Senior Manager, Export Controls

OpenAI

. Refine the strategy and operating model for OpenAI’s export controls program across advanced computing, semiconductors, software, hardware, manufacturing, and high technology partnerships.

Posted 5/7/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $297,000 - $330,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Refine the strategy and operating model for OpenAI’s export controls program across advanced computing, semiconductors, software, hardware, manufacturing, and high technology partnerships.
Own export classification and licensing strategy for controlled technical data, software, hardware, and research environments.
Lead the design and operation of compliant controlled environments and related governance processes.
Partner with Research and Infrastructure to support efficient researcher access while maintaining clear control boundaries.
Partner with technical teams to develop durable classification and control models.
Partner cross-functionally to translate policy into documented technical controls, logging, evidence, access boundaries, and exception handling.
Lead supplier-facing compliance processes, including onboarding requirements, certifications, and relevant contractual controls.
Build and administer Technology Control Plan processes, including briefings, acknowledgements, operating materials, completion tracking, and escalation paths.
Develop service levels, metrics, and reporting that improve access velocity, supplier onboarding, and decision quality.
Build internal tooling and an AI- and agent-enabled operating model.

Requirements

What you’ll need

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience in engineering, computer science, physics, international trade, law, public policy, or a related field. Advanced technical, legal, or policy training is valuable.
Significant experience leading export controls, trade compliance, or a closely related function in advanced computing, semiconductors, electronics, or other high-technology domains.
Deep expertise in export controls, including classification, licensing, deemed exports, end-use and end-user restrictions, and controls on technical data and software.
Direct experience working on advanced computing and advanced semiconductor controls.
Strong leadership judgment and a track record of building and scaling programs in fast-moving technology companies and complex multinational environments.
Experience translating policy into workflows, systems requirements, service levels, operating guidance, and measurable business outcomes.
The ability to work credibly with researchers, infrastructure engineers, hardware engineers, chip-design teams, Security, and Legal.
Experience managing service providers, and cross-functional programs that require speed, discretion, and strong execution.
Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to turn complex requirements into clear process documentation and guidance for technical and business audiences.
Experience building AI-enabled workflows, internal tools, knowledge systems, or agentic processes for policy-heavy or operational work.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

export controlstrade complianceclassificationlicensingdeemed exportsend-use restrictionsend-user restrictionstechnical data controlssoftware controlsadvanced computing

Soft Skills

leadership judgmentprogram buildingcross-functional collaborationcommunication skillswriting skillsexecutiondiscretionpolicy translationprocess documentationdecision quality