Lead / Senior Software Engineer- Research Scientist- (RUST) - m/w/d

What's the role?
Team:
Join us in tackling one of the most fascinating challenges in logistics: the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP).
HERE Tour planning is the engine behind multi-vehicle route optimization, empowering businesses to design smarter, faster, and more driver-friendly tours.
We harness the world's most precise and up-to-date map data, real-time traffic insights, road restrictions, and driver preferences to craft tours that are both efficient and practical. Our mission? To transform complexity into clarity-delivering solutions that reduce travel time, cut costs, and keep logistics running like clockwork.
But we don't stop at optimization. Our algorithms factor in every critical detail-driver preferences, delivery time windows, vehicle capacities, and compliance requirements-to ensure that every plan isn't just efficient and adhering to required constraints. This holistic approach drives cost savings, delivery accuracy, and driver satisfaction while ensuring operations remain sustainable and compliant.
Learn more about the product here: HERE Tour Planning | Fleet Management | Solutions | HERE
Our tech stack includes Rust, Kotlin, Python, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform-empowering us to build scalable, high-performance systems.
Are you a researcher at heart who thrives on turning theoretical breakthroughs into practical solutions? We're seeking a Research Scientist with a strong background in algorithms, optimization, and logistics to join our team. This role offers the unique opportunity to bridge cutting-edge research with real-world applications, shaping the future of logistics and transportation.
As a Research Scientist, you'll dive into the complexities of the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) and related optimization challenges. Leveraging your expertise in algorithm design and computational mathematics, you'll evaluate and implement state-of-the-art methods to solve real-world logistics problems. Collaborating closely with engineers, you'll ensure your research delivers tangible value through scalable, high-performance solutions.
This is an individual contributor role.
Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on advanced algorithms for optimization problems like VRP, clustering, graph theory, and multi-constraint routing.
• Stay abreast of the latest academic advancements and translate them into practical, implementable solutions.
• Design, prototype, and validate new algorithms for real-world logistics challenges.
• Collaborate with developers to integrate research outcomes into our Rust-based production systems.
• Contribute to strategic decisions on algorithmic innovation and long-term research directions.

Who are you?

• PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Operations Research, or a related field.
• Proven track record of research excellence, with publications in top-tier conferences or journals.
• Expertise in algorithms, optimization, computational mathematics, and graph theory.
• Experience working with geospatial data, clustering, or logistics-related challenges is a strong plus.
• Strong programming skills, with a preference for experience in Rust, Python, or related languages.
• Ability to critically evaluate research papers and adapt algorithms for practical, real-world use.
• Excellent communication skills to bridge the gap between research and engineering teams.

What Do We Offer?

• Work on the development of high scale services, serving and storing petabytes of data
• Work with cutting edge, modern technologies
• A great work-life balance
• 30 paid vacation days
• Flexible working hours
• Competitive salary plus bonus
• Fantastic & talented people from 60+ countries worldwide
• Brown bag talks, team events, BBQ on the rooftop and more!

Change is HERE. Apply Now!
As part of HERE Technologies employment process, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment screening process. This offer and any related claims are subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment screening. This will involve employment, education, and criminal verification if applicable.
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Who are we?
HERE Technologies is a location data and technology platform company. We empower our customers to achieve better outcomes - from helping a city manage its infrastructure or a business optimize its assets to guiding drivers to their destination safely.
At HERE we take it upon ourselves to be the change we wish to see. We create solutions that fuel innovation, provide opportunity and foster inclusion to improve people's lives. If you are inspired by an open world and driven to create positive change, join us. Learn more about us on our YouTube Channel.