At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex deployments and build full-stack systems that deliver real customer value.
- Company: Join OpenAI's innovative Forward Deployed Engineering team in London.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, relocation assistance, and opportunities for travel.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact by turning cutting-edge research into production systems.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in engineering with customer-facing experience and strong coding skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence product development and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
OpenAI’s Forward Deployed Engineering team partners with customers to turn research breakthroughs into production systems. We embed deeply with users to solve high-leverage problems. We move quickly from prototype to deployment and surface patterns that shape the platform. We operate at the intersection of customer delivery and core development, working closely with Product, Research, and Go-To-Market (GTM).
Forward Deployed Engineers lead complex deployments of frontier models in production. You will embed with customers where model performance matters, delivery is urgent, and ambiguity is the default. You will use this to map their problems, structure delivery, and ship fast. You will scope, sequence, and build full-stack solutions that create measurable value. You will also drive clarity across internal and external teams, identifying reusable patterns and sharing field signal that influences the roadmap. Success in this role means owning the delivery state across workstreams, holding the bar on quality and pace, and helping OpenAI learn through execution.
This role is based in London with a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week. We offer relocation assistance, and travel up to 50% is required.
In this role you will:
- Own technical delivery across multiple deployments from first prototype to stable production.
- Build full-stack systems that deliver customer value and sharpen how we learn.
- Embed closely with customer teams, understand their needs, and guide adoption of what you build.
- Scope work, sequence delivery, and remove blockers early.
- Make trade-offs between scope, speed, and quality; adjust plans to protect delivery.
- Contribute directly in the code when progress or clarity depends on it.
- Codify working patterns into tools, playbooks, or building blocks that others can use.
- Share field feedback that helps Research and Product understand where the models succeed and where they can improve.
- Keep teams moving through clarity and follow-through.
You might thrive in this role if you:
- Bring 5+ years of engineering or technical deployment experience that includes customer-facing work.
- Have scoped and delivered complex systems in fast-moving or ambiguous environments.
- Write and review production-grade code across frontend and backend using Python, JavaScript, or comparable stacks.
- Have built or deployed systems powered by LLMs or generative models and understand how model behaviour affects product experience.
- Simplify complexity and make fast, sound decisions under pressure.
- Communicate clearly with engineers, product teams, and customer stakeholders.
- Spot risks early and adjust without slowing down.
- Model calm and judgment when the stakes are high.
Forward Deployed Engineer - London employer: OpenAI
Contact Detail:
OpenAI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forward Deployed Engineer - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at OpenAI or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals that could give your application a boost.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and scenarios related to deployment and customer engagement. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with the format and feedback.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Whether it's on GitHub or a personal website, having a portfolio of your work can really set you apart. Highlight any full-stack systems you've built or deployed, especially those involving LLMs or generative models.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at OpenAI.
We think you need these skills to ace Forward Deployed Engineer - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Forward Deployed Engineer role. Highlight your experience with customer-facing work and complex system deployments, as this is what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your coding skills! We want to see your experience with Python, JavaScript, or similar stacks. Include any projects where you’ve built or deployed systems powered by LLMs or generative models.
Communicate Clearly: In your application, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. We value clarity, especially when it comes to technical delivery and working with customer teams. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at OpenAI
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the tech stack mentioned in the job description, especially Python and JavaScript. Brush up on your knowledge of LLMs and generative models, as you'll need to demonstrate how they impact product experience during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex deployments or navigated ambiguity. Think about how you scoped work, sequenced delivery, and removed blockers in past projects. This will show your ability to handle the fast-paced environment they operate in.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical concepts. You’ll need to communicate effectively with both engineers and customer stakeholders, so being able to explain your ideas simply and confidently is key.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Be ready to talk about times when you had to make trade-offs between scope, speed, and quality. Highlight how you adjusted plans to protect delivery while maintaining high standards. This will show that you can thrive in a dynamic and sometimes ambiguous environment.