Forward Deployed Engineer - UAE

About the Team

The Forward Deployed Engineering team collaborates with clients to translate AI research innovations into operational systems. They immerse themselves with users to tackle impactful challenges, accelerating the process from prototype to full deployment while influencing platform development. This team liaises closely with Product, Research, and Go-To-Market departments.

Role Overview

Forward Deployed Engineers spearhead the implementation of cutting-edge AI models into production environments. They work directly alongside customers where performance and timely delivery are critical, navigating uncertainty through problem mapping, strategic delivery planning, and rapid deployment. This role involves developing end-to-end solutions delivering tangible benefits, coordinating internal and external communications, and identifying reusable methods that feed back into product roadmaps.

Primary success involves managing multiple workstreams’ delivery status, maintaining high standards of quality and pace, and facilitating learning through practical execution.

Work Structure and Location

Position based in Abu Dhabi with a hybrid schedule requiring three office days weekly. Relocation support is available. Travel commitments can reach up to 50% of working time.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery across several projects, from initial prototypes to stable production releases.
• Develop comprehensive full-stack systems that provide customer value and enhance organizational learning.
• Work closely with customer teams to comprehend their requirements and encourage adoption of deployed solutions.
• Plan and sequence tasks to eliminate obstacles early in the process.
• Balance scope, speed, and quality by making informed trade-offs and adjusting strategies to safeguard delivery timelines.
• Contribute hands-on code changes to clarify progress or resolve challenges.
• Document effective workflows into reusable tools, guides, or components for wider team use.
• Communicate field insights to Research and Product teams to guide model improvement.
• Maintain team momentum through clear communication and persistent follow-up.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum five years of experience in engineering or technical deployment roles involving customer interaction.
• Proven ability to deliver complex software systems in dynamic or uncertain settings.
• Proficient in writing and reviewing production-quality code across frontend and backend environments, particularly in Python, JavaScript, or equivalent technologies.
• Experience with deploying or building systems that leverage large language models or generative AI, with a solid understanding of AI model impact on user experience.
• Strong capability to simplify complex problems and make prompt, effective decisions under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with engineers, product teams, and customer stakeholders clearly.
• Proactive risk identification and agility in course-correcting without compromising progress.
• Exemplary composure and judgment in high-stakes scenarios.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment organization committed to ensuring the benefits of artificial intelligence reach all of humanity. The company advances AI capabilities while prioritizing safety and human-centered design, embracing diverse perspectives to shape technology responsibly.

As an equal opportunity employer, OpenAI prohibits discrimination based on legally protected characteristics and adheres to fair employment laws including background check considerations in applicable jurisdictions.

Reasonable accommodations are provided for candidates with disabilities upon request.

Additional Information

This role requires travel up to 50% and follows a three-day weekly office attendance policy with hybrid flexibility. Relocation assistance is included for qualifying candidates.