Posted Jul 14, 2026

Forward Deployed Security Engineer job at OpenAI in Washington, DC

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Title: Forward Deployed Security Engineer Location: Washington, DC Hybrid Job Description: About the Team Security is at the foundation of OpenAI’s mission to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity. The Security team protects OpenAI’s technology, people, and products. We are technical in what we build but are operational in how we do our work, and are committed to supporting all products and research at OpenAI. Our Security team tenets include: prioritizing for impact, enabling researchers, preparing for future transformative technologies, and engaging a robust security culture. About the Role Our technologies support some of the most important and impactful work in the world, including our strategic and high-impact customers in the public sector. As a Forward Deployed Security Engineer (FDSecE) you will be responsible for securing these novel applications of OpenAI’s technology. We’re looking for motivated, tenacious, and curious people who will work closely with engineering teams to ensure our infrastructure deployments are highly secure against our adversaries. As an FDSecE, you will embed directly throughout the lifecycle, working on-site and being hands-on to ensure the overall security of these deployments from design to production and through ongoing operations. This role is preferred to be based in Washington DC but may consider remote work. We use a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week and offer relocation assistance to new employees. Travel to and working from customer sites is required for this role. In this role, you will: Deeply embed with our most strategic public sector customers to implement and maintain robust security controls. Be a design and technical thought partner by leveraging security expertise on protective controls including access controls, authentication, encryption, network, and system security. Collaborate closely with teammates, cross-functional teams, customers, and service providers to achieve security and compliance goals. Ensure continuity of critical security and monitoring controls through routine security assessments, threat monitoring, and security validation exercises. You might thrive in this role if you have: An active US security clearance. 5+ years of security engineering experience, with an emphasis on infrastructure security, application security, network security, datacenter security, and systems engineering. Familiarity with deployment models, including to cloud platforms (Azure, AWS) and the underlying infrastructure primitives (Kubernetes, Terraform) Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Golang, or similar. A proven track record of developing high-quality, scalable, and secure infrastructure. Experience with security operations including insider threat monitoring, network/endpoint detection and response, or red team or penetration testing operations. Comprehensive knowledge of modern adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures. The ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a cross-functional team environment. Thrive in dynamic environments and can navigate ambiguity with ease. Compensation $293K – $385K • Offers Equity The base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. If the role is non-exempt, overtime pay will be provided consistent with applicable laws. In addition to the salary range listed above, total compensation also includes generous equity, performance-related bonus(es) for eligible employees, and the following 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 (1 hour per 30 hours worked, or more, as required by applicable state or local law) 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, may also be provided. More details about our benefits are available to candidates during the hiring process. This role is at-will and OpenAI reserves the right to modify base pay and other compensation components at any time based on individual performance, team or company results, or market conditions.