Context
We are building a software product that solves a real operational problem in retail: workforce scheduling under complex, real-world constraints.
Together with supermarket owners, we are developing a planning tool that combines availability, preferences, skills, legal constraints and revenue-driven staffing needs into a usable scheduling product. The focus is not academic perfection, but practical, explainable solutions that work day to day and can scale commercially.
We are looking for someone who enjoys translating messy business reality into solid models and working software.
What you'll do
* Translate real-world planning rules into optimization logic
* Work on scheduling and resource allocation problems
* Design and implement the core planning engine
* Balance constraints, preferences and trade-offs pragmatically
* Iterate with real users and adapt models based on feedback
* Think product-first: robustness and clarity over complexity
What we're looking for
* Background in applied mathematics, operations research, econometrics, computer science or similar
* Strong interest or experience in optimization, scheduling, constraint programming or related fields
* Comfortable reasoning about assumptions and trade-offs
* Proficiency in Python
* Pragmatic mindset: focus on workable solutions
* Strong analytical thinking
* EU citizen
Nice to have
* Experience optimization libraries (e.g. OR-Tools, Pyomo, Gurobi, AIMMS, ...)
* Familiarity with real-world planning, logistics or workforce problems
* Interest in building a commercial software product
* Dutch proficiency (not required)
Practical
* Project-based role (initially 1 week, then 6-8 weeks)
* Start: 25/01/2026
* Possibility to continue on longer-term product development
* Compensation: 16eur/h base + significant bonus when targets met
Company Description
SkillMix empowers businesses by leveraging AI-driven automation, advanced quantitative modeling, and rapid AI prototyping to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. With a focus on combining cutting-edge academic research and practical execution, SkillMix delivers tailored forecasting, optimization models, and custom AI solutions. Unlike traditional consultancies, SkillMix operates with agility and guarantees results through a no-cure-no-pay model. Our work continuously enhances our growing library of AI tools and agents, ensuring smarter outcomes for our clients.