Operations Research Scientist

TITLE: Operations Research Scientist 
LOCATION: Atlanta, GA (hybrid)
ANTICIPATED DURATION: From 10/01/2026 to 03/31/2027

Responsibilities:

• Develop real-time, tactical, and strategic network disruption management and recovery models to support railroad operations and service resiliency.
• Provide production support, maintenance, and continuous enhancements for existing operations research applications.
• Design, develop, and implement advanced mathematical optimization, simulation, and machine learning models using Python, Java or C++.
• Evaluate the accuracy, completeness, and quality of data sources, and develop effective solutions to address data quality issues and gaps.
• Collaborate with business partners across multiple departments to identify opportunities for operational improvements and process optimization.
• Work closely with application development teams to integrate analytical models and decision-support tools into production environments.
• Provide technical leadership and supervise team members to achieve organizational goals by fostering collaboration, open communication, professional development, and adaptability.
• Communicate analytical findings, model recommendations, and business impacts to stakeholders and senior leadership to support data-driven decision-making.
• Lead initiatives focused on improving network resilience, service reliability, and operational recovery during planned and unplanned disruptions.

Requirements:

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, or other related quantitative disciplines.
• 3-5 years of experience developing and deploying decision-support systems using operations research methodologies.
• 3-5 years supporting network recovery, disruption management, and operational resiliency initiatives.
• 3-5 years designing and implementing optimization models for large-scale operational planning and real-time decision-making applications.
• 3-5 years applying reinforcement learning, machine learning, and network optimization techniques for adaptive and autonomous decision-making.
• Experience with nonlinear optimization and AI-enhanced optimization models that improve solution quality, robustness, scalability, and explainability.
• 3-5 years following software development best practices, including design, testing, deployment, and maintenance of production applications.
• Technical expertise in mathematical optimization techniques, including LP, MIP, NLP, with experience using Gurobi or CPLEX.
• Experience with machine learning, predictive analytics, neural networks, deep learning, or discrete-event simulation.
• Proficiency in Python and familiarity with Java or C++.
• Strong SQL skills and experience working with large-scale relational databases.

Preferred Experience:

• Knowledge of railroad operations, transportation planning, and network design principles.
• Experience with train scheduling, routing, blocking, crew planning, or asset utilization optimization.
• Experience measuring, analyzing, and improving transportation service performance.
• Developing real-time analytics and decision-support systems for large-scale logistics or transportation networks.

The hourly pay rate range for this position is $55 to $61.23 (dependent on factors including but not limited to client requirements, experience, statutory considerations, and location). Benefits available to full-time employees: medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401k and commuter benefits. Synergis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including but not limited to, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act. For immediate consideration, please forward your resume to Applications@Synergishr.com. If you require assistance or an accommodation in the application or employment process, please contact us at Applications@Synergishr.com. Synergis is a workforce solutions partner serving thousands of businesses and job seekers nationwide. Our digital world has accelerated the need for businesses to build IT ecosystems that enable growth and innovation along with enhancing the Total Experience (TX). Synergis partners with our clients at the intersection of talent and transformation to scale their balanced teams of tech, digital and creative professionals. Learn more about Synergis at www.synergishr.com.