Optimization Algorithm Developer (IC Role)

Description

Welcome to Zesty, a dynamic startup at the forefront of cloud optimization innovation!

Zesty’s Mission

Zesty is a startup company specializing in automated optimization solutions, aiming to help organizations reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency. The company offers a range of products designed for DevOps and FinOps teams responsible for managing cloud usage within organizations.

Position Overview -

We’re looking for an Optimization Algorithm Developer to own and lead the algorithmic core of our cloud cost optimization platform — as a standalone function within the company.

You’ll understand the business problem end-to-end, design heuristic and data-driven solutions, and see their impact quickly.

This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in fast decision cycles, short research iterations, and a high degree of autonomy.

Your Ownership Will Include

• Own the full lifecycle of optimization logic — from identifying business challenges to designing and implementing algorithmic solutions.
• Develop and refine heuristic or optimization algorithms for cloud usage and workload management.
• Conduct short research cycles that deliver measurable value and can evolve into production-ready systems.
• Collaborate proactively with Product, Data Engineering, and Backend teams to bring solutions to life.
• Define clear success metrics and evaluation methods (A/B tests, backtesting, KPIs).
• Stay up to date with cloud economics, Kubernetes scaling, and FinOps practices.
  
  

Requirements

• 4+ years in algorithm development, applied data science, or optimization.
• Strong Python skills (PySpark and pandas a plus).
• Solid foundations in algorithms, optimization, and statistics.
• Experience with SQL and large-scale data.
• Ability to translate product goals into implementable, impactful solutions.
• Independent, proactive, and communicative — able to work autonomously with strong ownership.
  
  

Nice to Have

• Experience in a product-oriented or startup environment.
• Familiarity with cloud cost data (AWS CUR or similar).
• Understanding of Kubernetes scaling (HPA, autoscaling).
• Knowledge of cloud commitments (Savings Plans, RIs).
• Background in forecasting, anomaly detection, or FinOps.
  
  

Why is it exciting being a Zester-

At Zesty, we're a team of driven, forward-thinkers passionate about pushing the boundaries of cloud optimization. Our culture encourages creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace challenges.

We Care About

Diversity & Inclusion - Be yourself! We welcome employees from all backgrounds and have created a workplace where everyone can feel empowered.

Transparency - Transparency: We share our success stories, failures, processes, numbers, and everything in between. If you want to know something that wasn't shared with you – just ask!

One Team- We genuinely trust each other which enables us to act as one team working together toward the same mission. All team members are equally important

Open Communication & Feedback -When facing challenges, we always look for fresh ideas and ways to overcome them and We embrace constructive feedback that can and should be given to anyone

Ego is out at the door - Ego obscures and disrupts everything: the planning process, the ability to

take good advice, and the ability to accept constructive feedback. We operate with a high degree of humility