Optimization Engineer
About ALICE Technologies ALICE Technologies is the world's first AI construction simulation and optimization platform. We leverage the computational power of AI to generate the best schedules and solutions for complex projects at each stage of the project lifecycle, from bidding to preconstruction and through execution. With ALICE, contractors and owners can bid, plan, and build more effectively. When a project team uses ALICE, they are able to drastically reduce risk of delay or cost overrun, while accelerating construction durations by an average of 16.2% and reducing labor costs by 14.7%, resulting in millions of dollars in savings. ALICE works with leading contractors to solve their most pressing construction challenges on some of the most complex projects in the world such as bridges, roadways, tunnels, solar farms, and high-rise buildings. Role Overview As an Optimization Engineer, you will join the team that owns ALICE's scheduling engine—the algorithmic core that turns complex, resource-constrained construction projects into optimized schedules. You will design, implement, and productionize optimization models that solve large-scale combinatorial problems. This role is ideal for an engineer who loves hard mathematical challenges but possesses the discipline to turn research-grade ideas into fast, robust, production software. Your Responsibilities Model & Design: Formulate and implement optimization models (MIP, CP, and custom heuristics) for resource-constrained scheduling problems. End-to-End Ownership: Take algorithms from mathematical formulation and prototyping through to benchmarking, tuning, and production delivery. Scale & Performance: Profile and improve the speed, scalability, and robustness of the scheduling engine on real-world customer projects. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with product and software engineering teams to translate real-world construction workflows into precise technical requirements. Code Craftsmanship: Maintain high engineering standards through code reviews, rigorous testing, and continuous architectural improvement. What You Bring (Required) Education: Master’s or PhD in Operations Research, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related quantitative field. Mathematical Modeling: Strong proficiency formulating Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) and Constraint Programming (CP) models. Solver Experience: Hands-on experience with solvers like Gurobi, CPLEX, OR-Tools, or Hexaly. Professional experience: Professional experience building and maintaining software used by real customers. Language: Professional fluency in English. Bonus Points (Preferred) Academic or industry experience specifically tackling intractable resource-constrained scheduling problems. Experience with JVM-based optimization libraries (e.g., OptaPlanner/Timefold, OR-Tools Java API). Experience building production services on the JVM (Spring Boot, Maven/Gradle, containerized deployments). Strong background in Agile methodologies and Test-Driven Development (TDD). Proficiency in modern Java. Why ALICE? High Impact: We are a lean, well-funded team where your work directly shapes the core product and company trajectory. Growth Opportunities: Rapid organizational growth means fast-tracked professional development and career progression. Category-Defining Product: Work on cutting-edge AI transforming one of the world's largest and most vital legacy industries. Total Rewards: Competitive salary, equity options for all employees, comprehensive health insurance, and a generous vacation policy. Location: Preferably Prague, Czech Republic, but remote is also possible.