SMS Prototype Handling Specialist

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior SMS Prototype Handling Specialist to lead OpenAI’s efforts around handling sensitive product prototypes and secure logistics. You will design and drive programs that safeguard our most advanced projects by making sure all prototypes are constantly accounted for and are securely transported worldwide.

This role reports to the Senior Secure Manufacturing and Stealth Specialist and operates as a staff-level individual contributor, owning the design, execution, and continuous improvement of prototype handling operations. While this role does not manage people, it exercises significant cross-functional influence, sets operational standards, and is trusted to independently resolve complex, high-risk situations involving OpenAI’s most sensitive hardware.

You will be the single accountable owner for the integrity of OpenAI’s prototype inventory and logistics systems, ensuring that all prototypes are continuously accounted for across locations, teams, and borders. This role requires deep judgment, high trust, and the ability to operate effectively amid ambiguity, urgency, and evolving security requirements.

This role is based in San Francisco, CA. We use a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week and offer relocation assistance to new employees. This position requires travel up to ~25% to international vendor and partner locations.

In this role, you will

• Maintain continuous, auditable accountability for all assigned OpenAI hardware prototypes.
• Operate and administer a secure prototype library, including inventory systems, physical storage, and check-in / check-out workflows.
• Execute access control processes to ensure prototypes are issued only to approved OpenAI personnel with appropriate authorization.
• Coordinate secure domestic and international logistics for prototypes, including shipment planning, hand-carry transport, customs coordination, and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Support engineering teams through prototype build, testing, iteration, and return cycles.
• Perform routine and ad-hoc inventory audits, reconciliations, and discrepancy investigations.
• Maintain accurate records, logs, and reporting on prototype status, location, and access history.
• Identify operational risks, gaps, or anomalies and escalate clearly and promptly to the Senior Secure Manufacturing and Stealth Specialist.
• Support incident response activities related to lost, damaged, or compromised devices.
• Execute established security procedures consistently while contributing practical feedback to improve operational processes.

You might thrive in this role if you

• Have 5–8 years of experience in secure logistics, hardware operations, prototype management, physical asset control, or supply chain operations.
• Have hands-on experience managing sensitive or high-value hardware across multiple teams or locations.
• Are comfortable being personally accountable for inventory accuracy and chain-of-custody integrity.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, and reliability when handling confidential materials.
• Are experienced with asset tracking systems, audit processes, and operational documentation.
• Can work independently on well-defined problems while collaborating effectively with engineers, security partners, and operations teams.
• Are comfortable traveling internationally and operating in high-trust, high-sensitivity environments.