FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.

At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement – a collective effort to redefine success and transform challenges into opportunities. "Join the Movement" encapsulates our commitment to a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, celebrates diversity, and empowers every individual to contribute to something greater than themselves. Our Team. Our Passion. Our Approach. 

POSITION SUMMARY: The Research Scientist applies the science of distribution to FORTNA’s products and services by building algorithms to support FORTNA’s Warehouse Execution System and analytical models to support distribution center design.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Develop models and algorithms to improve distribution center operations and reduce costs. Work with employees on the software team to see those algorithms implemented in FORTNA WES.Develop analytical and simulation models of distribution operations to answer design questions for projects and to give insight to other FORTNA employees.Collaborate with other employees to create thought leadership around FORTNA IP.Assist with efforts to train employees on the application of FORTNA IP.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

PhD or research-based MS in Controls Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related technical field.Experience applying classical or data-driven methods to control problems.Excellent programming skills in Python.Creativity, confidence, and humility—the consummate team member. The successful candidate will challenge the ideas of others and accept constructive criticism of his or her own ideas in a relentless quest for a better way.Strong interpersonal, organizational and time management skills and the desire to work in a team environment. Willingness to help others when they need it and humility to ask for help when you need it.Excellent skills in written and oral communication, collaboration, and structured problem-solving.Ability to travel domestically and internationally. (Position requires only occasional travel.)

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience developing machine learning or reinforcement learning algorithms to solve problems in data-rich environments.Experience developing optimization, stochastic, or simulation models to represent distribution or logistics systems.Experience with software development.Experience educating and training others.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.

It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.