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Forward Deployed Software Engineer, Gov

OpenAI· OpenAI for Gov
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Hybrid (Washington, DC), Hybrid (Seattle), Hybrid (San Francisco)$145.8k - $280k + equityFull-timePosted 11mo ago

About the role

Forward Deployed Software Engineers (FDSEs) lead complex deployments of frontier models in production for government and public sector customers, embedding with clients to design, build, and deploy full-stack solutions powered by OpenAI models.

Responsibilities

  • Own technical delivery across multiple government deployments, from first prototype to stable production.
  • Deeply embed with public sector customers to design and build novel applications powered by OpenAI models.
  • Enable successful deployments across customer environments by delivering observable systems spanning infrastructure through applications.
  • Prototype and build full-stack systems using Python, JavaScript, or comparable stacks that deliver real mission impact.
  • Proactively guide customers on maximizing business and operational value from their applications.
  • Forge and manage relationships with customer leadership and stakeholders, ensuring successful deployment and scale.
  • Scope work, sequence delivery, and remove blockers early—making trade-offs between scope, speed, and quality.
  • Contribute directly in the code when clarity or momentum depends on it.
  • Codify working patterns into tools, playbooks, or building blocks others can use.
  • Share field feedback with Research and Product to influence model and product development.
  • Keep teams moving through clarity, judgment, and consistent follow-through.

Qualifications

  • Bring 5+ years of engineering or technical deployment experience, ideally in customer-facing or government environments.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance or equivalent
  • Have scoped and delivered complex systems in fast-moving or ambiguous contexts.
  • Write and review production-grade code across frontend and backend, using Python, JavaScript, or similar stacks.
  • Are familiar with cloud deployment models (Azure, AWS), Kubernetes, Terraform, and related infrastructure.
  • Have experience building or deploying systems powered by LLMs or generative models, and understand how model behavior affects product experience.
  • Simplify complexity, make fast, sound decisions under pressure, and communicate clearly across technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Spot risks early, adjust without slowing down, and model calm judgment when stakes are high.
  • Are humble, collaborative, and eager to help others with empathy.
  • Operate with high horsepower, thrive in dynamic environments, and can ruthlessly prioritize across multiple projects.

Skills

Required:Engineering or technical deployment experienceTS/SCI clearanceFrontend and backend developmentCloud and infrastructure
Nice to have:LLMs / generative models experience

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
  • Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
  • Paid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents), plus paid medical and caregiver leave (up to 8 weeks)
  • Paid time off: flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees
  • 13+ paid company holidays, and multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge, plus paid sick or safe time
  • Mental health and wellness support
  • Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
  • Annual learning and development stipend to fuel your professional growth
  • Daily meals in our offices, and meal delivery credits as eligible
  • Relocation support for eligible employees
  • Additional taxable fringe benefits, such as charitable donation matching and wellness stipends
Last updated Oct 15, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About OpenAI

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