Senior Optimization and ML Engineer

Introduction to role

Are you ready to tackle the most exciting and challenging AI and optimization engineering problems in the pharmaceutical industry? As a Senior Optimization and ML Engineer at AstraZeneca, you will design, develop, and support end-to-end optimization and AI systems across a wide range of business problems. You will work within a global team of deeply technical AI engineers, data scientists, scientists, and software developers. Your contributions will transform how AstraZeneca operates at scale, making us more efficient in our mission to improve the lives of millions of patients worldwide.

About the Operations IT team 

Operations IT is a global capability supporting the Global Operations organization across Pharmaceutical Technology Development, Manufacturing & Global Engineering, Quality Control, Sustainability, Supply Chain, Logistics, and Global External Sourcing and Procurement. We operate from key hubs in the UK, Sweden, the US, China, and our Global Technology Centers in India and Mexico. Our work directly impacts patients by transforming our ability to develop life-changing medicines, combining cutting-edge science with leading digital technology platforms and data. 

Accountabilities

- Contribute to the design and development of end-to-end mathematical optimization or AI solutions for the business.
- Visualize complex datasets and model outputs using the latest front-end technologies.
- Mentor AI scientists, plan and supervise technical work, and collaborate with stakeholders.
- Work within an agile framework and in cross-functional teams to align AI solutions with business goals.
- Engage internal stakeholders and external partners for the successful delivery of AI solutions.
- Continuously monitor and optimize AI models to improve accuracy and efficiency (scalable, reliable, and well-maintained).
- Document processes, models, and key learnings & contribute to building internal AI capabilities.

Key Projects:

- AI Powered Drug Development - Develop and deploy AI models to optimize drug development processes.
- Autonomous Manufacturing - Implement AI-driven solutions to enhance manufacturing efficiencies.
- Self-healing Supply Chain - Apply AI techniques to improve supply chain management and logistics.

Essential Skills/Experience

- Bachelor's in operations research, mathematics, computer science, or related quantitative field.
- Advanced expertise in Python and familiarity with database systems (e.g., SQL, NoSQL, Graph).
- 5+ years of experience and demonstrable technical skills in developing mathematical optimization solutions for complex real-world problems.
- Proven, hands-on coding experience, knowledge of software development best practices and deployment practices such as CI/CD, testing, version control.
- Demonstrated experience using mathematical optimization software such as CPLEX, Gurobi, XPRESS or OR-Tools.
- Experience with heuristic and meta-heuristic algorithms as an alternative to the above software.
- A working knowledge of optimization concepts.
- 5+ years of experience developing high-quality optimization tools. Ideally including Python.
- A track record of understanding and translating complex business problems into engineering problems.
- Creative, collaborative, & product-focused.
- Proficiency in ML libraries sklearn, pandas, TensorFlow/PyTorch.
- Experience productionizing ML/Gen AI services and working with complex datasets.
- Strong understanding of software development, algorithms, optimization, and scaling.
- Excellent communication and business analysis skills.

Desirable Skills/Experience

- Master’s or PhD in a relevant quantitative field.
- Cloud engineering experience (AWS cloud services).
- Snowflake.
- Software development experience (e.g., React JS, Node JS).

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, our work has a direct impact on patients by transforming our ability to develop life-changing medicines. We empower the business to perform at its peak by combining cutting-edge science with leading digital technology platforms and data. Join us at a crucial stage of our journey in becoming a digital and data-led enterprise. Here you can innovate, take ownership, and explore new solutions in a dynamic environment that values diverse minds working inclusively together.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.