Forward Deployed Engineer - Singapore (Korean Speaking)

Forward Deployed Engineer · Senior · Full Time

SingaporeUSD 200k – 320k5d ago
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Role

What you'll do.

Lead end-to-end deployments of frontier AI models in production with OpenAI's most strategic customers as a Forward Deployed Engineer based in Singapore. This role bridges customer delivery and core platform development, requiring you to own technical discovery, system design, full-stack implementation, and production rollout while directly partnering with customer engineering teams and OpenAI's Research, Product, and Security teams. Ideal candidates bring 5+ years of engineering or technical deployment experience with demonstrated expertise in LLM or generative model systems, production-grade Python or JavaScript development, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.

Responsibilities

  • Own Technical Delivery Across Deployments: Lead end-to-end ownership of multiple concurrent deployments from initial prototype through stable production, ensuring each system meets quality, performance, and reliability standards while maintaining customer satisfaction and adoption metrics.
  • Build Full-Stack Production Systems: Design and implement complete system architectures that integrate OpenAI's frontier models with customer infrastructure, writing production-grade code across frontend and backend layers using Python, JavaScript, or comparable technology stacks.
  • Drive Customer Discovery and Technical Scoping: Conduct deep discovery sessions with customer engineering and domain teams to understand business requirements, technical constraints, and success metrics, translating them into detailed technical specifications and implementation roadmaps.
  • Manage Scope, Velocity, and Quality Trade-offs: Make strategic trade-off decisions between scope, delivery speed, and code quality while sequencing work effectively, adjusting plans proactively to protect on-time delivery and maintaining clear communication about timeline implications.
  • Embed and Guide Customer Adoption: Work closely with customer teams throughout deployment lifecycle, providing training, documentation, and hands-on support to ensure successful adoption, integration into their workflows, and measurable business impact.
  • Contribute Hands-On Development: Directly contribute to codebase implementation when progress or technical clarity requires engineering effort, maintaining code quality standards and ensuring knowledge transfer to customer teams.
  • Identify and Remove Technical Blockers: Proactively surface risks, dependencies, and technical obstacles early in the deployment process, collaborating across OpenAI teams to resolve blockers without disrupting project timelines.
  • Codify Deployment Patterns and Playbooks: Systematize successful deployment patterns, tools, and best practices from customer engagements into reusable frameworks, playbooks, and building blocks that accelerate future deployments and reduce delivery friction.
  • Generate Model and Product Feedback: Observe frontier model behavior in production environments and collect field data on where models succeed and where they encounter limitations, sharing actionable feedback that directly influences Research and Product roadmap decisions.
  • Lead with Clarity and Execution: Maintain team alignment and momentum through clear communication, decisive action, and strong follow-through, modeling calm judgment and sound decision-making when stakes are high and ambiguity is present.
  • Collaborate Across Functional Teams: Work seamlessly with Product, Research, Partnerships, GRC, Security, and Go-To-Market teams to align deployment strategies with broader company objectives and ensure compliance with security and governance requirements.

Qualifications

What we look for.

Technical

  • Production-Grade Python Development

    Demonstrated expertise writing, reviewing, and debugging production-level Python code for backend systems, data processing, and integration layers in customer-facing applications.

  • Full-Stack JavaScript/Frontend Development

    Proficiency building and maintaining frontend systems using modern JavaScript frameworks, understanding of client-side architecture, state management, and integration with backend services.

  • LLM and Generative Model Experience

    Direct experience building, deploying, or integrating systems powered by Large Language Models or generative models, with deep understanding of how model behavior, latency, and output quality affect end-user product experience and business metrics.

  • System Design and Architecture

    Ability to design scalable, production-ready system architectures that integrate frontier models with customer infrastructure, considering performance, reliability, security, and operational requirements.

  • Cloud Infrastructure and DevOps

    Working knowledge of cloud platforms, containerization, deployment pipelines, monitoring, and infrastructure-as-code practices necessary for production AI system deployment.

  • Data Handling and Integration

    Experience integrating diverse data sources, handling data pipelines, and managing data governance considerations in customer environments.

  • API Design and Integration

    Expertise designing RESTful or GraphQL APIs and integrating third-party services, particularly in the context of AI/ML platforms and customer-specific requirements.

Education

  • Computer Science or Related Field

    Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or equivalent professional experience demonstrating strong foundational technical knowledge.

  • Fluent Business-Level Korean Language Skills

    Bilingual fluency in business-level Korean (spoken and written) essential for direct communication with Korean-speaking customer stakeholders and OpenAI teams in the Singapore region.

Experience

  • 5+ Years Technical Engineering or Deployment

    Minimum 5+ years of professional experience in software engineering, solutions engineering, technical program management, or customer-facing technical deployment roles with demonstrated success delivering complex systems.

  • Customer-Facing Technical Work

    Proven track record working directly with enterprise or strategic customers to understand requirements, scope solutions, and guide implementation and adoption of technical systems.

  • Fast-Moving, Ambiguous Environments

    Experience scoping, designing, and delivering complex systems in startup-like, high-velocity, or ambiguous environments where requirements evolve and rapid decision-making under uncertainty is essential.

  • Frontier Technology or Emerging Platforms

    Background working with cutting-edge technologies, research prototypes, or emerging platforms where performance characteristics and behavior are not yet fully understood or standardized.

  • Cross-Functional Stakeholder Management

    Demonstrated ability to manage and align multiple stakeholder groups with competing priorities, including technical teams, product leaders, customers, and executive leadership.

Skills

Required

  • Python

    Production-grade Python development for backend systems, APIs, and data integration in AI-powered applications

  • JavaScript/TypeScript

    Modern JavaScript or TypeScript for frontend development and full-stack system implementation

  • System Design

    Architecting scalable, production-ready systems that integrate AI models with customer infrastructure

  • LLM/Generative AI Integration

    Hands-on experience building products that leverage Large Language Models and understanding their operational characteristics

  • Deployment and DevOps

    Cloud infrastructure, containerization, CI/CD pipelines, and production system monitoring

  • Technical Leadership

    Ability to drive complex technical projects from conception through production while managing multiple stakeholders

  • Customer Communication

    Clear, empathetic communication with both technical and non-technical customer stakeholders to gather requirements and guide adoption

  • Business-Level Korean

    Fluent Korean language skills at business proficiency for customer engagement and team collaboration

Preferred

  • API Design

    Nice to have

    Experience designing and implementing RESTful or GraphQL APIs, particularly for AI/ML services

  • Solutions Architecture

    Nice to have

    Background in solutions engineering, pre-sales engineering, or technical consulting for enterprise customers

  • MLOps and Model Serving

    Nice to have

    Experience with machine learning ops, model serving frameworks, inference optimization, and A/B testing for ML systems

  • Security and Compliance

    Nice to have

    Familiarity with enterprise security practices, data governance, and compliance frameworks (SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR considerations)

  • Japanese or Mandarin

    Nice to have

    Additional language fluency to support broader Asia-Pacific customer base and internal communications

  • Startup or High-Growth Company Experience

    Nice to have

    Background in early-stage companies or hypergrowth tech environments where wearing multiple hats and rapid iteration are standard

  • Research-to-Production Experience

    Nice to have

    Prior experience bringing research prototypes, academic projects, or experimental systems into production environments

Tech stack

Languages

PythonJavaScript/TypeScriptKorean

Frameworks

React or Vue.jsFastAPI or DjangoNode.js

Databases

PostgreSQLRedisVector Databases (Pinecone, Weaviate)

Tools

DockerKubernetesGitOpenAI APICloud Platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure)

Other

Monitoring and ObservabilityJupyter NotebooksPrompt EngineeringA/B Testing Frameworks

Compensation

Pay and benefits.

Base·USD 200,000 – 320,000

Equity·Stock options

Benefits

  • Equity and Stock Options

    Competitive equity packages with stock options as part of OpenAI's employee ownership model, providing long-term wealth-building potential.

  • Health and Wellness

    Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage with employer contributions to support employee and family health.

  • Relocation Assistance

    Full relocation support package for international transfers to Singapore, including visa sponsorship, moving expenses, and housing assistance for eligible candidates.

  • Hybrid Work Model

    Flexible hybrid work arrangement with 3 days per week in OpenAI's Singapore office, supporting work-life balance while maintaining team collaboration.

  • Professional Development

    Opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI research and production systems, with exposure to frontier model capabilities and direct influence on product direction.

  • Competitive Time Off

    Generous vacation and paid time off policies, plus paid holidays in Singapore and US observances for remote work flexibility.

  • Retirement Planning

    Participation in retirement savings plans with employer matching contributions to support long-term financial security.

  • Signing Bonus

    Competitive signing bonus for qualified candidates to support relocation and transition costs.

  • Learning and Conference Budget

    Annual professional development budget for courses, conferences, and certifications to maintain technical expertise in rapidly evolving AI field.

  • Mental Health Support

    Comprehensive mental health resources, including counseling services and wellness programs to support employee wellbeing in high-stakes environment.

Process

Interview steps.

  1. 01

    Initial Recruiter Screening

    30-minute conversation with OpenAI recruiter to assess background, Korean language proficiency, customer-facing experience, and alignment with Forward Deployed Engineering team's mission.

  2. 02

    Technical Assessment and System Design

    Technical interview (60-90 minutes) covering system design of an AI deployment scenario, production Python or JavaScript coding, and evaluation of architectural thinking in ambiguous environments.

  3. 03

    Customer-Facing Scenario and Communication

    Interview simulating customer engagement, where you'll present technical recommendations, handle stakeholder concerns, and demonstrate ability to translate between technical and business contexts.

  4. 04

    LLM and AI Product Knowledge

    Discussion of experience integrating or deploying LLM and generative AI systems, understanding of model behavior, production considerations, and how model capabilities affect product experience.

  5. 05

    Leadership and Decision-Making

    Behavioral interview exploring past experiences managing complex deployments, making trade-offs under pressure, handling ambiguity, and examples of calm judgment in high-stakes situations.

  6. 06

    Product and GTM Alignment

    Conversation with Product or Go-To-Market team members to assess understanding of customer needs, product roadmap thinking, and ability to contribute field feedback that influences strategic decisions.

  7. 07

    Culture and Values Fit

    Discussion with Forward Deployed Engineering team leads regarding collaboration style, learning orientation, comfort with ambiguity, and alignment with OpenAI's mission to ensure AI benefits all humanity.

  8. 08

    Offer and Negotiation

    Compensation discussion including base salary, equity package, signing bonus, relocation assistance, and other benefits customized to candidate profile and market conditions.

Full posting

Original listing.

About the team

OpenAI’s Forward Deployed Engineering team partners with customers to turn research breakthroughs into production systems. We operate at the intersection of customer delivery and core platform development.

About the role

Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs) lead complex end-to-end deployments of frontier models in production alongside our most strategic customers. You will own discovery, technical scoping, system design, build, and production rollout, partnering directly with customer engineering and domain teams.

You will measure success through production adoption, measurable workflow impact, and eval-driven feedback that changes product and model roadmaps. You’ll work closely with our Product, Research, Partnerships, GRC, Security, and GTM teams.

This role is based in Singapore. We use a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week and offer relocation assistance to new employees. 50% travel is expected.

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

  • Speak fluent business-level Korean.

  • 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.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. We push the boundaries of the capabilities of AI systems and seek to safely deploy them to the world through our products. AI is an extremely powerful tool that must be created with safety and human needs at its core, and to achieve our mission, we must encompass and value the many different perspectives, voices, and experiences that form the full spectrum of humanity. 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristic.

For additional information, please see OpenAI’s Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement.

Background checks for applicants will be administered in accordance with applicable law, and qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment consistent with those laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, for US-based candidates. For unincorporated Los Angeles County workers: we reasonably believe that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment: protect computer hardware entrusted to you from theft, loss or damage; return all computer hardware in your possession (including the data contained therein) upon termination of employment or end of assignment; and maintain the confidentiality of proprietary, confidential, and non-public information. In addition, job duties require access to secure and protected information technology systems and related data security obligations.

To notify OpenAI that you believe this job posting is non-compliant, please submit a report through this form. No response will be provided to inquiries unrelated to job posting compliance.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, and requests can be made via this link.

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