About Jason Pruet

Member of the technical staff at OpenAI

Jason Pruet is a physicist and technology leader with more than two decades of experience in science, national security, and public service. At OpenAI, he serves on the Mission Alignment team, helping ensure artificial intelligence is developed responsibly and serves humanity's best interests. His career consistently combines scientific research, public responsibility, and technological progress to create a lasting impact.

Academic Journey

He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of California, San Diego, where he studied astrophysics and nucleosynthesis. Working under the mentorship of George Fuller, a Nobel laureate and Willy Fowler student, he explored the physics of gamma-ray bursts and the influence of weak nuclear processes in shaping their dynamics. His dissertation contributed to a deeper understanding of how extreme cosmic environments produce heavy elements, setting the foundation for a career that bridges scientific exploration with applied innovation.

Early Career and Research Leadership

Jason joined Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) through a SciDAC Supernova grant following his doctoral studies. His expertise and leadership led him to become the group leader for computational nuclear physics. At LLNL, he contributed to projects central to national security, including stockpile stewardship, nuclear material detection, and forensic attribution. His work emphasized the role of advanced computation in addressing scientific and defense-related challenges, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between research and public safety missions.

Federal Service and Policy Leadership

In 2011, Jason Pruet transitioned to Washington, D.C., joining the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). He managed programs such as the Primary Assessment Campaign and the Physics and Engineering Models Campaign, both critical to maintaining the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. He also helped establish the Capabilities for Nuclear Intelligence program, which united scientific expertise from national laboratories with intelligence operations.

Later, as Chief of an intelligence branch within the DOE Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, Jason led teams responsible for analyzing foreign nuclear weapons programs. His contributions were recognized through awards from the Secretary of Energy and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He eventually served as Director of the Office of Engineering for Stockpile Assessments and Responsiveness, overseeing a $500 million science and engineering portfolio focused on national resilience.

Leadership in AI and National Security

After nearly a decade of public service, Jason joined Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), where he led the Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC) program. Collaborating with scientists across multiple labs, including Brian Spears, Kevin Dixon, and Rick Stevens, he co-developed the AI for Science, Energy, and Security initiative. At LANL, he became the National Security AI Office's founding director, guiding responsible AI integration into research and defense systems.

Lifelong Commitment

Throughout his career, Jason Pruet from OpenAI has authored numerous scientific papers and technical reports covering topics from nucleosynthesis to high-performance computing and AI applications in security. His professional path embodies integrity, innovation, and service — a commitment to ensuring science and technology are advanced for the good of humanity.