(Remote) Senior Data Science Engineer – Supply Chain Optimization & Network Analytics

Join arenaflex: Shape the Future of Omnichannel Supply Chain Innovation

Are you ready to apply your quantitative expertise to solve some of the most complex supply chain challenges in the world? arenaflex is seeking a highly skilled, research-driven Senior Data Science Engineer specializing in Supply Chain Optimization and Network Analytics to join our remote-first team. This is a rare opportunity to work on transformative projects that directly influence how hundreds of millions of customers receive the products they need, when they need them, at the lowest possible cost.

At arenaflex, we are reimagining the future of retail and logistics through cutting-edge data science, advanced mathematical modeling, and scalable engineering solutions. Our mission is bold yet clear: design a supply chain ecosystem that leverages arenaflex's unique strengths to deliver an unmatched product assortment, drive the lowest costs in the industry, and build next-generation capabilities through transformative initiatives. If you are passionate about operations research, prescriptive analytics, and the power of data to reshape global commerce, this role is built for you.

About the Team and Our Mission

The CENTROID Data Science organization within arenaflex is a dynamic collective of industry-leading experts, strategic consultants, and world-class technologists. We blend deep strategic thinking with rigorous data science and advanced analytics to tackle the most intricate supply chain problems at unprecedented scale. Our team is responsible for architecting the end-to-end delivery network of tomorrow—optimizing everything from inbound logistics to last-mile delivery, returns processing, inventory placement, and transportation monetization strategies.

Every day, our work produces highly visible, high-impact decisions that shape arenaflex's competitive edge in the medium to long term. We employ a diverse methodological toolkit spanning classical operations research, machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, causal inference, and statistical modeling. Our research is not only deployed at scale within arenaflex but is also recognized by the broader academic community—we have presented at top-tier conferences and published in leading peer-reviewed journals. Our team was honored with the prestigious INFORMS Franz Edelman Award in 2023, a testament to the real-world impact and technical excellence of our work.

Key Responsibilities

• Network Transformation Modeling: Design, develop, and deploy optimization models for ambient and perishable inbound network design, middle-mile network flow optimization, last-mile delivery, and returns architecture.
• Inventory and Placement Strategy: Build prescriptive models that determine optimal inventory placement, target levels, and replenishment strategies across arenaflex's vast distribution network.
• Transportation Optimization: Engineer solutions for transportation planning, freight monetization, and carrier strategy that deliver measurable cost savings and service improvements.
• Algorithm Development: Develop, optimize, and scale mathematical programming models (Linear Programming, Mixed Integer Programming, Non-Linear Programming, Stochastic Programming) for production-grade environments.
• Heuristic and Simulation Design: Solve stochastic discrete optimization problems using heuristic methods, integer programming formulations, and simulation-based approaches.
• Advanced Statistical Modeling: Apply machine learning and statistical techniques including SVM, Random Forest, Bayesian inference, Graph models, NLP, Computer Vision, and Neural Networks to support decision-making.
• Software Engineering: Write production-quality code in Python, leveraging optimization libraries (CPlex, Gurobi, XPressMP) and machine learning frameworks (Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras).
• Data Engineering: Query, transform, and analyze massive datasets using SQL, Spark, and Hive to support modeling efforts and derive actionable insights.
• Cloud Architecture: Deploy and scale models on cloud platforms such as Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Microsoft Azure, ensuring reliability and performance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering, product, operations, and business leaders to translate business challenges into analytical solutions and communicate findings effectively.
• Thought Leadership: Contribute to the broader research community through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and internal knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Essential Qualifications

• Educational Background: Ph.D. or M.S. in a quantitative discipline such as Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, with up to ten years of relevant work experience.
• Thesis Expertise: Demonstrated ability to leverage graduate-level research in Operations Research, Statistics, or an equivalent quantitative area, with substantial experience in mathematical programming strategies, stochastic programming, or applied disciplines that rely heavily on operations research modeling.
• Optimization Toolkit Proficiency: Hands-on experience with one or more optimization solvers and libraries, including commercial tools like CPlex, Gurobi, and XPressMP, as well as open-source alternatives.
• Programming Skills: Strong software development capabilities in Python, with familiarity in machine learning libraries such as Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Keras. Proficiency in SQL for data querying and manipulation.
• Communication Skills: Ability to clearly articulate complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences, translating analytical insights into actionable business recommendations.
• Collaborative Mindset: Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional leaders across engineering, operations, and strategy teams.

Preferred Qualifications (The "Sweep Us Off Our Feet" Factors)

• Full-Stack Data Science Experience: Established track record as a complete-stack data scientist who develops, optimizes, and scales models for production environments, from initial prototyping through deployment and monitoring.
• Advanced Modeling Mastery: Deep expertise in optimization modeling techniques (LP, MIP, NLP) and advanced statistical modeling methods (SVM, Random Forest, Bayesian inference, Graph models, NLP, Computer Vision, Neural Networks).
• Domain Experience: Prior experience solving challenging inventory and operations planning problems, with specific exposure to stochastic discrete optimization, heuristic development, integer programming, and simulation-based approaches.
• Cloud and Big Data Experience: Hands-on experience with cloud technologies such as GCP and Azure, as well as big data tools including Spark, Hive, and TensorFlow.
• Research Publication Record: A strong portfolio of peer-reviewed publications in top-tier operations research, machine learning, or applied mathematics journals and conferences.

Skills and Competencies for Success

To excel in this role at arenaflex, you will need a combination of technical depth, business acumen, and interpersonal savvy. We are looking for someone who can independently drive complex research projects while thriving in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. You should be intellectually curious, detail-oriented, and energized by the challenge of turning abstract business problems into concrete, deployable solutions. Strong project management skills, a bias toward action, and the ability to balance theoretical rigor with practical execution will set you apart.

Career Growth and Learning Opportunities

At arenaflex, we are deeply committed to your professional development. As a member of our team, you will have access to mentorship from some of the brightest minds in operations research and data science. You will work on problems of unprecedented scale and complexity, with the autonomy to innovate and the resources to publish your work externally. Whether you are looking to deepen your technical expertise, transition into a leadership role, or expand your influence across the broader organization, arenaflex provides clear career pathways and invests heavily in the skillsets of the future. We believe in growing our people as much as we believe in growing our technology.

Work Environment and Company Culture

arenaflex fosters a people-led, tech-empowered culture where innovation thrives and every voice matters. As a remote-first team member, you will enjoy the flexibility of working from anywhere while remaining deeply connected to your colleagues through virtual collaboration, regular team summits, and ongoing communication. We are a diverse, inclusive organization that values different perspectives and backgrounds. Our team members describe arenaflex as a place where curiosity is celebrated, where ambitious ideas are supported, and where the impact of your work is felt by hundreds of millions of people around the globe. We are at the forefront of the next retail disruption, and we want you to be part of it.

Compensation and Benefits

arenaflex offers a competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. The hourly pay range for this position is $65 – $100 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Beyond base compensation, you will have the opportunity to earn performance-based incentive awards tied to your individual contributions and team outcomes.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Multiple medical and health insurance plan options
• Dental and vision insurance
• Additional wellness programs and employee assistance resources

We are committed to supporting your holistic well-being, both inside and outside of work, so you can do your best work and live your best life.

Why You Should Apply

If you are a quantitatively trained problem-solver who dreams of deploying your research at planetary scale, arenaflex is where your ambitions become reality. This is more than a job—it is a chance to define the future of supply chain innovation, to publish groundbreaking research, and to make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of customers every single day. Our team has been recognized with the INFORMS Franz Edelman Award, and we are just getting started.

Join us, and you will work alongside world-class experts who share your passion for excellence, your curiosity for discovery, and your drive to make an impact. Whether you are taking the next step in your career or seeking a role that will challenge and inspire you in equal measure, arenaflex offers the platform, the people, and the purpose to help you achieve extraordinary things.

Ready to reimagine what is possible? We want to hear from you. Apply today and become part of the team that is redefining the future of retail and supply chain at arenaflex.