Sr Systems Engineer - Operations Research Specialist

Reference Number: 3888

Department: Technology

Closing Date: 12/23/25

We encourage you to apply early, as this position may be filled before the anticipated closing date.

Job Level: 15

The salary range for this position is Level 15.

If you wish to solicit an employee referral for this position, please ensure the employee submits the referral prior to submitting your application.

Description

Union Pacific Railroad Company seeks a Sr Systems Engineer - Operations Research Specialist position in Omaha, NE. May telecommute up to 50% of work time.

Seeking a data and decision scientist, with a strong background in operations research, statistics, machine learning, mathematics and data driven decision making. This position will apply advanced analytical and mathematical techniques to solve complex problems and optimize decision-making to improve our highly integrated network of resources. Work with large sets of data to develop mathematical models and algorithms to aid in decision-making, improve efficiency, and maximize outcomes. Play a vital role in optimizing our transportation network by improving route planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.

Accountabilities

• Work closely with stakeholders to understand the objectives and challenges of the problem
• Identify the key variables, constraints, costs, and objectives.
• Gather relevant data from various sources.
• Clean and preprocess the data, develop mathematical models, algorithms, and optimization techniques to represent the problem, derive insights, and create optimal outcomes.
• Design, develop, implement, and maintain software to expose the model to other application development teams.
• Utilize simulation tools and techniques to model complex systems and evaluate different scenarios.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and subject matter experts.
• Communicate complex analytical concepts and findings in a clear and concise manner, both verbally and through reports or presentations.
  
  

Qualifications - Required

• Master's degree (foreign equivalent accepted) in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Mathematics, or related field.
• 3 years of experience with mathematical optimization tools and methods, including mixed integer programs and decomposition.
• 3 years of experience with one or more programming languages (ex: C , Java, Python).
• 3 years of experience in machine learning and/or GenAI.
• 3 years of experience in Unix.
• 3 years of experience with relational database design.
• 3 years of experience in the railroad industry.
• 3 years of experience with discrete-event simulation frameworks (e.g., SimPy, Simmer).
• 3 years of experience using Git or other version control tools for managing code and model versions.
• 3 years of experience utilizing advanced mathematical skills.
  
  

Apply online at https://up.jobs/index.htm; Req No. 3888. Union Pacific Railroad Company is an Equal Opportunity employer and subscribes to a drug‑free/smoke‑free workplace.

Qualifications - Preferred

Physical and Mental Job Requirements

Work Conditions

What We Offer

• A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture
• Ongoing learning, development, and Educational Assistance (including little to no out-of-pocket cost for online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha)
• 401(k) with 100% match up to 6%, plus additional automatic 3% (contribute 6% and UP will contribute 9% [6% 3%])
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 20% match up to 5%
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid disability, life, and AD&D insurance
• Health Savings Account (with company contribution) Dependent Care Savings Account and Transportation Spending Account
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs
• Adoption/Surrogacy Assistance, paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• Competitive compensation including eligibility for annual merit, bonus, and equity programs dependent on job level and personal and company performance
  
  

The final salary of the selected candidate for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, specialty and training. This position also includes additional compensation and benefits offered by Union Pacific.

This position is eligible for participation in the Union Pacific Annual Compensation Program. This is a pay-for-performance program which administers annual salary adjustments, cash incentive bonuses and stock equity as determined by individual performance, company performance and program guidelines. Additionally, this position is eligible for health and welfare benefits, retirement, financial planning benefits and paid and unpaid leave. For more information regarding Union Pacific’s nonagreement employee benefits, please visit our management benefits page.