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Constrained Optimization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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This is a role for someone who thinks in terms of control theory, constrained optimization, and auction economics, and who can translate those frameworks into production code that makes millions of ...

This role demands deep expertise in Data Science, Machine Learning, constrained Optimization (Operations Research), and scalable cloud-native service development. You will drive scientific rigor and ...

The role requires the ability to formulate and solve constrained optimization problems across multi-tier supply networks, model yield dynamics for technically complex modules, incorporate component ...

New

Formulate these as constrained optimization problems -- defining objective functions (e.g., maximize fill rate, minimize total landed cost), decision variables (allocation quantities, line ...

Design and implement prescriptive analytics solutions, including linear and integer programming constrained optimization, stochastic or scenario-based optimization (where applicable). * Build ...

This role demands deep expertise in Data Science, Machine Learning, constrained Optimization (Operations Research), and scalable cloud-native service development. You will drive scientific rigor and ...

Familiarity with on-device ML frameworks or resource-constrained optimization * Experience working with incomplete, noisy, or limited datasets * Background in experimental design and statistical ...

Data Scientist (NYC, L5/L6)

New York, NY · On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

Deep understanding of optimization, including familiarity with formulating and solving constrained optimization problems * Advanced with SQL and Python Compensation and Benefits: * Very competitive ...

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Constrained Optimization information

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$40

$59

$81

How much do constrained optimization jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for constrained optimization in the United States is $59.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.27 and $73.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs use optimization?

Jobs that involve optimization include roles in operations research, supply chain management, data analysis, financial modeling, and engineering. These positions often require skills in mathematical modeling, programming, and the use of optimization software or tools. Professionals in these fields work to improve efficiency, reduce costs, or maximize outcomes within constraints.

What is the difference between Constrained Optimization vs Data Analyst?

AspectConstrained OptimizationData Analyst
Required CredentialsMathematics, Operations Research, Optimization CertificationsStatistics, Data Analysis, Business Intelligence Certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch, Mathematical Modeling, Algorithm DevelopmentData Collection, Data Cleaning, Reporting
Industry UsageOperations, Logistics, Finance, EngineeringMarketing, Healthcare, Finance, Technology

Constrained Optimization focuses on mathematical modeling to find optimal solutions within given constraints, often requiring advanced quantitative skills. Data Analysts interpret data to inform business decisions, utilizing statistical tools. While both roles involve data and analysis, Constrained Optimization is more specialized in mathematical problem-solving, whereas Data Analysts focus on data interpretation and reporting.

Infographic showing various Constrained Optimization job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,067 per year, or $59.6 per hour.
Senior Applied Scientist II, Ads Optimization

Senior Applied Scientist II, Ads Optimization

Instacart

On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Instacart rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

The Advertiser Optimization team is the decision-making engine of Instacart's $1B+ ads business. We own the systems responsible for Bidding, Pacing, Budgeting, and Targeting: converting stated advertiser goals into real-time auction actions. Our mission is to maximize realized Advertiser Value by deciding when to participate, how much to bid, and how fast to spend, all while balancing User Experience and Platform Revenue.

We are hiring a Senior Applied Scientist II to lead the algorithmic direction of these systems. This is a role for someone who thinks in terms of control theory, constrained optimization, and auction economics, and who can translate those frameworks into production code that makes millions of decisions per day. You will formulate problems from first principles, shape the technical roadmap, and own systems end-to-end from mathematical design through production deployment through impact measurement.

About the Job
  • Design and evolve real-time bid optimization systems that translate advertiser goals (target ROAS, budget constraints) into optimal auction bids under uncertainty. Formulate the bidding problem as constrained optimization and build the feedback mechanisms that keep bids aligned with realized outcomes.
  • Build intelligent budget pacing algorithms that distribute spend across time and auction opportunities. The core challenge: allocating a finite daily budget across stochastic demand while maximizing total value, subject to advertiser constraints and time-varying conversion dynamics.
  • Develop the analytical frameworks that connect bidding, pacing, and budgeting into a coherent optimization objective.
  • Shape auction mechanics including reserve pricing, multi-slot allocation, and bid-to-price mapping. Reason about mechanism design tradeoffs between advertiser outcomes, platform revenue, and marketplace efficiency.
  • Own the full research-to-production loop: diagnose system behavior from large-scale data, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, ship production code, and measure impact. Write technical strategy documents that set the algorithmic direction for the team.
About YouMinimum Qualifications
  • MS or PhD in operations research, applied mathematics, control systems, computational economics, or a related quantitative field.
  • 8+ years of experience building and deploying optimization or control systems in production environments (not just research prototypes).
  • Strong foundation in at least two of: feedback control theory (PID, MPC), convex and stochastic optimization, auction theory and mechanism design, dynamic programming.
  • Proficiency in one of the following languages: Go, Java, C++ for production systems and Python for data analysis and offline pipelines.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate mathematical formulations into production code that runs at scale (millions of decisions per day, sub-100ms latency constraints).
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with real-time bidding systems, ad auction optimization, or computational advertising at scale.
  • Background in budget-constrained allocation methods. Experience with adaptive control or model-predictive control in production systems.
  • Familiarity with causal inference and experimental design for evaluating algorithmic changes in marketplace settings.
  • Track record of shaping technical strategy and driving cross-functional alignment between engineering, product, and data science.

What Instacart employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Instacart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Instacart, based in San Francisco, CA, US, operates within the retail industry, specifically grocery delivery and pick-up service. It is recognized as a pioneer in this field, delivering fresh groceries from local stores directly to customers' doors. The company, which launched its services in 2012, continues to pioneer change in the online grocery shopping sector through its commitment to cutting-edge technology, new business ideas, and dedicated service.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

2012