Role Overview

OpenAI's Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs) are the vanguard of AI deployment excellence. Based in the heart of Tokyo, you'll lead end-to-end implementations of our most advanced models for Japan's leading enterprises. This isn't just engineering—it's customer partnership at the highest level, where your work directly influences OpenAI's product roadmap and research priorities.

Success in this role is measured by production adoption rates, measurable workflow transformations, and actionable feedback loops that evolve our models. With a hybrid model requiring 3 days weekly in our Tokyo office, you'll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Product, Research, Partnerships, GRC, Security, and GTM. Travel within Japan is expected to ensure seamless customer integration.

Key Requirements: Full bilingual fluency in Japanese and English is non-negotiable. Submit your resume in English and prepare for interviews in both languages. Relocation assistance is provided for qualified candidates ready to make Tokyo their professional home.

Key Responsibilities

As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll own the full lifecycle of complex AI deployments:

• Lead technical delivery from initial prototype through stable production for multiple customer projects simultaneously.
• Design and build full-stack systems using Python, JavaScript, and modern frameworks that deliver tangible ROI.
• Embed with customer teams to deeply understand domain challenges and architect tailored LLM-powered solutions.
• Conduct thorough technical scoping, create realistic delivery sequences, and proactively eliminate roadblocks.
• Navigate trade-offs between feature scope, development velocity, and production quality to hit aggressive timelines.
• Roll up sleeves and code directly when it accelerates progress or provides critical clarity.
• Distill deployment learnings into scalable tools, playbooks, and reusable components for the broader FDE team.
• Capture and synthesize customer feedback to directly inform Research model improvements and Product roadmap decisions.
• Maintain organizational clarity and momentum through crisp communication and relentless follow-through.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with OpenAI's world-class Product, Research, and Partnerships organizations.
• Drive adoption metrics through hands-on customer enablement and success measurement.
• Travel strategically within Japan to build relationships and ensure flawless execution.

Qualifications

We're seeking battle-tested engineers who thrive in customer-facing, high-impact environments:

• 5+ years delivering complex technical projects with significant customer interaction.
• Full professional fluency in Japanese and English (written/spoken).
• Proven track record scoping and shipping systems in ambiguous, fast-paced settings.
• Production-grade coding expertise across full-stack (Python/JavaScript proficiency required).
• Hands-on experience with LLM or generative AI systems and their production implications.
• Exceptional ability to simplify complexity and execute decisively under pressure.
• Crystal-clear communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders alike.
• Instinctive risk identification with pragmatic mitigation strategies.
• Cool-headed judgment when stakes are highest.

Bonus: Experience in Japanese enterprise environments, AI safety practices, or research-to-production pipelines.

Salary & Benefits

OpenAI offers competitive compensation packages calibrated to Tokyo's high-cost market while maintaining US tech leadership standards. Total compensation for senior Forward Deployed Engineers typically ranges from $180,000-$300,000 USD equivalent, including base salary, bonus, and OpenAI equity.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Relocation support including visa assistance for international talent.
• Hybrid Tokyo work model with modern office amenities.
• Top-tier health insurance with family coverage.
• Unlimited PTO with encouraged recharge periods.
• Generous parental leave policies.
• Professional growth stipend ($5K+ annually).
• Meaningful OpenAI equity grants.
• Wellness programs including mental health support.
• Regular team offsites and company retreats.

Why Join OpenAI?

OpenAI isn't just building AI—we're ensuring artificial general intelligence benefits all humanity. As a Forward Deployed Engineer in Tokyo, you'll:

• Work on frontier models before they're public, shaping their real-world impact.
• Partner with Japan's most innovative companies across industries.
• Directly influence OpenAI's research and product evolution through customer insights.
• Join a mission-driven culture valuing diverse perspectives and safety-first deployment.
• Thrive in Tokyo's dynamic tech ecosystem with global impact.

We're an equal opportunity employer committed to building AI that serves humanity's full spectrum of experiences.

How to Apply

Ready to deploy the future? Submit your English-language resume highlighting relevant experience. Our process includes:

1. Resume screen (English submission required).
2. Technical + bilingual language assessment.
3. Customer scenario deep-dive.
4. Cross-functional panel interviews.
5. Executive conversation.

Move fast—top talent joins OpenAI daily. Apply now and help bring frontier AI to Japan.