Operations Research Phd Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

At Chewy, we believe great work starts with great people!

Here, you’ll be part of a team that values who you are, what you bring, and where you want to grow. We offer meaningful work, competitive compensation, and opportunities to develop your career in an environment built on trust and collaboration.

Your Opportunity

As a Research Scientist on the Outbound Science & Technology team, you will design, develop, and deploy advanced optimization, simulation, and machine learning models that power Chewy’s outbound network. You will work at the intersection of operations research, data science, and supply chain systems to solve complex fulfillment and transportation challenges at scale.

You will translate ambiguous business problems into structured mathematical models and scalable solutions that improve speed, cost efficiency, and service levels across our outbound operations. Partnering closely with engineering, product, and operations teams, you will move solutions from research to production and drive measurable business impact.

What You'll Do

• Develop and implement optimization models for outbound fulfillment, transportation planning, routing, and capacity management

• Design and apply advanced operations research techniques including linear programming, mixed-integer programming, heuristics, and simulation

• Build predictive models and machine learning solutions to improve forecasting, allocation, and network efficiency

• Translate business challenges into mathematical formulations and scalable algorithms

• Prototype, test, and validate models using large-scale datasets

• Partner with engineering teams to productionize models and integrate them into operational systems

• Communicate findings, trade-offs, and recommendations clearly to cross-functional stakeholders

• Conduct experimentation and scenario analysis to support strategic decision-making

• Continuously evaluate and improve model performance and operational impact

What You'll Need

• Minimum MS degree in Operations Research, Data Science, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related quantitative field

• 2+ years of experience in operations research, data science, or applied optimization

• Strong foundation in mathematical optimization, probability, statistics, and algorithm design

• Experience developing optimization models using tools such as Python, Gurobi, CPLEX, or similar solvers

• Proficiency in Python or similar programming languages for data analysis and model development

• Experience working with large datasets and distributed computing environments

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to structure ambiguous problems

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Working knowledge of supply chain, logistics, or fulfillment operations

Bonus

• PhD in Operations Research, Data Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related field

• Experience with large-scale transportation or e-commerce fulfillment networks

• Experience productionizing models in cloud-based environments

• Familiarity with simulation frameworks and stochastic optimization

• Experience collaborating with product and engineering teams in an agile environment

What You'll Get

• A place where you can be your authentic self and grow your career. Our pet parents and partners are from everywhere—different places and different walks of life. It is what makes them unique. Likewise, Chewtopians are encouraged to bring their perspectives to deliver on our mission!

• Work in a culture that cares, with managers who value you and your career journey. Be empowered to think big, thrive on delivering results, and to become your best.

• Development of meaningful connections with a diverse group of Chewtopians through Team Member Resource Groups and celebrate inclusivity with various company events, programs, and activities.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision benefits, in addition to wellness programs and resources, enabling you to be your best self in and outside of work.

• The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, education, and work location. In addition, this position is eligible for 401k and a new hire and annual equity grant. C08+ positions may also be eligible for annual bonus.

We offer different types of insurance and benefits, such as medical/Rx, vision, dental, life, disability, hospital indemnity, critical illness, and accident. We offer parental leave, family services benefits, backup dependent care, flexible spending accounts, telemedicine, pet adoption reimbursement, employee assistance program, and many discounts including 10% off pet insurance and 20% off at Chewy.com. 

Exempt salary team members have unlimited PTO, subject to manager approval. Team members will receive six paid holidays per year. Team members may be eligible for paid sick and family leave in compliance with applicable state and local regulations. 

Chewy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, citizenship, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, as well as any other legally-protected characteristic. If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law, and you need an accommodation during the application process or to perform these job requirements, or if you need a religious accommodation, please contact CAAR@chewy.com.

To access Chewy's California CPRA Job Applicant Privacy Policy, please click here.