AI Engineer – Routing & Network Optimization

About the role

ABOUT GALLATIN At Gallatin, we are rebuilding logistics infrastructure for the national security missions of the United States and allied partners. We build AI systems that determine how logistics decisions are made — not just how they're executed. From factory to foxhole, we operate at the layer where data becomes decisions, and decisions make the advantage. ABOUT THE ROLE We’re hiring an AI Engineer – Routing & Network Optimization to own how supplies, vehicles, and materiel move across Gallatin’s global distribution networks. In this role, you will build the systems that determine how things move through time-phased, capacity-constrained, and risk-aware networks at scale. Your work turns AI-driven intent and operational demand into optimal, executable routes across thousands of assets and nodes. You will work closely with feasibility, packing, optimization, and AI-agent teams to make sure routing decisions are correct, scalable, and resilient under real-world operational volatility. WHAT YOU’LL DO BUILD & OWN ROUTING AND NETWORK MODELS - Design and implement routing models across transportation, warehousing, and resupply networks. - Encode constraints related to: - Distance and time - Availability, readiness, and risk - Asset and lane capacity - Support multi-hop, event-aware, and time-phased routing across dynamic networks. ALGORITHM ENGINEERING & OPTIMIZATION - Implement and tune routing solvers using exact, heuristic, and hybrid algorithms. - Scale routing algorithms to large graphs, real-time updates, and uncertain inputs. - Evaluate tradeoffs between solution quality, runtime, and operational robustness. NETWORK DATA OWNERSHIP - Own routing datasets including nodes, edges, costs, capacities, and constraints. - Validate and maintain network representations used by all routing and planning systems. - Handle data gaps, uncertainty, and changing network conditions without breaking execution. PRODUCTION INTEGRATION - Integrate routing systems into batch and real-time planning pipelines. - Partner with feasibility, simulation, and execution teams to validate route executability. - Support scenario testing, what-if analysis, and iterative optimization based on real operational feedback. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR STRONG ENGINEERING & OPTIMIZATION SKILLS - Strong programming skills in Python or similar, with experience translating mathematical models into production-grade systems. - Experience integrating routing or optimization algorithms into live planning pipelines with monitoring, validation, and performance tuning. OPERATIONS RESEARCH & NETWORK OPTIMIZATION BACKGROUND - Degree or equivalent experience in Operations Research, Applied Math, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. - Strong foundation in: - Graph theory and network optimization - Shortest-path algorithms (Dijkstra, A*, Bellman-Ford) - Network flow models (max flow, min cut, min-cost flow) - Experience with VRP, capacitated routing, or routing with time windows. - Experience with large-scale graphs, time-expanded networks, or multi-commodity flow models. - Hands-on experience with modeling languages and solvers such as Pyomo, GAMS, AMPL, CPLEX, or Gurobi. SYSTEMS THINKING - Ability to reason about scale, uncertainty, and time-dependent systems. - Comfort owning routing logic and data end-to-end. - A strong focus on performance, correctness, and reliability in high-stakes environments. BONUS POINTS - Experience with vehicle routing or transportation systems. - Experience working alongside simulation or digital-twin teams. - Exposure to defense, government, or mission-critical logistics. - Experience with ML models, experimentation (A/B testing), or causal inference. - Experience with data operationalization and production analytics. MISSION AND IDENTITY We are building the system that enables faster, smarter logistics decisions in contested environments, and we're doing it with a team of seasoned entrepreneurs, operators, and technologists who have built and scaled solutions in this space before. We hold ourselves to an extremely high standard. We value clear thinking, direct communication, and the kind of ownership that doesn't stop until something actually works. Our mission is to create decision advantage when the stakes are the highest. If we succeed, the system doesn't just run; it gets smarter. We're not building AI for its own sake. We're building it because faster, smarter decisions in the most demanding environments on earth can't wait. If you want to work somewhere the stakes are real and the mission is urgent — you'll fit in here. WHY GALLATIN? The logistics infrastructure that supports America's warfighters and humanitarian disaster responders is overdue for transformation, and we are building it. From defense operations to disaster response, we're solving the hardest problems that keep missions moving when it matters most. Join a team where the mission is the point. Compensation: Gallatin offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and location. In addition to base salary, we offer a generous equity grant, full healthcare coverage, 401k, unlimited PTO, and the perks of working in a high-caliber, mission-driven environment. Gallatin is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. The successful candidate must be able to work in a classified environment when necessary. We comply with the United States Department of Labor's Pay Transparency provision https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_English_unformattedESQA508c.pdf. Note: Due to the nature of certain government contracts held by this organization, U.S. citizenship is a requirement for all positions at Gallatin. Proof of citizenship will be required prior to employment if selected.