer, Gov

About the Role

As part of the Applied Engineering team, the successful candidate will be working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift rapidly. The team's focus on safety, responsibility, and scalability means that engineers must be adaptable and able to navigate complex technical and ethical considerations. This role is based in Washington, D.C., with occasional travel to customer sites required.

The government sector poses unique challenges for AI deployment, including stringent security requirements, complex regulatory environments, and the need for transparency and explainability in AI decision-making. The engineer will need to balance these considerations with the need for innovation and speed, working closely with stakeholders to design and implement solutions that meet the needs of government clients while upholding OpenAI's commitment to safety and responsibility.

What You Will Do

• Own the development of new customer-facing features for government clients, including both on-premises and cloud-based solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, security, compliance, and product, to ensure that solutions meet government requirements and constraints.
• Conduct user research to understand the needs and pain points of government clients, and design solutions to address them.
• Work with the research team to integrate the latest AI models and technologies into government-facing products, ensuring that these solutions are tailored to the unique needs of the public sector.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation for government projects, including design documents, technical specifications, and user manuals.
• Partner with external stakeholders, including government agencies and contractors, to design and implement AI-powered solutions.
• Optimize applications for speed and scale, ensuring that they can handle the demands of large government datasets and user bases.
• Participate in code reviews and contribute to the improvement of the overall codebase, ensuring that it is maintainable, efficient, and scalable.
• Collaborate with the operations team to ensure seamless deployment and maintenance of government-facing solutions.

What We Are Looking For

• 5+ years of relevant engineering experience, preferably in a tech or product-driven company.
• Proficiency in JavaScript, React, and other web technologies.
• Experience with backend languages, such as Python.
• Familiarity with underlying infrastructure primitives like Kubernetes and Terraform.
• Interest in AI/ML, with a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Experience working with government clients or in the public sector, with an understanding of the unique challenges and constraints of this space.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex technical and ethical considerations.
• Commitment to safety, responsibility, and scalability in AI deployment, with a willingness to uphold OpenAI's values and principles.

Nice to Have

• Direct experience with AI/ML technologies, including machine learning frameworks and natural language processing tools.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms, such as AWS or Google Cloud, and experience with cloud-based deployments.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and version control systems like Git.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices, with an understanding of the unique security considerations of government projects.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive compensation package, with salary and benefits tailored to the successful candidate's experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to work on high-impact projects that have the potential to shape the future of AI in the government sector.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment, with a team of experienced engineers and researchers who are passionate about AI and its applications.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs, conferences, and workshops.
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and flexible hours, to support work-life balance and employee well-being.
• Access to the latest AI technologies and tools, with the opportunity to contribute to the development of new AI-powered solutions.
• Comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plan, and other benefits to support the health and well-being of employees and their families.

• Develop a strong understanding of AI/ML technologies and their applications in the government sector, including the unique challenges and constraints of this space.
• Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams, including engineering, security, compliance, and product, and your ability to communicate complex technical ideas to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Prepare to discuss your approach to safety, responsibility, and scalability in AI deployment, including your understanding of the ethical considerations and regulatory requirements of government projects.
• Emphasize your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex technical and ethical considerations, including your experience with Agile development methodologies and version control systems.
• Be prepared to provide examples of your work and experience, including any relevant projects or solutions you have developed, and be prepared to discuss your approach to design, development, and deployment.
• Research OpenAI's values and principles, including its commitment to safety, responsibility, and scalability, and be prepared to discuss how your own values and approach align with these principles.
• Practice your communication and collaboration skills, including your ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment, and be prepared to provide examples of your experience working with diverse stakeholders and teams.