About the Role
About Avathon
Were hiring a Senior AI Scientist (Transportation & Logistics) at Avathon where AI meets the real world.
This is a high-impact role at the intersection of operations research, reinforcement learning, and large-scale data systems, focused on building intelligent solutions that transform transportation and logistics networks.
We are looking for a Senior AI Scientist to lead the design and deployment of advanced optimization and machine learning systems across complex transportation ecosystems. You will work on real-world challenges such as routing, scheduling, network optimization, demand forecasting, and asset utilization across multimodal logistics environments including FCL, LCL, FTL, LTL, intermodal, and maritime transportation.
This role offers the opportunity to drive innovation in vessel scheduling, container repositioning, fleet optimization, and dynamic routing, while collaborating closely with engineering, product, and operations teams to bring scalable AI solutions into production.
Key ResponsibilitiesÂ
AI/ML Model DevelopmentÂ
- Design and implement advanced models for:Â
- Fleet optimization and capacity planningÂ
- Vehicle routing and scheduling (VRP, TSP variants)Â
- Demand forecasting and optimizationÂ
- Apply reinforcement learning, optimization algorithms, and hybrid ML + OR approachesÂ
Transportation Domain SolutionsÂ
Build solutions for:Â
- Maritime logistics (vessel scheduling, port operations)Â
- Container repositioning and imbalance optimizationÂ
- Truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and intermodal routingÂ
- Incorporate real-world constraints (time windows, capacity, regulations, SLAs)Â
AI Engineering & DeploymentÂ
- Productionize models using scalable architectures (cloud-native, APIs)Â
- Collaborate with engineering teams to deploy AI solutions into productionÂ
- Ensure robustness, explainability, and monitoring of modelsÂ
Data & Feature EngineeringÂ
Work with large-scale datasets:Â
- Shipment data, GPS/telematics, weather, port congestion, tariffsÂ
- Build feature pipelines and data validation frameworksÂ
Leadership & StrategyÂ
- Lead AI initiatives and mentor junior scientistsÂ
- Translate business problems into AI solutionsÂ
- Partner with product, operations, and stakeholders to define roadmapsÂ
Required QualificationsÂ
- PhD in Computer Science, Operations Research, Applied Math, or related quantitative fieldÂ
- 1015+ years of experience in AI/ML or optimization, or Supply Chain planning systems
Strong expertise in:Â
- Python (NumPy, Pandas, PyTorch/TensorFlow)Â
- Optimization tools (Gurobi, CPLEX, OR-Tools)Â
- Deep knowledge of:Â
- Routing algorithms (VRP, shortest path, heuristics/metaheuristics)Â
- Time-series forecasting and probabilistic modelingÂ
- Experience deploying models in production environmentsÂ
Preferred QualificationsÂ
- Experience in transportation, logistics, or supply chain domainÂ
- Familiarity with Maritime shipping or fleet schedulingÂ
- Container logistics and repositioning problemsÂ
Experience with:Â
- Reinforcement learning for dynamic decision-makingÂ
- Digital twins and simulation systemsÂ
- Knowledge of cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, Azure)Â
- Experience with streaming data (Kafka, Spark)Â
Key SkillsÂ
- Optimization + Machine Learning hybrid modelingÂ
- Strong problem-solving and mathematical modeling skillsÂ
- Ability to handle ambiguous, real-world constraintsÂ
- Communication skills to explain complex models to business stakeholdersÂ
Publications / Patents:Â
- Strong plus if you have published in AI/ML/OR conferences (NeurIPS, ICML, INFORMS, etc.)Â
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Interview Process
As part of the interview process, you will be asked to complete a technical assessment.
Benefits & Perks
What are the benefits and perks at Avathon? Below are some highlights we offer to our U.S. full-time employees -- we'd love to connect and share more!
- Evolving culture with the opportunity to drive new ideas and technology
- Stock Option Grants
- Medical Coverage and Parental Leave Plans
- 401k with Employer Match
- Monthly Technology Allowance
- Newly renovated office space located near Pleasanton, CA -- including fully stocked beverage and snack areas
Contract and temporary roles are not eligible for the above benefits.
Compensation
Pay Range:Â $160k - $240k salary annually. Pay for this position is based on a number of factors including geographic location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Location:Â This role is not remote. Candidates must be based in the Bay Area, CA and are expected to report to our Pleasanton office 5 days a week.