[Hiring] Staff Software Engineer, Combinatorial Optimization @Divergent

Role Description

We are seeking a Staff Software Engineer, Combinatorial Optimization with a strong background and hands-on experience using the latest technologies in task planning, scheduling, and simulation. You will be working on designing, developing, and deploying software leveraging state‑of‑the‑art decision‑making technologies (SAT/SMT solvers, constraint programming, and more). This role will be key to building optimization-powered applications for robotics and manufacturing that improve process efficiency and product quality at Divergent.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy innovative planning algorithms using the latest task planning, scheduling, and simulation techniques.
• Determine the system design and deployment architecture for the software pipeline.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and optimize planning solutions into products and processes.
• Document your work, including code, algorithms, user manuals, and procedures, to support knowledge sharing and future development efforts.
• Develop and maintain software development best practices to ensure high-quality code, efficient testing, and timely releases.
• Stay updated on advancements in planning algorithms and technologies, and contribute fresh ideas and insights to the team.

Qualifications

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science (or related) + 5 years of professional software-engineering experience.
• Advanced proficiency in Python and C++ (multithreading, memory management).
• Proven experience with SAT/SMT solving, combinatorial optimization, and constraint programming.
• Strong background in task planning and scheduling (PDDL, heuristic/temporal planners, resource-constrained project scheduling).
• Hands-on with open-source planning/scheduling libraries or equivalent.
• CI/CD pipeline design, Docker & Kubernetes deployment, automated unit-testing, debugging, and performance profiling.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, written/oral communication, and collaboration skills.
• Solid understanding of system design, scalability, and cloud-native architecture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent research experience) with a strong publication record in task planning, scheduling, or related optimization venues.
• Active open-source contributions to solver/planner projects.
• Familiarity with C# and TypeScript.
• Domain expertise in robotics or manufacturing workflows.
• Experience leading medium-sized technical initiatives from definition through delivery.
• Strong stakeholder communication and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Experience integrating ML/DL models with planning pipelines for hybrid approaches.

Requirements

• Pay Range: $155,550 — $213,840 USD

Benefits

• Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities.
• Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge.
• Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options.
• Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development with reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives.
• Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company.