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Operations Research Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Doctorate in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 3+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured ...

Doctorate in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 5+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured ...

Senior Data Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$118K - $161K/yr

Doctorate in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 1+ year(s) data-science experience (e.g., managing structured ...

Senior Data Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$118K - $161K/yr

Doctorate in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 1+ year(s) data-science experience (e.g., managing structured ...

Applied Scientist, Last Mile Science

Bellevue, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The primary role of an Operations Research Scientist within Amazon is to address business challenges through building a compelling case, and using data to influence change across the organization.

Staff Applied Scientist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$191K - $345K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Across all areas, you'll: o Combine statistical methods, machine learning, and operations research techniques as appropriate. o Stay current on relevant research and bring practical, scalable methods ...

Showing results 21-40

Operations Research information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$43.8K

$106.8K

$171.8K

How much do operations research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations research in Seattle, WA is $106,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,700.00 and $131,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is operations research?

Operations research is a discipline that uses advanced analytical methods, such as mathematical modeling, statistics, and algorithms, to help organizations solve complex problems and make better decisions. Professionals in this field analyze data and systems to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. Operations research is applied in various industries, including logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, to support strategic planning and operational improvements.

What are the qualifications to get a job in operations research?

The qualifications to get a job in operations research typically include a bachelor’s degree and strong technical and mathematical skills. Data science, statistics, applied math, and engineering are all good subjects to study in college. It is also useful to have a working knowledge of the specific industry in which you work, such as logistics and delivery, healthcare, or business. More complex positions often require advanced degrees. In addition to these formal qualifications, programming experience with R or other statistical software and strong analytical skills are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operations research analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operations Research Analyst, you need strong quantitative analysis, mathematical modeling, and problem-solving skills, typically supported by a degree in mathematics, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python or R), advanced Excel, and optimization software like CPLEX or Gurobi is often required. Outstanding communication, critical thinking, and teamwork abilities help translate complex data insights into actionable recommendations for stakeholders. These skills ensure effective analysis, informed decision-making, and successful implementation of solutions in complex organizational environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in operations research, and how can they be addressed?

Operations Research professionals often encounter challenges such as working with incomplete or imperfect data, translating complex mathematical models into actionable business solutions, and communicating technical findings to non-technical stakeholders. Successfully addressing these challenges involves collaborating closely with subject matter experts, utilizing robust data validation techniques, and developing strong communication skills to clearly convey results and recommendations. Additionally, staying updated on the latest optimization tools and methodologies can help streamline problem-solving processes.

What is the difference between Operations Research vs Data Analyst?

AspectOperations ResearchData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in operations research, industrial engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's in statistics, mathematics, or data science
Work EnvironmentAnalytical teams, consulting firms, manufacturing, logisticsBusiness, finance, marketing, technology sectors
Employer & Industry UsageSupply chain, transportation, manufacturing, governmentRetail, finance, healthcare, tech companies
Common Search & ComparisonOperations Research vs Data Analyst

Operations Research and Data Analysts both analyze data to improve decision-making, but Operations Research focuses on complex optimization and modeling for large systems, while Data Analysts interpret data trends for business insights. Their roles often overlap but serve different strategic purposes in organizations.

Does operations research pay well?

Operations research analysts typically earn competitive salaries, with median wages above the national average for many industries. Salaries vary based on experience, education, and location, and professionals often work with data analysis, optimization tools, and statistical software. Advanced skills and certifications can lead to higher compensation.

What can I do with an operations research degree?

An operations research degree prepares individuals for roles such as operations analyst, supply chain manager, or data analyst, focusing on optimizing processes and decision-making using mathematical modeling and analytical tools. Graduates often work in industries like manufacturing, logistics, finance, and consulting, utilizing skills in statistics, programming, and problem-solving. Certifications in project management or data analysis can enhance career prospects.

What does an operations researcher do?

An operations researcher analyzes complex systems and processes to improve efficiency and decision-making using mathematical models, statistics, and optimization techniques. They often work with data analysis tools and develop algorithms to solve problems in logistics, supply chain, manufacturing, and other operational areas.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Research jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Operations Research jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What job categories do people searching Operations Research jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Operations Research jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Operations Research job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,752 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Principal Data Scientist - FDE

Microsoft

Redmond, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Microsoft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 244 rated software companies


Job description

Overview
In the Microsoft Frontier Company Engineering team, you won't just build software; you'll deliver real outcomes for some of the world's most complex organizations.
We are a global team of world-class engineers who have been working in a Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) model for more than a decade, embedding directly within customer teams to solve their toughest challenges, side-by-side, and shipping production-ready solutions in days, not months.
As a Principal Data Scientist, you will help transform how organizations use data, developing models, running experiments, and driving evidence-based decisions that have measurable business impact. You'll work in small, multidisciplinary crews alongside engineers, product managers, and domain experts, owning the full lifecycle from data discovery through to deployed solutions.
Our work is powered by AI, applying the mindset and tooling across the entire development lifecycle to move from idea to production in days while maintaining the highest standards of security, quality, and trust.
This role offers the opportunity to:
  • Work with messy, real-world datasets and turn them into scalable, production-ready solutions

  • Run experiments that directly influence business strategy and customer outcomes

  • Collaborate with leading global organizations across industries

  • Apply the latest advancements in AI and data science to solve problems at scale

Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees, we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
  • You will oversee acquisition of the data sets necessary for your project delivery and ensure data is properly formatted and described. You will address any gaps in current data sets, and drive ethics and privacy discussions around data collection and preparation.

  • You will evaluate your team's models using metrics tied to genuine business outcomes and recommend improvements as necessary, drive best practices for models, and develop operational models that run at scale. You'll also conduct thorough reviews of data analysis and modeling techniques and identify and invent new evaluation methods.

  • You will research and maintain a deep knowledge of the industry, including trends and technologies, so that you can identify strategy opportunities and contribute to thought leadership in best practices. You'll also write extensible code that spans multiple features and develops expertise in proper debugging techniques.

  • You will define business, customer, and solution strategy goals, and partner with other teams to identify and explore new opportunities. You'll also commit to a customer-oriented focus by acknowledging their needs and offering customer pragmatic solutions that align with their data capabilities.

  • As the expert data scientist, you will also coach engineers and cross-disciplinary partners in data science best practices and scale knowledge within the cross discipline team.

Qualifications
Required/minimum qualifications
  • Doctorate in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 3+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) OR Master's Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 5+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) OR Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 7+ years data science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) OR equivalent experience.

Other Requirements
  • Microsoft is unable to sponsor a work visa for this role due to the nature of the role's job duties.

Additional or preferred qualifications
  • Doctorate in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 5+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) OR Master's Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 8+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) OR Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 12+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) OR equivalent experience.
  • Experience partnering directly with customers or internal stakeholders to deliver solutions end-to-end.
  • 3+ years customer-facing, project-delivery experience, professional services, and/or consulting experience.
  • Comfortable with travel up to 25% (role dependent)
    #FDE

Data Science IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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About Microsoft

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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