Strategic Projects Lead (100%) at AI Startup

Lightly AG is an ETH and HSG spin-off pioneering in machine learning and computer vision. Backed by Y Combinator and top-tier investors, our technology is used by global leaders in autonomous driving, medical imaging, and visual inspection. With a small but mighty team in Zurich, we’re looking for a proactive and versatile Strategic Projects Lead to help us scale efficiently and keep our operations humming. This role is ideal for an ambitious business or engineering professional, a startup-savvy, high-performance operations manager, or a seasoned solutions professional seeking a dynamic full-time role with real impact. You’ll support our co-founders and leadership team directly while keeping our Zurich HQ running smoothly. In this role, you will: Expert network management: Manage our network of AI experts, including hiring, contracts, and payments AI Project management: Run all operational steps from task assignment to QA and final delivery Communication hub: Act as a link between engineering, founders, and solution engineering Strategic customer success: Support our technical customers and key accounts with a calm and helpful approach Process optimization: Shape and refine our processes, suggest improvements, and introduce useful automations Product and platform management: Support product management for our operations platform together with engineering and founders You’re a strong candidate if you: Have 3–4 years of work experience in either consulting, engineering/data science, operations management, human data, or finance admin, or are a highly organized professional with a solutions engineering or technical background in GenAI with a sharp sense of ownership. Are fluent in English. Additional languages are a plus. Have top-notch organizational skills and can juggle multiple priorities without dropping the ball. Thrive in dynamic, ambiguous environments and love figuring things out. Are comfortable using digital tools like Google Workspace, Slack, Notion, Bexio and possibly Hubspot or are willing to learn them. Are fully committed to help build a rocket ship and can be present in the Zurich office several days per week. If the collaboration works well, this role can develop in a more advanced role at a later point in time. Nice to have: Experience working in AI Research Experience with RL Gyms Experience working with Frontier Labs 💡 Don’t meet every single requirement? That’s okay! At Lightly, we believe in potential, growth, and learning. If you're excited about the role and think you could be a great fit, we encourage you to apply—even if your experience doesn’t match the job description 100%. A front-row seat to how a YC-backed deep tech company is built Direct exposure to the inner workings of startup leadership Flexible working hours and the ability to shape your role over time A modern, central office in Zürich near HB and the possibility to work from home. Company retreats, offsites, and team events Competitive compensation tailored to experience and scope of work Send us your CV and a short note about why this role excites you. If you’ve handled similar tasks before, we’d love to hear specific examples. We look forward to hearing from you!