Engineering Manager, Financial Systems - job 1 of 2

As the Engineering Manager for Financial Systems at OpenAI, your primary responsibilities include leading and mentoring a team of financial engineers, integrating billing systems with product workflows, and setting strategic priorities that keep pace with the demanding landscape of AI products. You will drive operational excellence and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including finance, product, and other engineering units to enhance our billing tools.

To thrive as an Engineering Manager for Financial Systems at OpenAI, you should have substantial experience in software engineering, ideally with a focus on payments or financial systems. A history of coaching and developing engineering talent is crucial, along with a strong grasp of cross-functional collaboration and a strategic mindset. Additionally, a commitment to diversity and inclusion will set you apart in our collaborative culture.

The Engineering Manager for Financial Systems at OpenAI ensures effective integration by closely collaborating with product, data, finance, and other engineering teams. You will architect and refine the billing systems, applying industry trends and best practices to tailor our billing stack for our diverse product offerings while balancing operational costs with performance.

At OpenAI, the team culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. As an Engineering Manager for Financial Systems, you will cultivate an environment where team members are encouraged to share ideas, learn from each other, and push their boundaries to achieve peak potential. We believe that a diverse team leads to better problem-solving and creativity.

An Engineering Manager at OpenAI will find ample growth opportunities, including leading strategic initiatives that shape our billing systems and participating in cross-functional projects that enhance your engineering and leadership skills. Through continuous learning and collaboration with talented professionals, you can expand your technical expertise and become a key player in our mission to responsibly scale AI products.

To lead a team of financial engineers effectively, I would focus on fostering a collaborative culture where open communication is encouraged. I would prioritize regular one-on-ones to understand individual motivations and challenges, promote continuous learning through workshops, and set clear expectations while empowering team members to contribute their unique insights.

I would employ a strategic approach to billing system integrations by establishing strong cross-functional relationships, clearly defining project goals, and utilizing agile methodologies to iteratively develop and test solutions. Additionally, I would stay updated on industry trends to ensure our systems remain competitive and performant.

In my previous roles, I've designed and enhanced billing systems by utilizing my software engineering background. I've implemented payment gateways and streamlined processes for various clients, ensuring compliance and security. My focus has always been on optimizing user experience and operational efficiency.

I stay informed about the latest trends in financial engineering and technology by regularly attending industry conferences, following leading publications and blogs, and engaging with professional networks. Continuous learning is essential, so I also participate in relevant online courses to deepen my knowledge.

An effective Engineering Manager should possess strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a customer-centric approach. They need to be strategic thinkers capable of making data-driven decisions, and they should support their team’s growth through mentorship and collaboration.

Handling conflicting priorities requires a balanced approach. First, I'd engage in open discussions with the team to assess the urgency and impact of each task. Then, I would prioritize them based on our overall strategic goals, ensuring alignment and a shared understanding of our objectives. Communication with stakeholders is also crucial in managing expectations.

Ensuring diversity and inclusion in my team involves actively seeking diverse candidates during recruitment, promoting an inclusive culture where every voice is heard, and implementing practices that support a wide range of perspectives. I also prioritize ongoing training and workshops on bias and inclusion for all team members.

As OpenAI grows, challenges in scaling billing systems may include maintaining data accuracy, ensuring system Availability, and adapting to the changing needs of our diverse customer base. Addressing these challenges requires proactive infrastructure enhancements, regular performance monitoring, and agile methodologies to respond swiftly to any issues.

I have extensive experience coaching team members by formalizing mentorship programs and providing constructive feedback regularly. I use techniques such as setting personal development goals, encouraging peer reviews, and conducting technical workshops. Celebrating achievements and motivating team members to take ownership of their progress is also crucial.

My approach to communicating with cross-functional teams is centered around clarity and consistency. I ensure regular updates and seek input from other teams to build aligned strategies. Utilizing collaborative tools and conducting joint meetings are also effective practices to ensure everyone remains informed and engaged throughout a project’s lifecycle.