While perusing OpenAI’s “Careers” page, I noticed that the drop-down menu that lets you filter jobs by department included Corporate Security, and that doesn’t mean cybersecurity, but security of much rougher, tougher, old-fashioned sort.
At the time of writing, this department has just one job listing, and it’s not one you’d expect to see for a software company:
About the team
The Corporate Security (CorpSec) team at OpenAI is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our people and facilities. We are committed to maintaining a secure environment that enables our team to focus on advancing artificial intelligence in a responsible manner.About the role
As an Executive Protection Operator, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of OpenAI’s executives and key employees. Your responsibilities will encompass providing security support during travel, events, and, when necessary, day-to-day operations. You will need to have proficiency in firearms handling and the legal authority to carry a firearm in the United States. You are a seasoned, collaborative security professional with a deep understanding of executive protection principles and a proven ability to navigate complex, dynamic security situations with discretion and tact.This position is based in our San Francisco HQ. We use a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week, though this role is expected to have a flexible schedule that aligns with the travel and operational needs of the executives you support. We offer relocation assistance to new employees.
In other words: they’re looking for bodyguards.
Clearly the folks at OpenAI — not normally the best at “reading the room” — understand that the “creative destruction” that their products will unleash upon the world over the next few years will make them deeply unpopular in certain circles. It appears that they’re taking precautions (and hey, it might have been a suggestion from ChatGPT!).
My favorite part of the posting is the “desired qualities” list, especially the last item:
You might thrive in this role if you:
- Hold a current and valid Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) card for concealed carry in all 50 states, with 10+ years of related work experience or at least 5 years with an advanced degree.
- Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and discretion, with a proven ability to stay composed in urgent and high-pressure situations.
- Have experience in executive protection for top-level leaders in diverse environments and have completed recognized Executive Protection and driving courses.
- Possess leadership experience coordinating with domestic and international law enforcement, military, intelligence, and corporate partners.
- Are trained in tactical medical procedures and have a strong understanding of Google Workspace applications.
That last bullet point might be the first time the qualifications of tactical medical procedures and strong understanding of Google Workspace applications have been combined in a job requirement. Applicants might do well to write this in their cover letter:
I’m a medic in the streets, and a beast on Google Sheets!
No need to credit me with this line.
Are you qualified? Are you willing to take a bullet for Sam Altman or an equally machiavellian AI bro? Apply here.
And because the song from The Bodyguard is now stuck in my head, I’m sticking it in yours, too: