Senior Applied Scientist — Operations Research

Staff / Senior Applied Scientist — AI/GenAI & ML Systems (Operations Research)
Overview

We are hiring a Staff or Senior Applied Scientist to build and deploy advanced AI/GenAI and ML systems grounded in applied mathematics and Operations Research (OR). This role is ideal for someone who can take ambiguous, high-impact operational problems, turn them into clear mathematical/algorithmic formulations, and lead implementation end-to-end—
including writing production-quality code
.

You’ll work at the intersection of optimization, inference science, NLP, and reinforcement learning
, with a strong emphasis on practical delivery and measurable business outcomes.
Supply chain optimization experience is a plus.

• Problem formulation: Translate business challenges into mathematical and computational models.
• Applied research: Evaluate and adapt existing approaches (OR models, AI/ML, GenAI/LLM methods).
• Algorithm development: Design and implement new algorithms when existing solutions fall short.
• Hands-on execution: Build prototypes, run experiments, and lead production implementation (you code).
• Technical leadership: Drive solution architecture, performance evaluation, and operational readiness.
• Collaboration: Partner with product, engineering, and domain teams to deliver scalable solutions.

• Strong applied mathematics background with depth in Operational Research
  , including one or more of:
  • Linear / Mixed-Integer Optimization (LP/MIP)
  • Constraint Programming
  • Network / Graph Optimization
  • Stochastic / Robust Optimization
  • Simulation, heuristics, or meta heuristics
• Research or applied experience in at least one of:
  • Inference science (e.g., causal inference, Bayesian methods, uncertainty modeling)
  • NLP (e.g., retrieval, embeddings, information extraction, LLM systems)
  • Reinforcement Learning (e.g., bandits, sequential decision-making, offline RL)
• Proven ability to implement algorithms and deliver real systems end-to-end.
• Strong coding skills in Python and familiarity with relevant scientific/ML tooling.

• Experience in supply chain optimization (planning, inventory, logistics, fulfillment, scheduling).
• Experience building GenAI/LLM-enabled decision systems (e.g., RAG, tool-augmented agents, evaluation frameworks).
• Background shipping applied science solutions into production environments.

• PhD (preferred) or MS in Applied Math, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics
  , or equivalent industry experience.
• Demonstrated ability to combine scientific rigor with practical execution and delivery.

• High-impact, real-world optimization and decision problems.
• Freedom to apply the best approach:
  OR, ML, RL, GenAI, or hybrid methods
  .
• Senior technical ownership with a strong hands-on build-and-ship expectation.

Trace Link is committed to providing competitive compensation and benefits to all employees. This is the estimated base salary range for this role and should serve only as a guide. Final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience level, fit for the role, skills, domain knowledge, internal equity, budget, and location.

US Pay Range

$ — $ USD

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