Staff Research Scientist

About the role

Symbotic is an automation technology leader reimagining the supply chain with its end-to-end, AI-powered robotic and software platform. The company reinvents the warehouse as a strategic asset for the world’s largest retail, wholesale, and food & beverage companies, solving today's complex distribution challenges with next-gen technology, high-density storage, and machine learning.

Responsibilities

• Build mathematical models to estimate system throughput, capacity, and performance (e.g., cases/hour, cycle times, asset utilization)
• Translate on-site observations into structured models (e.g., timing operations, identifying constraints, estimating flow)
• Support customer solutioning and pre-sales by sizing systems and validating assumptions
• Work alongside leadership to pressure-test system design in real time
• Bridge intuitive reasoning with structured modeling (e.g., “back-of-the-envelope” → scalable frameworks)
• Identify system bottlenecks (e.g., congestion, latency, resource constraints)
• Develop simple tools/templates to help teams consistently model and size systems
• Clearly communicate outputs to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Requirements

• Background in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or similar
• Minimum 7 years of experience in manufacturing, automation, or logistics environments
• Throughput, capacity, or flow modeling
• Strong intuition for cycle times, bottlenecks, and system constraint, queueing / congestion concepts
• Able to build models from first principle, imperfect or limited data
• Experience with tools like Python, Excel, or simulation tools is helpful but not required
• Excellent communication skills -- can explain complex ideas simply & comfortable presenting to leadership and customers

Qualifications

• PhD preferred

Skills

• Strong analytical and practical engineering skills
• Ability to translate physical system behavior into mathematical models
• Comfortable working from first principles and observing systems in operation
• Experience with Python, Excel, or simulation tools (optional)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

Benefits

Base range for this position in the posted location is $149,000.00 - $204,600.00. The compensation package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, 401K, PTO and/or other benefits.

Pay

The base range for this position in the posted location is $149,000.00 - $204,600.00. The actual salary offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Schedule

Up to 30% travel may be required to customer sites and manufacturing locations. Employees must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel as needed. The employee is responsible for owning a credit card and managing expenses to be reimbursed on a biweekly basis.