Principal Optimization Engineer (Operations Research)

Company Description

The next big thing in data is you! We deliver the possibilities for data. You define what's possible.

We are seeking a highly motivated person with passion to innovate and help shape the future of data to join our Advance Analytics Office (AAO) team. Supporting the digital transformation at Western Digital, operations research (OR) solutions are developed to maximize the operations effectiveness of our systems and processes. As a senior OR engineer, you will provide optimization models, delivering business value to global functional teams working on production and capacity planning, scheduling, network, and system design domains. In this role, you will be key technical contributor in OR projects, collaborating with data science and OR experts, application developers and IT specialists to solve complex analytics and optimization problems, and release the solutions into real business application. You will interact with functional subject-matter experts to understand their analytics needs & requirements for OR modeling and solution delivery. If you think big and have a relentless drive to deliver and innovate, you will thrive as part of a passionate and dedicated team that is transforming the promise of data into a reality.

Job Description

A senior technical role combining deep expertise in Operations Research with Machine Learning capabilities to solve complex business optimization problems, primarily in the APAC region. This role requires a 70% focus on Operations Research and 30% on Machine Learning applications.
Core Responsibilities

Operations Research (70%)

• Lead and execute complex optimization projects across global sites, with a primary focus on APAC region operations
• Collect information about the business problems, understand the related current practices and the desired solution.
• Collect analytical requirements from the business and translate and cast the business problem into analytical problem definition statements.
• Set up the mathematical model of the problem under study, with data I/O interfaces.
• Implement the mathematical model using declarative math programming libraries, e.g., FICO Xpress or Google OR-Tools.
• Conduct rigorous numerical experiments and sensitivity analyses to validate model effectiveness
• Guide the deployment of OR solutions into production environments
• Mentor junior team members in OR methodologies and best practices

Technical Skills

Machine Learning Integration (30%)

• Identify opportunities to enhance OR solutions with ML capabilities
• Develop hybrid solutions that combine traditional OR approaches with modern ML techniques
• Lead the integration of predictive analytics into optimization frameworks
• Apply ML techniques to improve parameter estimation and solution quality in OR models

Core Operations Research Skills

• Expert proficiency in mathematical optimization techniques including linear/integer programming, constraint programming, and metaheuristics
• Advanced programming skills in Python, with experience in optimization libraries such as OR-Tools, FICO Xpress, or Gurobi
• Proficient in database management and SQL, with experience connecting mathematical models to production databases
• Knowledge of industrial engineering concepts including WIP management, production control, cycle time optimization, and lead time analysis
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement complex optimization models for manufacturing and supply chain systems
• Experience with simulation modeling and discrete event simulation tools

Machine Learning & Analytics Skills

• Practical experience with statistical learning methods and their application to industrial problems
• Knowledge of machine learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) and their integration with optimization solutions
• Experience in predictive modeling and its application to parameter estimation in optimization problems
• Proficiency in data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model validation techniques

Project Management & Communication

• Proven track record of managing end-to-end optimization projects within 10-12 week timeframes
• Strong analytical thinking with ability to decompose complex problems into manageable components
• Excellence in stakeholder communication, including ability to present technical content to diverse audiences
• Experience in developing project plans, setting milestones, and delivering results with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to translate business requirements into analytical solutions

Domain Knowledge

• Deep understanding of manufacturing KPIs and operational metrics
• Experience in identifying and implementing performance improvement initiatives
• Knowledge of industry best practices in production planning and control
• Understanding of supply chain operations and optimization opportunities

Qualifications

Required:

• Proven history supporting critical research and development projects, requiring in-depth analytical understanding of systems.
• MS in Applied Math, Operations Research, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field
• 6+ years hands-on experience in optimization modeling and analysis
• Working knowledge of optimization tools (Gurobi, IBM ILOG CPLEX, FICO Xpress, Google OR-Tools)
• Hands-on programming skills in Python.
• Writing basic database queries for SQL platforms.

Preferred

• PhD in Applied Math, Operations Research, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field
• 3+ years hands-on experience in optimization modeling and analysis
• Knowledge of production/manufacturing related optimization problems and techniques (production planning, scheduling etc.)
• Experience in the semiconductors industry
• Strong abstraction skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders across different departments

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.