# OpenAI hardware exec Caitlin Kalinowski quits in response to Pentagon deal

_Friday, June 26, 2026 at 6:39 PM EDT · AI · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![OpenAI hardware exec Caitlin Kalinowski quits in response to Pentagon deal — Primary](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/GettyImages-2206295463.jpg?resize=1200,800)

Caitlin Kalinowski has resigned from her role leading OpenAI's hardware team in response to the company's agreement with the Department of Defense.

Kalinowski said in a social media post that the decision was not easy. She noted that AI has an important role in national security but that surveillance of Americans without judicial oversight and lethal autonomy without human authorization deserved more deliberation than they received. She added that the announcement was rushed without guardrails defined and described it as a governance concern first and foremost.

Kalinowski previously led the team building augmented reality glasses at Meta and joined OpenAI in November 2024. She said the decision was about principle, not people, and that she has deep respect for CEO Sam Altman and the OpenAI team.

An OpenAI spokesperson confirmed the departure. The company said the agreement creates a workable path for responsible national security uses of AI while making clear its red lines against domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. OpenAI added that it recognizes people have strong views on the issues and will continue to engage in discussion with employees, government, civil society and communities.

## Sources

- [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/07/openai-robotics-lead-caitlin-kalinowski-quits-in-response-to-pentagon-deal/)
- [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/19/openai-reportedly-finalizing-100b-deal-at-more-than-850b-valuation/)

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Retrieved: 2026-06-27T04:15:34.770Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)