Senior Applied Scientist, Modeling and Optimization

Amazon; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,400 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Comprehensive medical benefits

Flexible work environment

Job summary

A leading technology and logistics firm is seeking a Senior Applied Scientist to enhance their last-mile routing. The ideal candidate will have a PhD or Master's degree with significant experience in machine learning and optimization algorithms. Responsibilities include developing solutions for cost reduction in transportation and fulfillment operations. Familiarity with programming languages such as Python and C/C++ is essential. Competitive salary ranges from $150,400 to $260,000 annually in the US, depending on location and experience. This position is in San Francisco, California.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in building machine learning models.
• Proven ability to design and implement algorithms for business applications.
• Strong background in algorithms and data structures.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve last-mile experience through algorithmic work.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs in transportation and fulfillment operations.
• Create metrics to quantify improvements in fulfillment costs.

Skills

Machine learning models

Algorithms for business applications

C/C++

Python

Java

Perl

Education

PhD in engineering or equivalent quantitative field

Master's degree with 10+ years experience

Tools

R

scikit‑learn

Spark MLLib

MxNet

TensorFlow

numpy

scipy

Job description

Senior Applied Scientist, Modeling and Optimization

Job ID: 3155621 | Amazon.com Services LLC

Amazon is looking for a motivated individual with strong analytical and algorithmic skills and practical experience to join the Modeling and Optimization (MOP) Routing Science team. Your main focus will be on developing and improving our last‑mile experience, with emphasis on algorithmic and analytical work. We are looking for candidates with proven ability to design, implement, and evaluate state‑of‑the‑art solutions to large‑scale optimization problems, working closely with software development engineers. The position requires strong background in combinatorial optimization, algorithms, algorithm engineering, and data structures, particularly as it applies to vehicle routing and related problems. Familiarity with Data Science and Machine Learning techniques is a plus.

You will also play an integral role in the network planning, modeling, and analysis that will improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of global fulfillment operations. You will identify and evaluate opportunities to reduce variable costs by improving the transportation network topology, inventory placement, transportation operations and scheduling, fulfillment center processes, and the execution to operational plans. You will also improve the efficiency of capital investment by helping plan the location and deployment of fixed assets. Finally, you will help create the metrics to quantify improvements to the fulfillment costs (e.g., transportation and labor costs) resulting from the application of these optimization models and tools.

Basic Qualifications

• 3+ years of building machine learning models or developing algorithms for business application experience
• PhD in engineering, technology, computer science, machine learning, robotics, operations research, statistics, mathematics or equivalent quantitative field, or Master's degree and 10+ years of industry or academic research experience
• Knowledge of programming languages such as C/C++, Python, Java or Perl

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with modeling tools such as R, scikit‑learn, Spark MLLib, MxNet, Tensorflow, numpy, scipy etc.
• Experience in applied research

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.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $150,400/year in our lowest geographic market up to $260,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign‑on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits . This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.

Posted: January 8, 2026 (Updated 2 days ago)