Derek Zavada

About Derek Zavada

With over 20 years in the technology industry, I have built a career at the intersection of innovation, efficiency, and leadership. My journey began in the early days of computing, developing custom controllers and one of the first EIDE RAID systems. Since then, I’ve evolved alongside the industry, leading teams and delivering cutting-edge solutions in both hardware and software development.I have a strong background in AI-driven projects, having worked on groundbreaking medical research AI for MD Anderson and AI applications in the film industry. My expertise spans cloud computing, storage systems, automation, and optimization, helping businesses streamline operations, reduce costs, and maximize efficiency.As a technical leader and manager, I’ve successfully guided teams across multiple disciplines, from software engineering to hardware infrastructure. I thrive on solving complex challenges, improving workflows, and implementing cost-saving strategies through automation and process refinement.I\'m passionate about continuous learning and always stay up to date with the latest advancements in technology. Whether it’s AI, cloud computing, or emerging innovations, I am constantly studying and adapting to new trends. I\'m also an active contributor to AWS Deadline and Deadline Cloud, helping to enhance rendering and cloud-based workflows for the industry.I’m driven by technology, leadership, and optimization, ensuring businesses operate smarter, faster, and more efficiently. If you\'re looking for a leader who can bridge technical expertise with strategic vision, let’s connect!

Experience

1. Owner

   Down-Zero

   Jan 2018 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   Director of Business AI Systems & AI Solutions ArchitectureAt Down-Zero, I focus on helping organizations turn AI into a practical business advantage. My role sits at the intersection of business strategy and applied AI, working with leadership and technical teams to identify where AI can realistically improve operations, workflows, and decision-making.Rather than starting with tools or models, I begin with business problems — then design AI systems that fit existing processes, scale appropriately, and deliver measurable value. This includes architecting solutions, selecting the right AI approaches, and leading hands-on implementation to ensure systems are usable, cost-effective, and adopted by the teams they support.I design and deploy AI solutions across a wide range of environments, integrating seamlessly into current infrastructure using platforms such as AWS and Azure. My work spans intelligent automation, data-driven workflows, and applied machine learning, with a strong emphasis on reliability, maintainability, and long-term sustainability.The goal isn’t AI for its own sake. It’s about helping businesses — large and small — work smarter, reduce friction, and focus people on higher-value work through thoughtfully designed AI systems.

Skills

• Visual Effects
• Post Production
• Nuke
• Maya
• Compositing
• Photoshop
• Computer Animation
• After Effects
• Digital Compositing
• Animation
• Film
• Feature Films
• Lighting
• Commercials
• 3d
• Premiere
• Linux
• Microsoft Office
• Html
• Os X
• Final Cut Pro
• Television
• Computer Graphics
• Rendering
• System Administration
• Motion Graphics
• Mac Os X
• Mysql
• Python
• Deadline Render
• Wireless Networking
• Network Design
• Network Engineering
• Network Security
• Mental Ray
• Deep Learning
• Machine Learning
• Neural Networks
• Tensorflow