Applied Scientist - Optimization, Amazon Transportation

Amazon's Middle Mile Surface Research Science team is looking for an Applied Scientist to invent and build optimization models and algorithms that improve how Amazon plans and operates its transportation network. This network moves millions of truckloads of freight between vendors, warehouses, and customers using trucks, trains, and airplanes, ensuring on-time delivery at low cost. The role focuses on developing new approaches and algorithms tailored to Amazon's scale and unique business needs.

About the role

As an Applied Scientist, you will design and develop optimization models and algorithms, initially focusing on driver capacity optimization. Your work will directly impact business decisions worth billions of dollars and enhance the delivery experience for millions of customers.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop optimization models and algorithms to enhance Amazon’s optimization and planning systems.
• Build models and algorithms from prototype to production-level systems.
• Translate ambiguous business problems into modeling approaches and drive technical design with product, engineering, and operations partners.
• Influence key business decisions through rigorous modeling and analysis.
• Communicate results and recommendations to scientific and business audiences.

A day in the life

• Analyze data to investigate business problems or model performance and identify improvements.
• Brainstorm new algorithmic strategies or business opportunities with fellow scientists.
• Leverage GenAI to build and test new model features.
• Run simulations or experiments to evaluate model performance.
• Meet with product and tech partners to review project requirements, data, and design decisions.
• Review code changes or design documents from fellow scientists or engineers.
• Write and present papers documenting algorithm features, results, and recommendations.

About the team

Middle Mile Surface Research Science builds the models and algorithms that plan and operate Amazon's middle mile network. The team’s work spans operations research, optimization, and machine learning, including vehicle route planning, capacity planning, scheduling, network design, transit-time prediction, demand forecasting, and equipment rebalancing. The team consists of about ten scientists and is part of a broader science organization with deep expertise in machine learning and optimization.

Requirements

• PhD, or Master's degree and 4+ years of experience in science, technology, engineering, or a related field.
• 1+ years of programming experience in Java, C++, Python, or a related language.
• Experience building machine learning models or developing algorithms for business applications.
• Experience in optimization mathematics such as linear programming and nonlinear optimization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in professional software development.
• Experience with standard machine-learning and statistical modeling tools and techniques (e.g., random forests, gradient-boosted regression, LASSO, logistic regression).
• Experience with probability, statistics, and optimization under uncertainty.
• Experience with advanced mathematical programming techniques such as column generation, cuts, or Benders decomposition.
• Experience with meta-heuristic optimization techniques, such as iterative local search or genetic algorithms.
• Experience implementing high-performance algorithms such as shortest paths, network flow algorithms, or local search algorithms.

Pay

Base salary range: $142,800 - $193,200 USD annually (Bellevue, WA). The final compensation package will include sign-on payments, restricted stock units (RSUs), and will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and location.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D, with optional supplemental life plans).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and mental health support.
• Medical Advice Line and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Adoption and surrogacy reimbursement coverage.
• 401(k) matching.
• Paid time off and parental leave.

Learn more about Amazon’s benefits here.