Principal Applied Scientist

Job Description

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a highly independent Applied Scientist to lead research-driven initiatives focused on solving complex operational and business challenges through advanced modeling, optimization, machine learning, and AI techniques. This is not a traditional analytics, reporting, or data engineering role. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys tackling novel problems, and can take ideas from concept to executable solutions that are ultimately integrated into software systems and operational processes. This team supports over 100 projects per quarter across pre-construction planning, operations, workforce optimization, and other critical business initiatives. Success in this role requires strong technical depth, business-minded problem solving, and the ability to communicate sophisticated concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Day-to-Day:

• Lead end-to-end applied research initiatives from concept development through prototype delivery and production implementation

• Design, build, and evaluate novel algorithms, optimization models, machine learning solutions, and advanced analytical approaches

• Identify opportunities across operational, workforce, and business processes where advanced modeling can create measurable impact

• Work independently to define problems, develop technical approaches, and drive execution with minimal oversight

• Partner closely with Software Engineers to integrate research outputs into production software systems

• Support initiatives spanning pre-construction planning, operational optimization, and workforce improvement efforts

• Rapidly test, validate, and iterate on new concepts within a fast-paced innovation environment

• Translate technical findings into actionable business recommendations for stakeholders and leadership teams

• Collaborate across Applied Science, Data Science, Engineering, and business teams on high-priority projects

• Drive innovation efforts that accelerate movement from concept → prototype → productionized solution

Job Description:

We are seeking a senior-level Applied Scientist to lead highly visible research and innovation initiatives focused on solving complex operational challenges through advanced modeling, optimization, machine learning, and AI-driven solutions. This role will be responsible for independently identifying opportunities, developing novel technical approaches, and delivering executable models that ultimately become integrated into production software systems. The Applied Scientist will operate within a small, high-impact team environment, typically leading research efforts while partnering with Software Engineers responsible for implementation and deployment. The team supports more than 100 projects each quarter across pre-construction planning, operational execution, workforce optimization, and strategic business initiatives. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong business acumen, thrives in ambiguous environments, and has a proven track record of translating innovative ideas into measurable business outcomes. Success in this role requires independent technical leadership, cross-functional collaboration, strong communication skills, and a passion for solving challenging real-world problems through science, mathematics, optimization, and AI.

Pay rate starts at $60/hr

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to View email address on click.appcast.io learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy:

Skills and Requirements

• 10+ years of industry experience in Applied Science, R&D, Optimization, Machine Learning, Operations Research, or Advanced Modeling environments

• Strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, optimization, algorithm development, and predictive modeling

• Academic or professional background in Physics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Meteorology, Operations Research, or a related quantitative discipline

• Proven experience independently owning complex technical initiatives from problem framing through implementation and delivery

• Experience developing executable models that are deployed within software systems or production environments

• Strong Python development experience with modeling, optimization, machine learning, or scientific computing frameworks

• Experience solving ambiguous, open-ended business problems with minimal direction or predefined requirements

• Experience applying physics-based modeling, machine learning, optimization techniques, AI, or advanced mathematical approaches to drive business outcomes

• Experience collaborating closely with Software Engineering teams to operationalize models and research outputs

• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical projects to non-technical audiences in a concise, business-oriented manner

• Demonstrated examples of measurable business impact resulting from technical work

• Experience working within cross-functional teams consisting of both Data Science and Software Engineering functions

• Active use of AI-assisted development tools such as Claude, GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, or similar technologies as part of daily development workflows • Experience within energy, utilities, renewables, industrials, logistics, supply chain, or other operationally focused industries

• Experience working in high-impact innovation, R&D, or advanced research organizations

• Exposure to real-time optimization systems or large-scale operational decision-making platforms

• Experience building AI-enabled applications or agentic workflows

• Experience supporting workforce optimization, operational planning, forecasting, scheduling, or resource allocation initiatives

• Experience deploying machine learning or optimization models into cloud-based production environments

• Experience working within Agile or rapid experimentation development environments

• Familiarity with modern software architecture and scalable solution design