Sam Altman Announces A Stressful Job in OpenAI with $555,000 Salary

In 2025, amid the fast development of AI, OpenAI is trying to find a new Head of Preparedness. This is an urgent executive position that CEO Sam Altman emphasized, where he has to oversee the upcoming risks in AI related to cybersecurity, mental health, and autonomous systems. The position is paying $555,000 base with equity and is located in San Francisco.

OpenAI Job Opening: Head of Preparedness Announced

OpenAI is recruiting a Head of Preparedness to deal with the risks posed by advanced AI models. The position opened due to change of leadership in safety team. The position was reaffirmed by Sam Altman, who claimed that models such as GPT-5 are now challenging in the real world.

Role and Responsibilities

OpenAI Preparedness Framework will be headed by the Head of Preparedness. These responsibilities will involve testing AI capabilities at the frontier, development of threat models, and development of mitigation measures. Topics of interest include cybersecurity, biological capability, mental health effects and self-enhancing systems. The position also entails cross-co-ordination between research, policy and engineering departments.

Salary and Location

The executive position has a starting salary of $555,000 annually, as well as equity in OpenAI, estimated at $500 billion. The location is in San Francisco, and it provides hybrid work options.

In 2023, the Preparedness team of OpenAI was established to keep track of disastrous risks. Earlier leaders were Aleksander Madry, Lilian Weng and Joaquin Quinonero Candela. This search, which took place in late 2025, was caused by departures and reassignments.

OpenAI is also actively recruiting to fill this high-priority role of safety head. The company focuses on impact, technical skills, and the willingness to handle AI risks in the nearest future. The applications may be made via the careers page of the OpenAI.