AI Engineer – Decision & Optimization Systems

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 looking for an AI Engineer – Decision & Optimization Systems to own the feasibility, authority, and constraint layers that sit between AI reasoning and real-world execution. In this role, you will build the systems that decide what plans are allowed to exist before any optimizer, agent, or human can act on them. Your work ensures that AI-generated logistics plans respect command hierarchy, policy, safety, and operational reality—so when we execute, we execute correctly. You'll partner closely with routing, packing, optimization, and AI-agent teams to turn intent, authority, and uncertainty into decision systems that are auditable, enforceable, and explainable. WHAT YOU’LL DO BUILD & OWN FEASIBILITY AND AUTHORITY MODELS - Design and implement models that encode command hierarchy, authority limits, and policy rules into formal feasibility checks. - Convert outputs from AI agents (LLMs, planners, probabilistic models) into deterministic, enforceable constraints before execution. - Ensure authority and policy interpretations are traceable, inspectable, and safe. CONSTRAINT & FEASIBILITY FRAMEWORKS - Build and maintain a centralized constraint framework used across plaaning and optimization systems. - Encode: - Authority rules - Timing Windows - Compatibility constraints - Asset availability and readiness - Surface clear diagnostics for infeasible plans and constraint violations so both humans and machines can understand what failed and why. DATA OWNERSHIP & VALIDATION - Own the data inputs needed for feasibility and constraint enforcement. - Define and enforce data contracts, normalization, and validation pipelines. - Build robustness against incomplete, delayed, or noisy operational data. PRODUCTION INTEGRATION - Integrate feasibility checks into real-time and batch planning pipelines. - Partner with optimization and execution teams to gate every action on valid, policy-compliant inputs. - Validate system behavior through scenario testing, simulations, and operational feedback from real users. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR STRONG ENGINEERING & MODELING SKILLS - Proficiency in at least one of: Python, Java, Go, or C++ - Experience building constraint-based or rule-based systems in production. - Experience integrating AI or agent-based reasoning into downstream decision or execution pipelines. OPTIMIZATION & DECISION SCIENCE BACKGROUND - Degree or equivalent experience in Operations Research, Applied Math, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. - Strong understanding of: Linear programming, Mixed-integer programming, Constraint satisfaction systems. - Experience using tools such as Gurobi, CPLEX, OR-Tools, Pyomo, AMPL, or equivalent. SYSTEMS THINKING - Ability to reason about feasibility vs optimality tradeoffs. - Comfort integrating probabilistic or AI-derived outputs into deterministic systems. - Strong instincts for debugging, failure analysis, and explainability in high-stakes environments. BONUS POINTS - Experience with logistics, supply chain, or routing systems. - Experience working alongside optimization or planning teams. - Exposure to defense, government, or mission-critical operations. - Prior work integrating AI agents into decision or execution pipelines. 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.