Latest AI JobsBrowse Jobs
OpenAI logo

Forward Deployed Engineer - Zurich

OpenAIZurich, SwitzerlandForward Deployed Engineering
Apply on company site
Salary
Not listed
Job type
Full-time
Work mode
Remote
Experience
Senior · 5+ yrs
Posted
5 Oct 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

This role suits experienced technical professionals with a strong background in customer-facing engineering who want to implement frontier AI systems in production. The position is based in Zurich, Switzerland, operating on a hybrid schedule with required travel of up to 50 percent.

Role Overview

OpenAI seeks a Forward Defined Engineer for its team in Zurich, Switzerland. This full-time position bridges customer delivery with core platform development by partnering with strategic clients to transition research breakthroughs into operational production systems. Personnel in this position manage complete end-to-end deployments, from initial technical discovery and system design to final rollout alongside client engineering groups.

Key Responsibilities

Direct technical delivery across multiple deployment lifecycles, moving projects from initial prototypes to stable production environments.
Construct full-stack systems that deliver practical value for clients and inform internal learning.
Collaborate closely with client teams to understand requirements and direct the adoption of built solutions.
Define project scope, establish delivery sequences, and address blockers at an early stage.
Balance trade-offs between scope, velocity, and quality while adapting plans to maintain steady delivery.
Write code directly when progress or technical clarity requires intervention.
Transform working methods into reusable tools, playbooks, and building blocks.
Deliver field feedback to research and product departments to highlight model performance and areas for enhancement.
Maintain momentum across teams through clear communication and systematic follow-through.

Requirements

Minimum of five years of engineering or technical deployment experience involving customer-facing responsibilities.
Demonstrated capability in scoping and delivering complex systems within ambiguous or fast-paced settings.
Proficiency in writing and reviewing production-grade frontend and backend code using Python, JavaScript, or comparable technology stacks.
Experience building or deploying systems driven by large language models or generative models, paired with an understanding of model behavior on product experience.
Ability to simplify complexity and execute fast decisions under pressure.
Clear communication skills spanning engineering teams, product groups, and external stakeholders.
Capacity to identify risks early and pivot effectively without reducing momentum.

Skills and Tools

Python
JavaScript
Large Language Models (LLMs)
Generative Models
Full-stack Systems

Salary and Benefits

Relocation assistance

About the Company

OpenAI operates as an artificial intelligence research and deployment company focused on ensuring general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits humanity. The organization advances AI capabilities and deploys safe products globally while valuing diverse perspectives across its workforce as an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply

Candidates should apply on the official company careers page.

Skills and tech stack

PythonJavaScriptLLMsGenerative Models

Questions candidates ask

Where is this job located?

This position is based in Zurich, Switzerland, with a hybrid work model requiring three days in the office per week.

How much travel is required for this role?

Travel of up to 50 percent is required for the position.

What level of experience is required?

Applicants must bring 5 or more years of engineering or technical deployment experience that includes customer-facing work.

Is visa sponsorship or relocation assistance offered?

Relocation assistance is offered, though visa sponsorship details are not explicitly stated.

What programming languages are expected?

Candidates should be able to write and review production-grade code across frontend and backend using Python, JavaScript, or comparable stacks.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official OpenAI careers page.

Apply on company site