Keystone Strategy

Keystone is a premier strategy, technology and economics consulting firm providing AI-driven services to large companies, law firms, and government agencies. The firm builds, operates, and transfers enterprise AI solutions that automate and optimize operational and commercial decision-making. We bring transformative ideas to life on behalf of our clients.

Keystone’s CoreAI Solutions Group employs the world’s best AI/ML science and technology practitioners with unparalleled experience implementing highly complex, massive-scale algorithms and models to help companies make better decisions across manufacturing, supply chain management, sales, and marketing.

We are based in Bellevue, WA and NYC, NY, and have a hybrid work environment.

Senior Principal Scientist – Operations Research

Position overview:

Keystone is seeking a Sr. Principal Operations Research Scientist to lead the vision, strategy, and technical direction for our Core AI products in supply chain planning and optimization. This is a high-impact, cross-disciplinary role that sits at the heart of Keystone’s mission to transform how the world’s largest enterprises make complex operational decisions.

You will be at the forefront of designing and scaling new algorithms that connect advanced forecasting systems with end-to-end optimization engines, enabling intelligent decision-making across inventory planning, manufacturing, and distribution. Your work will directly shape how organizations respond to volatility, reduce waste, and improve customer experience, at scale.

As part of Core AI, you’ll join a world-class team of economists, deep learning scientists, and engineers building next-generation AI applications deployed across industries. Our team delivers mission-critical AI-powered solutions that help modernize operations through automation and intelligent planning. We are looking for a bold thinker and builder who can bring deep technical expertise, product vision, and client empathy into one cohesive approach.

What You will Do:

• Set the strategic vision for Core AI’s optimization capabilities in supply chain planning – spanning inventory, manufacturing, and sales & operations planning (S&OP).
• Develop cutting-edge algorithms that integrate with probabilistic forecasts, enabling optimal planning under uncertainty using tools like stochastic optimization, mixed-integer programming, and inventory theory.
• Collaborate closely with a diverse team of scientists and engineers - including deep learning researchers and economists – to combine models into a unified decision system.
• Lead the design of reusable, scalable optimization frameworks that can be applied across multiple industries and client environments.
• Mentor and grow a high-performing team of scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation.
• Drive client success by articulating the business value of advanced optimization techniques and simplifying complex ideas into actionable insights for stakeholders.
• Work cross-functionally with product managers and software engineers to translate research into robust, production-grade systems.
• Stay current with the latest in reinforcement learning, simulation-based optimization, and AI planning, and explore their applicability to complex supply chain challenges.
• Act as a thought leader, representing Keystone’s scientific excellence in both internal forums and external client engagements.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in Operations Research, Machine Learning, Statistics or similar quantitative field
• 10+ years of overall experience in practical implementations of optimization, stochastic modeling, and decision algorithms for large enterprises
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Java, and optimization solvers such as CPLEX, Gurobi and FICO Xpress

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with machine learning libraries (e.g., scikit-learn) and reinforcement learning
• Deep knowledge of inventory management and transportation network optimization
• Experience communicating quantitative research methods and findings to non-technical audiences
• Basic familiarity with the implementation of econometrics methods including causal inference, and time series analysis
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment
• A strong academic background ideally with related publications

US Salary Range: $195,000 - $308,000, plus an annual discretionary bonus, 401k contribution, and competitive benefits package. Actual compensation within the range will depend upon the level the individual is hired at based on their skills, experience, and qualifications.

At Keystone we believe diversity matters. At every level of our firm, we seek to advance and promote diversity, foster an inclusive culture, and ensure our colleagues have a deep sense of respect and belonging. If you are interested in growing your career with colleagues from varied backgrounds and cultures, consider Keystone Strategy.