Staff Research Scientist

Who we are

With its A.I.-powered robotic technology platform, Symbotic is changing the way consumer goods move through the supply chain. Intelligent software orchestrates advanced robots in a high-density, end-to-end system – reinventing warehouse automation for increased efficiency, speed and flexibility.

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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About Symbotic

Symbotic is an automation technology leader reimagining the supply chain with its end-to-end, AI-powered robotic and software platform. Symbotic reinvents the warehouse as a strategic asset for the world’s largest retail, wholesale, and food & beverage companies. Applying next-gen technology, high-density storage and machine learning to solve today's complex distribution challenges, Symbotic enables companies to move goods with unmatched speed, agility, accuracy and efficiency. As the backbone of commerce the Symbotic platform transforms the flow of goods and the economics of supply chain for its customers. For more information, visit www.symbotic.com.

We are a community of innovators, collaborators and pioneers who embrace our differences, because we know unique perspectives make us stronger and smarter. Every perspective matters. We depend on the collective voices of our employees, customers and community to help guide us as we build a better place to work – for you and the world. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 

We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or genetic information.