Applied Scientist, Last Mile Science

Amazon; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 143,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Amazon in Austin, TX is seeking a research scientist to advance routing and planning for last-mile delivery. You will design algorithms for large-scale logistics, synthesize data, and influence decisions with data-driven insights.

You'll work at the intersection of OR, ML, and Generative AI, translating models into production-ready code in Python or Java while collaborating with scientists and engineers across the company. This role offers rapid growth and broad impact.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s with 5+ years of ML or algorithm experience in business applications.
• 2+ years of programming in Java, C++, Python or related language.
• Experience applying theoretical models in an applied environment.

Responsibilities

• Invent and design algorithms for large-scale, complex logistics problems.
• Synthesize data from diverse sources to identify high-value opportunities.
• Provide research direction and data-driven insights to guide decisions.
• Translate complex technical approaches into clear communication for scientists, engineers, and business stakeholders.
• Partner with scientists and engineers in a collaborative, high-impact environment.
• Deliver large-scale, high-impact solutions to support business goals.

Skills

Machine learning

Operations research

Communication

Education

PhD or Master’s with 5+ years ML/algorithms

Tools

Python

Java

C++

Job description

Are You Ready to Redefine How the World Receives Its Packages?

What if your algorithms defined the most efficient path for millions of deliveries — every single day? At Amazon, we're building the science that makes that possible, and we're looking for exceptional scientists to help lead the way.

The Last Mile Routing & Planning organization develops the software, algorithms, and tools that power the "magic" of home delivery. Our planning and routing intelligence systems drive billions of daily decisions — enabling safe, efficient, and frustration-free routes for drivers across the globe.

What You'll Do

In this role, you'll sit at the intersection of state-of-the-art research and real-world impact. You will:

• Design and build algorithms that solve large-scale, complex logistics problems
• Synthesize data from diverse sources to identify high-value business opportunities
• Provide research direction and data-driven insights to guide strategic decisions
• Translate complex technical approaches into clear communication for scientists, engineers, and business stakeholders
• Partner closely with scientists and engineers in a collaborative, high-impact environment

What You'll Work On

We have an exciting and growing portfolio of research areas, including:

• Routing for same-day and grocery deliveries
• Planning for electric and autonomous vehicles
• District-level and stop-level planning
• Forecasting solutions for diverse delivery programs

All of this is powered by the latest methods in Operations Research (OR), Machine Learning (ML), and Generative AI — at a truly global scale. Successful candidates will lead one or more of these problem spaces.

What We're Looking For

• Deep expertise in Operations Research and/or Machine Learning methods
• Proven experience applying these methods to large-scale, real-world business problems
• Ability to translate models into production-ready code in Python or Java
• Strong communication skills — you can explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• A bias for action and an iterative mindset when tackling ambitious research challenges

Why Amazon

We're passionate about your growth. Whether you want to explore emerging technologies, take on broader scope, or accelerate your career trajectory, we'll invest in helping you get there. Our business is scaling fast — and so are the opportunities for the people who build it.

If you're driven by the challenge of optimizing one of the world's most complex logistics systems and excited to see your work impact millions of customers daily, we'd love to hear from you.

Key job responsibilities

• Invent and design novel solutions for scientifically complex problem areas, and identify opportunities for invention within existing and new business initiatives
• Deliver large-scale, high-impact solutions to complex problems in support of medium-to-large business goals
• Shape the design of scientifically complex software systems, personally contributing significant portions of the critical scientific novelty
• Apply mathematical optimization, machine learning, and Generative AI techniques to develop solution methodologies for in-house decision support tools and software
• Research, prototype, simulate, and experiment with models — and actively participate in their production-level deployment in Python or Java
• Engage with the broader scientific community by publishing research articles and participating in leading research conferences

Basic Qualifications

• PhD, or Master's degree and 5+ years of building machine learning models or developing algorithms for business application experience
• 2+ years of programming in Java, C++, Python or related language experience
• Experience applying theoretical models in an applied environment

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in engineering, technology, computer science, machine learning, robotics, operations research, statistics, mathematics or equivalent quantitative field
• Experience in patents or publications at top-tier peer-reviewed conferences or journals
• 3+ years of building machine learning models or developing algorithms for business application experience

  Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

  Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

  The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits .

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