Senior Applied Scientist - Warehouse Fulfillment Quality Algorithms (all genders)

Zalando GmbH; Berlin; Hybrid; EUR 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days holiday

Fashion discount

Lounge discount

Family support

Company pension

Employee shares

Wellbeing options

Mental health support

Training platform

Volunteer days

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Zalando in Berlin seeks a Senior Applied Scientist to translate real-world problems into mathematical models and design scalable software systems.

You will own development from requirements to production, work with engineers, and advance discrete optimization in our logistics domain. Strong collaboration, English communication, and a passion for scalable software are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong background in combinatorial optimization.
• Proficient in JVM-based languages.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Model real-world problems and design scalable algorithms.
• Own end-to-end development from requirements to production.
• Collaborate with software engineers to optimize order processing systems.
• Apply abstract thinking to connect problems with solutions.
• Promote inclusive, high-performing team culture.

Skills

Combinatorial optimization

Java/Kotlin

English communication

Job description

As a Senior Applied Scientist, you will be part of an expert team of software engineers and applied scientists working towards keeping the delivery time promise for all Zalando customers.

In this role you will translate real-world problems into mathematical models, and design algorithms that solve these models. Beyond the algorithmic challenges, a significant part of your role will be creation and maintenance of the software systems required to run these algorithms.

Here, you will have to ensure that the system adheres to the latest software engineering standards, and you will gain a comprehensive understanding of order processing systems to identify opportunities for improvement.

If you are passionate about building scalable software systems and solving complex problems using discrete optimization, we want to hear from you. This is a unique opportunity to make a real impact and help drive the success of our business.

WHAT WE’D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING)

• Innovative Problem Solving: Contribute to modeling, solving, and implementing our research-driven software framework.
• End-to-End Ownership: Take responsibility for the entire development cycle from understanding business requirements and prototyping to implementing production-ready software, and ensuring quality through testing and operational support for highly available systems.
• Collaborative Impact: Work closely with our software engineers to mutually influence and understand system constraints and opportunities, and take part in shaping the future of our system.
• Big Picture Thinking: Apply abstract thinking to uncover correlations between problems, methodologies, and solutions. Be part of a team that continually pushes the boundaries of what is possible.
• Inclusive Culture: Help foster a positive, inclusive, and diverse team environment where everyone’s contributions are valued, and collaboration thrives.
• You have a strong academic background of combinatorial optimization and you are able to detect these concepts even if they are hidden in complex real-world problems.
• You prefer simple solutions over complex ones but at the same time, you are aware that complex problems sometimes require advanced algorithms.
• You have some experience in professional software engineering, ideally in a JVM-based language. You are eager to learn more about software engineering.
• You’re excited about working in a setup that requires a deep domain understanding (e.g., how our logistics order processing works).
• You are a team player who thrives in an agile and cross-functional environment, and is passionate about fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• You have strong proficiency in English and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively in an international team setting.

OUR OFFER

• 27 days of holiday a year to start for full-time employees (+1 day for every calendar year up to 30 days)
• 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Lounge by Zalando, discounts from external partners
• Family support, including counselling and dedicated services for parents and carers
• Company pension scheme
• Employee shares programme
• Health and wellbeing options, including Wellhub
• Mental health support and coaching
• Development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review
• 2 paid volunteering days a year
• Relocation assistance (subject to prior agreement)

INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN

At Zalando, our vision is to be the leading European technology platform for fashion and lifestyle – one that thrives on diversity and is truly inclusive by design. We believe that diverse teams fuel innovation and creativity, and we actively seek out talent from all backgrounds.

We actively seek to reduce bias in our hiring and employment processes, focusing on your qualifications, skills, and contributions. To support this, we kindly ask that you refrain from including personal details such as your photo, age, or marital status in your CV, ensuring a fair and equitable evaluation based solely on your abilities and potential.

We are committed to providing an exceptional and accessible candidate experience for everyone. If you require any accommodations to support you throughout the hiring process, please let us know – we are here to assist you.