Senior Algorithm / Optimization Engineer

Lisbon, Portugal
Senior (4-6 Years)
Hybrid
English Required Not Accepting Candidates Living Abroad

Senior Algorithm / Optimization Engineer (AMR Fleet Scheduling & Traffic)

About MOV.AI

MOV.AI is a robotics software company developing an autonomy platform for the next generation of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), operating in large-scale industrial and logistics environments. The platform enables fleets of robots to navigate, localize, and operate reliably in complex real-world scenarios, ranging from international airports to major warehouse operations.


Role Summary

The company is looking for a Senior Algorithm / Optimization Engineer responsible for designing and implementing mathematical algorithms for:

  • Transport order planning and assignment
  • AMR scheduling
  • Routing and traffic optimization
  • Fleet management

The successful candidate will develop algorithms capable of generating efficient execution plans while considering multiple robots, operational constraints, priorities, and real-time conditions.

This is not a Data Science or research-focused position. The objective is to transform mathematical models into robust, production-grade software.


Candidate Profile

1. Mathematical Optimization Specialist

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in:

  • Mathematical Optimization
  • Operations Research
  • Graph Algorithms
  • Scheduling
  • Routing
  • Assignment Problems
  • Heuristics
  • Metaheuristics

The engineer should understand the trade-offs between:

  • Solution quality
  • Runtime performance
  • Robustness
  • Operational feasibility

Experience with multi-objective optimization is expected, considering factors such as:

  • Throughput
  • Travel distance
  • Traffic congestion
  • Battery status
  • Resource utilization
  • Fairness across robots

2. Logistics & Fleet Planning

Candidates should have experience with:

  • AMR Fleet Management
  • Intralogistics
  • Transport Orders
  • Pick-up & Drop-off operations
  • Deadlines
  • Priorities
  • Route Conflicts
  • Traffic Bottlenecks
  • Charging Constraints
  • Robot Availability
  • Route Alternatives

The ability to translate complex logistics scenarios into executable optimization models is essential.


3. Software Engineering

The role requires building production-ready software rather than research prototypes.

Primary programming languages:

  • Rust
  • Python

Additional experience should include:

  • APIs
  • Backend Services
  • Data Structures
  • Concurrency
  • Performance Profiling
  • Docker
  • Kubernetes
  • Git
  • CI/CD
  • Code Reviews
  • Automated Testing

4. Data-Aware Algorithm Development

Experience using historical operational data to improve algorithms is highly valued, including:

  • Machine Learning
  • Statistical Models
  • Travel Time Prediction
  • Congestion Prediction
  • Throughput Prediction
  • Failure Risk Prediction

Candidates should also be comfortable validating algorithms through:

  • Simulation
  • Replay
  • Back-testing
  • Benchmarking
  • Operational KPIs

Required Skills

Mathematics & Optimization

Strong knowledge of:

  • Operations Research
  • Combinatorial Optimization
  • Scheduling
  • Routing
  • Graph Search
  • Resource Allocation
  • Constraint Modelling
  • Objective Functions
  • Dynamic Programming
  • Greedy Algorithms
  • Local Search
  • Metaheuristics
  • Runtime Complexity

Software Engineering

  • Rust
  • Python
  • Clean Code
  • Modular Design
  • Testing
  • APIs
  • Backend Integration
  • Git
  • CI/CD

AMR Fleet Planning

Experience with:

  • Fleet Optimization
  • Multi-Robot Scheduling
  • Traffic Management
  • Route Planning
  • Charging Constraints
  • Robot Capabilities
  • Operational Constraints
  • Execution Planning

Performance & Validation

Knowledge of:

  • Algorithm Benchmarking
  • Performance Profiling
  • Simulation
  • Back-testing
  • KPIs
  • Throughput Analysis
  • Fleet Utilization
  • Traffic Congestion Analysis
  • Plan Stability

Preferred Technologies

Optimization

  • OR-Tools
  • MILP Solvers
  • CP-SAT
  • Linear Programming
  • Constraint Programming

Event-Driven Technologies

  • Kafka
  • MQTT
  • NATS
  • Redis

Cloud & Infrastructure

  • Docker
  • Kubernetes

Robotics

  • ROS
  • VDA 5050

Simulation

  • Digital Twins
  • Gazebo
  • Operational Replay Systems

Machine Learning

  • Reinforcement Learning
  • Time-Series Forecasting
  • Statistical Modelling

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

  • Design and develop transport order assignment algorithms.
  • Build scheduling algorithms.
  • Develop routing and traffic optimization algorithms.
  • Optimize AMR fleet performance.
  • Model operational constraints.
  • Generate real-time executable plans.
  • Continuously improve algorithms using historical operational data.
  • Build simulation and benchmarking environments.
  • Integrate optimization algorithms into backend services.
  • Define KPIs and performance metrics to evaluate algorithm effectiveness.

Deal Breakers

Candidates will not be considered if they:

  • Lack a solid mathematical optimization background.
  • Have only Machine Learning experience without optimization expertise.
  • Have only academic or research experience.
  • Cannot develop production-grade software.
  • Lack experience with scheduling, routing, or resource allocation problems.
  • Are unable to collaborate with backend engineering teams.
  • Have no interest in robotics, logistics, or industrial software.

Compensation

  • Gross annual salary: €60,000 to €80,000
  • Paid over: 14 monthly salaries.
We connect IT professionals with projects that match their skills, professional experience, and goals, then we offer a career progression program, delivered by in-house specialists - our People Experience Partners - to guide them through our journey with us.

What we offer:

  • A project that matches your skills and ambitions, as well as your preferences for working policies and culture.
  • A competitive salary with awesome benefits and opportunities to leverage your knowledge and network to earn additional income.
  • An empowering and respectful work culture enriched with social and learning events.
  • A People Experience Partner specially assigned to you - your go-to career guide, responsible for supporting your growth, facilitating training, and ensuring your work-life balance at KWAN.
At KWAN, they make sure that I feel comfortable with the client I’m working for and that what I’m doing aligns with my career aspirations.
Luis Caldeira, DevOps @ KWAN
At KWAN, I’m given the space to be myself and do what I love. I have control over the projects I work on, as well as the direction of my career.
Pedro Fonseca, Front End Developer @ KWAN
I see my People Experience Partner as someone who is always available to provide me with motivation and constant feedback, which helps me be sure that I am in the right place.
Josimar dos Reis, Software Developer @ KWAN
I know that I’ve contributed to the growth of a company that truly values a “people first culture”, because my ideas, experiences, and individuality were always appreciated.
João Nascimento, Software Developer (KWAN Alumni)
My two years at KWAN were an incredible experience! From the start, I was welcomed into a warm and collaborative environment where I felt truly supported.
Laís Ortiz, Software Developer @ (KWAN Alumni)
Grab this opportunity, apply now!

What You Can Expect as a KWANer

Respect isn’t optional here

You’re trusted to deliver and supported to speak up.

Dedicated People Experience Partner

Someone accountable for your growth, not your allocation.

Continuous learning, built in

Learning that keeps pace with the systems you build.

Recognition that’s visible

Your impact doesn’t go unnoticed. Through our Rocket Points System, we constantly recognize your contributions.

A culture you can feel

From movie and quiz nights to dinners and our annual summer gathering, we don’t just work together - we build real connections.

Flexible spaces to work your way

Remote-first, with physical hubs when you want connection.

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