The pilot cannot become a controlled production system.
Architecture, integration, security, deployment, or handoff is unresolved.
YakData · Forward-Deployed AI Engineering
Move from AI experiments to systems your team can run.
I work directly with executive and technical teams on high-value AI, forecasting, analytics, and data-system problems. We define the decision, build the narrowest complete system, prove it under real constraints, and hand it over.
You work with me directly.I lead discovery, architecture, critical-path engineering, evaluation, and handoff. If the evidence says narrow it, change it, or don’t build it, I’ll tell you.
1Material business outcome
3Ways to engage
7-10Business days to definition
3-6Weeks for a typical sprint
01 · When to call YakData
One high-value AI or data problem is stuck between strategy and something people can actually use.
You need an important decision or workflow turned into something people can use and trust.
What “stuck” often looks like
- The demo works, but nobody has defined what happens on a timeout, malformed model response, or partial result.
- The team can quote model accuracy, but cannot say which false negative would block release.
The team has demand but no clear path to the first production system.
Evaluation, data contracts, workflow design, or cross-functional integration is blocking delivery.
The forecast or decision process cannot support the next important planning or resource decision.
Decision quality, cycle time, margin, working capital, or planning confidence is at risk.
A portfolio company needs a working system quickly.
Post-acquisition integration, management visibility, or a measurable business lever needs a fast path to production.
02 · Problems I work on
YakData works where an important business problem and hard technical constraints meet.
AI Decision and Workflow Systems
AI applications tied to client data, explicit rules, human review, and measurable workflow results.
Forecasting and Scenario Systems
Forecasts and scenarios with confidence ranges, resource constraints, exception workflows, and monitoring.
Rapid Data Systems
Operational data and analytical applications that replace fragmented spreadsheets and manual loops.
Portfolio and Post-Acquisition Systems
Common data models, management visibility, scenario planning, and repeatable portfolio deployment.
03 · How YakData works
Start with the decision, not the technology.
Keep the business decision connected to the architecture, build, tests, deployment, and handoff.
- 01Define the decision and definition of done
Name the recurring decision, owner, evidence, failure cost, and what has to be true before you call the system ready.
- 02Design the data and system boundary
Choose the minimum reliable data path, interfaces, models or analytical components, controls, security boundary, and post-launch owner.
- 03Build one thin slice and prove it
Move one meaningful transaction across every critical layer, benchmark the real task, test failures, and add the controls the evidence demands.
- 04Deploy, hand over, and decide what comes next
Make failures, latency, cost, and usage visible; transfer tests, access, recovery steps, and known limits; then expand, narrow, improve, or stop.
04 · Ways to work together
Start by defining the problem. Build when the case is clear. Stay embedded when the work calls for it.
Choose the starting point based on how clearly the problem, access, scope, and definition of done are already understood.
Usually the first step
Rapid System Definition
Turn an ambiguous, high-value problem into a buildable system and go/no-go decision.
- Decision map + problem definition
- Data/system architecture + risk register
- Definition of done + fixed build recommendation
7 to 10 business days$15,000 remote$25,000 onsiteOnsite price plus travel and direct expenses.Request a Fit Review →
Production build
Forward Deployment Sprint
Deliver the narrowest production-grade system that creates useful business value and a sound base for expansion.
- Reliable data path + AI/analytical layer
- Evaluation, failure testing + workflow
- Deployment, documentation + handoff
3 to 6 weeksFrom $60,000 remoteFrom $75,000 onsiteOnsite price plus travel and direct expenses.Request a Fit Review →
Ongoing principal-level help
Embedded Forward Deployment
Bring me in for a defined period when the team needs principal-level architecture and hands-on execution.
- Successive production systems
- Architecture + critical-path execution
- Internal team enablement + high-stakes decisions
Approx. 3 days/week · 2-month minimumFrom $30,000/mo remoteFrom $40,000/mo onsiteOnsite price plus travel and direct expenses.Request a Fit Review →
05 · Current proof
FDE Lab is built from the same kind of production work I do with clients.
77 Rules shows the system around the model: explicit rules, structured evidence, deterministic scoring, human verification, failure behavior, deployment controls, and client-extensible logic. The full proof page adds recent delivery evidence and earlier career context.
06 · Is this a fit?
This works best when the problem matters and someone can own the outcome.
Strong fit
- The decision or workflow has material revenue, cost, risk, or strategic impact.
- An executive sponsor can make decisions, secure access, and identify a post-launch owner.
- Data exists or can be acquired inside the engagement window.
- The organization wants a working system and can support at least a $15,000 remote or $25,000 onsite definition.
Not a fit
- Speculative chatbot ideas without a business owner or measurable outcome.
- Staff augmentation, low-rate open-ended coding, or undefined enhancement backlogs.
- Projects blocked by unavailable data, unresolved executive conflict, or unwillingness to address security and acceptance.
- An expectation of guaranteed ROI, model accuracy, or business outcomes.
07 · Founder-led delivery
Architecture and critical-path work stay principal-led.
I lead executive discovery, system architecture, critical modeling and implementation, evaluation decisions, and production handoff. When the critical path needs judgment, you work with me directly.
My background spans Netflix, Tableau, SAS, Oracle, forecasting, data architecture, analytical products, and hands-on system delivery.
Review Production Proof08 · Request a Fit Review
Tell me enough to decide whether I can help.
Three or four sentences is plenty: what decision or workflow is stuck, why it matters, and what is blocking production. I review these personally.
What happens nextIf it looks like a fit, I’ll reply personally and suggest the smallest sensible next step: definition, a scoped sprint, embedded support, or no engagement.
Inquiry received.The form was submitted successfully.