AI Operations Lead
Frontline Wildfire Defense
Software Engineering, Operations, Data Science
Posted on Apr 19, 2026
*Please note that we do not accept unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals, or resumes from external recruiters or staffing agencies.
AI Operations Lead
Location: While this role is remote, this role requires the candidate to be located in the the PST or MST area in the US. No exceptions.
About Frontline Wildfire Defense
Founded in 2017, Frontline developed the first fully integrated wildfire defense system to stop the leading cause of home loss in wildfires: ember-driven ignition. The system combines exterior sprinklers, full-coverage design, and connected software for remote monitoring and response, allowing homes to protect themselves long after families evacuate or infrastructure fails.
Proven effective during the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, 96% of homes with Frontline systems survived. That success has earned top industry recognition, including Frontline being recognized as one of TIME’s Best Inventions 2025 in the Green Tech category and receiving the PCBC Gold Nugget Award for “Most Innovative Housing Concept” and the Best of IBS Award for “Best Home Technology.”
As wildfires grow hotter and more frequent, our vision is to give people the tools and strategies to live safely with fire. We’re building a mission-driven team creating real-world solutions in wildfire safety and climate tech.
About This Opportunity
As the AI Operations Lead, you will play a pivotal role in operationalizing generative and agentic AI technologies across Frontline's business functions. You will be responsible for creating the AI architecture, identifying AI opportunities, implementing solutions, and ensuring their seamless integration into sales, software, hardware, and operational workflows.
This role requires a hands-on approach to AI deployment, as well as strategic oversight to align AI initiatives with our mission of wildfire protection. While the position is operational in nature, there is significant potential for leadership growth as AI becomes increasingly integral to our operations.
Background Check Requirement
As part of our hiring process, Frontline Wildfire Defense conducts comprehensive background checks for all new hires. These checks typically cover the past 7–10 years and may include employment and education verification. For roles that require work in the field, driving record verification is also required. Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of these background checks
Key Responsibilities
- AI Architecture and Implementation: Architect and lead the deployment of generative and agentic AI tools and technologies across sales, software, hardware, and operations teams, ensuring effective integration into operational workflows.
- Process Optimization: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify areas where AI can enhance workflow efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making.
- Data Management: Oversee the collection, labeling, analysis, and utilization of data to train AI models, ensuring high-quality inputs from both hardware sensors and software systems.
- Performance Monitoring: Continuously evaluate the performance of AI systems, making adjustments to meet operational and safety goals.
- Training and Support: Develop training materials and conduct sessions to ensure staff are proficient in AI tools and understand their operational impact.
- Strategic Planning: Partner with leadership to align AI initiatives with long-term business objectives, identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement.
- Vendor Management: Evaluate and manage relationships with AI technology vendors, ensuring they meet Frontline's operational and technical standards.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product, engineering, and operations teams to ensure AI solutions are practical, reliable, and scalable.
Qualifications
Must-Have:
- Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years in AI implementation or operations, with a proven track record of deploying AI solutions that deliver measurable business impact.
- Startup Experience Preferred: Experience working in a high-growth startup environment where adaptability, rapid problem-solving, and operational ownership are critical.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in AI/ML are a plus.
- Strong understanding of AI/ML algorithms, data analysis, and programming languages such as Python or R. Familiarity with IoT, embedded systems, or hardware data integration is a plus.
- Hands-on experience integrating AI into both software and hardware operations, with a focus on process improvement and efficiency.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex AI concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Leadership Potential: Demonstrated ability to lead projects and cross-functional teams, with a vision for scaling AI initiatives within the organization.
- Ability to quickly troubleshoot operational challenges and implement effective AI-driven solutions in a fast-paced environment.
Nice-to-Have:
- Experience with AI-driven automation or predictive analytics in hardware-software integrated systems.
- Familiarity with cloud platforms, sensor networks, or real-time data pipelines.
- Understanding of compliance and safety considerations for AI in physical systems.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary: $130k to $180k DOE + Bonuses + Equity Options
- Company-provided cell phone and laptop
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Flexible time off + 14 paid holidays (yes, your birthday is one of them!)
- Remote-First work environment, offering autonomy and flexibility
- Work-from-home stipend to support your remote setup
- Join a high-performing, mission-driven team doing work that truly matters
- And much more!
Join Our Mission!
If you're excited about designing innovative wildfire defense systems that help protect homes and communities, we want to hear from you! Apply today and become part of a fast-growing team with purpose and innovation at its core.
Diversity and inclusion are essential values at Frontline. We know we'll do our best and most impactful work when we feel we're represented, and we belong. We encourage talented people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
