Staff Research Scientist

Job Description

What we need

We are seeking a highly analytical and practical engineer to model and evaluate complex, real-world systems. This role focuses on translating physical system behavior—throughput, flow, and constraints—into simple, actionable mathematical models that inform product design, site configuration, and customer solutions.

This is not a purely theoretical or simulation-heavy role. The ideal candidate is comfortable working from first principles, observing systems in operation, and building models that are directionally accurate and decision-useful.

What you'll do

• 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

What you'll need

• Background in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or similar. PhD preferred.

• 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

• Ability 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

Our environment

• 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.

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