---
title: 'AI Engineer – Decision & Optimization Systems at Gallatin'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/ai-engineer-decision-optimization-systems-gallatin-el-segundo-gvhvtk1nf8n0'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-13'
---

# AI Engineer – Decision & Optimization Systems at Gallatin

- **Company:** Gallatin
- **Location:** El Segundo, CA
- **Compensation:** $80k–$210k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-10-02
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-13
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/gallatin/9eaefbdb-b8d0-4a6e-b046-1126da1a33fe

## Job description

## 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.

## About Gallatin

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Gallatin builds an AI-native logistics platform that enables military planners to predict, plan, and execute supply chain operations in contested environments.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Seed – $15M raised)
- **Headquarters**: El Segundo, California, USA (additional offices in Washington, DC and Austin, TX)
- **Founded**: 2024
- **Founders**: Woody Glier (CEO), Daniel Buchmueller (CTO), Brian Ballard (CPO)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Defense technology / military logistics
- **Target customers**: U.S. Department of Defense, allied militaries, and defense organizations (B2G)
- **Mission**: Provide decision advantage in logistics, no matter the obstacle – modernizing defense supply chains with AI-driven tools.

## Products & Services
- **[Navigator]**: AI-powered logistics platform that integrates real-time data, generates courses of action, and runs simulations to accelerate resupply workflows. It addresses first, middle, and last-mile challenges at tactical, operational, and strategic levels. (Type: SaaS / AI platform)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not disclosed (seed stage)
- **Key Metric**: $15.0M total funding (seed round led by 8VC, April 2025)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: 8VC (lead), Silent Ventures, Moonshots Capital, Timeless Partners, Banter Capital. Incubated by 8VC’s Build program (also launched Epirus and Saronic). Awarded a U.S. Army PORTAL contract.
- **Growth Signals**: Headcount grew 213% YoY (~40 employees as of mid-2026); 45 active job postings; offices opened in Austin and DC; multiple pilot programs with major defense customers.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Deep domain expertise**: Founding team with experience at Palantir, Scale AI, Amazon Prime Air, DoD, and U.S. intelligence community.
- **First-mover in AI-defense logistics**: Addresses a critical vulnerability in modern military supply chains, using predictive analytics and automation long proven in commercial logistics.
- **Government traction**: Already awarded an Army contract and working directly with military services, creating high barriers to entry.
- **Talent pool**: Employees drawn from elite defense and AI companies (Palantir, Scale AI, Saronic, Kong, etc.).

## Strategic Focus
- Scale the Navigator platform across all military services.
- Expand engineering and deployment teams in direct proximity to customers (DC, El Segundo, Austin).
- Build on key partnerships and pilot programs to drive adoption in contested logistics environments.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: In-person, mission-driven environment with offices in Washington, DC, Austin, TX, and El Segundo, CA. The company emphasizes tackling hard problems with real-world impact.
- **Hybrid/Remote**: Hybrid workspace – employees engage in a mix of remote and on-site work; travel to customer locations may be required.
- **Security Clearance**: Some positions require U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance (TS/SCI). Not required for all roles.
- **Benefits**: Competitive salary, comprehensive health coverage, life and disability insurance, open paid time off, monthly gym/wellness reimbursement, healthy office meals.
- **Growth**: Rapidly scaling startup with strong funding and a clear mission – opportunity to shape early-stage product and culture.

## Sources
1. [gallatin.ai – Company Page](https://www.gallatin.ai/company)
2. [gallatin.ai – Careers Page](https://www.gallatin.ai/careers)
3. [LinkedIn – Gallatin AI Company Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/company/gallatinai)
4. [Built In – Gallatin AI Careers & Culture](https://builtin.com/company/gallatin-ai-inc)
5. [PRNewswire – Gallatin Emerges from Stealth with $15M Seed](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gallatin-emerges-from-stealth-with-15m-seed-investment-to-transform-defense-logistics-302422537.html)
6. [Ashby Jobs Board – Gallatin Open Positions](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/gallatin)

## Other roles at Gallatin

- [Engagement Manager, Special Projects](https://feeny.ai/job/engagement-manager-special-projects-gallatin-washington-z3xk8z2v9ft1) — Washington, DC
- [Engagement Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/engagement-manager-gallatin-austin-2e46y40n8nyg) — Austin, TX
- [Backend Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/backend-engineer-gallatin-el-segundo-t1tcc5zs8zg7) — El Segundo, CA
- [AI Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/ai-software-engineer-gallatin-el-segundo-pbcak1gf9n7r) — El Segundo, CA
- [Sales Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/sales-engineer-gallatin-austin-860fasfa486s) — Austin, TX
- [AI Engineer – Routing & Network Optimization](https://feeny.ai/job/ai-engineer-routing-network-optimization-gallatin-el-segundo-z5wm83xjyshb) — El Segundo, CA
- [AI Engineer - Allocation and Packing Systems](https://feeny.ai/job/ai-engineer-allocation-and-packing-systems-gallatin-el-segundo-k6xpjq7xwyy7) — El Segundo, CA
- [Applied AI Engineer, Internal Systems](https://feeny.ai/job/applied-ai-engineer-internal-systems-gallatin-el-segundo-wy7gsd1qmxkp) — El Segundo, CA
- [Product Designer](https://feeny.ai/job/product-designer-gallatin-el-segundo-7d6tzjgc59zx) — El Segundo, CA
- [Software Engineer with Clearance (TS, TS/CSI)](https://feeny.ai/job/software-engineer-with-clearance-ts-ts-csi-gallatin-el-segundo-f5076qwkt9jp) — El Segundo, CA