Relay Technologies
Senior Data Scientist - Operational Research
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Senior Operational Research Scientist at Relay
About the Role
Relay is fundamentally reshaping how goods move in the online era, backed by Europe’s largest logistics Series A ($35M). This is a senior individual contributor role focused on designing and evolving operational research optimisation models for Relay’s last-mile network.
Our mission is to free commerce from friction—high delivery costs currently act as an unwanted barrier for e-commerce growth. You’ll lead cross-functional squads of engineers and data scientists in building scalable systems that dynamically handle scheduling, assignment, and pricing for last-mile delivery decisions.
Position sits within Relay’s Data function, reporting into the Staff Decision Systems Architect.
About Relay
- A fast-scaling startup with a team of ~110 people, over 45% in engineering, product, and data, powered by deep-tech investment from Plural (focusing on fields like fusion and space exploration)
- High-paced culture based on first-principles thinking, tight feedback loops, and relentless experimentation
- Thousands of data points inform every parcel’s route, delivery partner, and pricing decision.
Responsibilities
- Translate operational requirements into advanced optimisation models across scheduling, assignment, and pricing
- Develop and evaluate practical solutions using mathematical programming and meta-heuristics
- Design and build tailored algorithms for unique problems within relay’s logistics operations
- Ensure solutions are scalable and adaptable for growing demand
- Benchmark and continuously refine algorithms to improve network-wide impact
- Collaborate with engineering to productionize solutions into automated daily processes
- Work with analytics teams to track real-world performance and innovate iteratively
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Requirements
Root-Level Experiences
- Hands-on OR experience in heuristics and/or mathematical programming
- Proficient in coding Python, Rust, Julia, or C++
- Expertise in solving large-scale, production-grade optimisation problems
- Comfortable with direct validation of models by deliberately engaging with the network post-implementation
Cultural Fit
- Mission-driven: Passionate about breaking the barriers to online commerce
- Explorative: Thrives in unpacking ill-defined problems using deep analytics
- Reachable: Embrace feedback and seeks insights from daily operations
- Passionate about impact: Care about how your work affects couriers, retailers, and end-consumers
- Entrepreneurial curiosity: Merge lean engineering with scalable practical solutions
Hiring Process
A streamlined 48-hour from application to offer process:
- Talent Acquisition Call (30 mins) — Cultural and motivational alignment
- Hiring Manager Interview (45 mins) — Technical probity and visionary mindset
- Live Python Coding Assessment (60 mins) — Hands-on problem-solving.
- Case Study (60 mins) — Strategic challenges and decisions
- Core Operating Principles + Impact (60 mins) — Gauge Relay mission resonance
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Compensation & Benefits
- Unmatched European startup equity award
- Full health & dental coverage (no grandiose distinctions)
- 25 paid leave days
- Enhanced parental leave packages
- Device of your choice (tech your own server, so to speak)
- Premium experiential perks: Gym subsidy, cycle-to-work, Friday office lunch, covered Uber, and unrivalled flexibility for after-hours workdays.
Who Thrives at Relay?
We seek teams aligned with five values:
- Aim with precision: Define challenges with clarity, measure impact thoroughly.
- Play to win: Treat hurdles as catalysts, high-stakes delivery excites you.
- Exponential progress: Obsess over 1% daily improvements. Daily lean experimentation fuels growth.
- All in, all the time: Own every step of projects—from inception to execution win.
- People-powered greatness: Build relationships with high standards, codify trust. Feedback = collaborative fuel.
| Always-seeking? |
|---|
| Survivors and shapers of complexity with hands-on enthusiasm |
Relay is an equal-opportunity employer committed to inclusion, diversity, and creating a workplace where diverse teams thrive. If ambition and curiosity drive you, let’s build together. 🚀
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