Forward Deployed AI Engineer, Operations
About The Position
Zipline is seeking Forward Deployed AI Engineers to be at the forefront of integrating Generative AI (GenAI) into one of the world's most complex real-world logistics systems. This role involves working across software, hardware, aviation, robotics, healthcare, commerce, and field operations, making the work practical, high-stakes, and directly tied to production outcomes. The position is akin to being a hands-on AI startup CTO within Zipline, reporting directly to the Head of Operations. You will be part of a small team, own the delivery of important projects, move rapidly from problem discovery to shipped product, and collaborate directly with users. The impact of this role will be measured by the adoption, trust, and daily operational use of the systems built, rather than just demos.
Requirements
- Past experience building things that work.
- Demonstrated results in what you have built, shipped, automated, scaled, or made real.
- An engineering mindset focused on delivering production AI systems.
- Experience building with LLMs, data processing pipelines, and analytics tools.
- Comfortable decomposing messy business problems into reliable technical workflows.
- Past experience building GenAI solutions.
- Strong understanding of the AI landscape.
- Solid foundation in machine learning basics (evaluation, training concepts, problem decomposition).
- Strong coding proficiency in Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, Java, C++, or similar languages.
- Comfortable collaborating with technical and non-technical teammates.
- Experience working in dynamic environments and iterating directly with users.
Nice To Haves
- Ability and interest in traveling to Zipline sites as needed (up to 50%).
Responsibilities
- Own GenAI strategy and implementation for high-impact operational workflows and teams.
- Build end-to-end AI tools and take them to production.
- Solve real-world problems across aviation, logistics, fulfillment, maintenance, customer operations, and commercial teams.
- Collaborate closely with operators, engineers, product teams, and business leaders to understand user needs.
- Define the right technical approach and implement solutions to improve Zipline's operations.
- Bring learnings from the field back into Zipline’s broader AI tooling, platforms, and best practices.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Equity compensation
- Overtime pay
- Discretionary annual or performance bonuses
- Sales incentives
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
