OpenAI Hardware and Robotics Head Caitlin Kalinowski Quits Over Pentagon Contract and Autonomous Weapons

Caitlin Kalinowski, OpenAI's head of hardware and robotics engineering who joined the company in November 2024, has resigned citing concerns over OpenAI's Department of Defense contract and the company's direction toward domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. Kalinowski's departure — reported by Fortune — adds to a pattern of senior OpenAI employees leaving over safety and ethical concerns following the company's military expansion. The resignation comes as OpenAI deepens its DoD partnership and faces internal and public scrutiny over its shift away from its original non-military charter.

Key Takeaways

• Kalinowski led hardware and robotics engineering at OpenAI from November 2024 until her March 2026 resignation, citing DOD contract and autonomous weapons concerns
• Departure follows the same pattern as earlier OpenAI safety team exits; Fortune reports she joins critics who opposed the company's Pentagon surveillance work
• OpenAI signed a Department of Defense contract in early 2026 that triggered multiple ethics objections; this is among the most senior hardware/robotics leader exits to date

Original source: Fortune / Techmeme