AmazonApplied Scientist, Last Mile Science
Amazon is hiring an Applied Scientist, Last Mile Science in Austin, United States. It pays $143k-$193k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Amazon.
Level's read on this job
- Level rates this applied scientist role Builds AI ●●●●: the job is building AI systems.
- Tools and skills the posting cites include Python, Java and machine learning.
- Level classifies it as a senior role.
- Level lists 20,000+ other open roles at Amazon.
AI in this role
Design and build optimization algorithms and machine learning models for large-scale last-mile routing and logistics.
What if your algorithms defined the most efficient path for millions of deliveries — every single day? At Amazon, we're building the science that makes that possible, and we're looking for exceptional scientists to help lead the way.
The Last Mile Routing & Planning organization develops the software, algorithms, and tools that power the "magic" of home delivery. Our planning and routing intelligence systems drive billions of daily decisions — enabling safe, efficient, and frustration-free routes for drivers across the globe.
What You'll Do
In this role, you'll sit at the intersection of state-of-the-art research and real-world impact. You will:
- Design and build algorithms that solve large-scale, complex logistics problems
- Synthesize data from diverse sources to identify high-value business opportunities
- Provide research direction and data-driven insights to guide strategic decisions
- Translate complex technical approaches into clear communication for scientists, engineers, and business stakeholders
- Partner closely with scientists and engineers in a collaborative, high-impact environment
What You'll Work On
We have an exciting and growing portfolio of research areas, including:
- Routing for same-day and grocery deliveries
- Planning for electric and autonomous vehicles
- District-level and stop-level planning
- Forecasting solutions for diverse delivery programs
All of this is powered by the latest methods in Operations Research (OR), Machine Learning (ML), and Generative AI — at a truly global scale. Successful candidates will lead one or more of these problem spaces.
What We're Looking For
- Deep expertise in Operations Research and/or Machine Learning methods
- Proven experience applying these methods to large-scale, real-world business problems
- Ability to translate models into production-ready code in Python or Java
- Strong communication skills — you can explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
- A bias for action and an iterative mindset when tackling ambitious research challenges
Why Amazon
We're passionate about your growth. Whether you want to explore emerging technologies, take on broader scope, or accelerate your career trajectory, we'll invest in helping you get there. Our business is scaling fast — and so are the opportunities for the people who build it.
If you're driven by the challenge of optimizing one of the world's most complex logistics systems and excited to see your work impact millions of customers daily, we'd love to hear from you.
Key job responsibilities
- Invent and design novel solutions for scientifically complex problem areas, and identify opportunities for invention within existing and new business initiatives
- Deliver large-scale, high-impact solutions to complex problems in support of medium-to-large business goals
- Shape the design of scientifically complex software systems, personally contributing significant portions of the critical scientific novelty
- Apply mathematical optimization, machine learning, and Generative AI techniques to develop solution methodologies for in-house decision support tools and software
- Research, prototype, simulate, and experiment with models — and actively participate in their production-level deployment in Python or Java
- Engage with the broader scientific community by publishing research articles and participating in leading research conferences
Basic qualifications
- PhD, or Master's degree and 5+ years of building machine learning models or developing algorithms for business application experience
- 2+ years of programming in Java, C++, Python or related language experience
- Experience applying theoretical models in an applied environment
Preferred qualifications
- PhD in engineering, technology, computer science, machine learning, robotics, operations research, statistics, mathematics or equivalent quantitative field
- Experience in patents or publications at top-tier peer-reviewed conferences or journals
- 3+ years of building machine learning models or developing algorithms for business application experience
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, TX, Austin - 142,800.00 - 193,200.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Bellevue - 142,800.00 - 193,200.00 USD annually
How we rate this
Applied Scientist, Last Mile Science at Amazon rates 85 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Builds AI (AI Level 4 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.
Builds AI. The job is building AI systems.
- ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
- ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
- ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
- ●○○○ Little AI0 to 39
Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.
Prepare for this job
Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.
Skills and AI tools this role asks for
Also common in applied scientist jobs at this level
Pay
- This job starts at
- $143k
- Typical applied scientist job
- $172k
This posting starts 17% below the typical applied scientist job. See applied scientist jobs
Questions you could be asked
- Tell me about a project where machine learning was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where operations research was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where algorithms was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where logistics was part of your work. What did you do?
- Walk me through how you've used Python in your day-to-day work.
Adapt your resume
- List these exact terms on your resume: Machine learning, Operations Research, Algorithms, Logistics, and Python. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
- Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
- Lead with what you built, trained or shipped. This role is judged on the AI system itself, not the tools around it.
Get your CV reviewed before you apply
Send your CV and the role you want next. Your review arrives by email within 3 days.
Get new applied scientist jobs (Builds AI ●●●●) by email
One email a week, each job rated for how much AI is in the work. No recruiter spam, unsubscribe in one click.
Free.
Similar roles
Research roles that build AI, at other companies.
What kind of AI work fits you?
Answer 12 practical questions in about three minutes. Get a simple profile, the work it points to, and live roles to explore next.
Find my next step