Discrete Event Simulation Engineer (Warehouse Simulation)

We have recently founded a new team that is working on defining a next generation simulation system from scratch. The team is working on detailed simulations of some of the largest automated fulfillment centers in Europe, and builds models of new warehousing and automation concepts that will enable us to expand as never before. The simulations serve as virtual sites that provide a risk-free environment to analyze and test our automated warehouses. They support our software development, commissioning, and enable our analysts to validate new warehousing concepts and improve existing ones. For example,explains how we setup simulation to test our Warehouse Control System software.

As a member of this warehouse simulation team, you will have the chance to play an integral role in shaping and defining our simulation product. Our team operates with a high degree of autonomy and creativity, tackling many unknowns along the way.

As a Warehouse Simulation Engineer, you will work in Python to build, plan and expand our in-house simulation system. Your primary responsibility will be to capture the complex dynamics between hardware, software, and humans while working with the team to develop the tool that will simulate new and improved automated warehouses.

You will strive to find innovative ways to replicate real-world conditions of warehouse components within these models, and drive implementation in the team. Additionally, you will conduct research on simulation and digital twin technologies and drive innovation of the system, to ensure that our system is future-proof. You will also provide support to developers and analysts to effectively utilize our simulation system, playing a critical role in optimizing warehouse operations and improving efficiency.

• Design, develop, and test software for our warehouse simulation system that allows simulating warehouse operations for testing software, analysis new automation strategies, and validate to be build warehouse layouts
• Create high-quality code that is scalable, reliable and reusable to build an everlasting tool
• Lead projects and initiatives in the Warehouse Simulation team and set the system up for success

You have a curious mindset and enjoy exploring the intricacies of systems and processes. At the same time, your practical approach to problems allows you to balance between model abstraction, performance, and development effort by focusing on the big picture rather than getting bogged down in the details.

• You have a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computational Science or equivalent
• You are excited about and experienced in discrete event simulation
• …and have great software development skills to match (bonus points if in Python)!
• You have a good understanding of relational databases and SQL
• You know when to use NoSQL solutions like MongoDB, ElasticSearch, and RabbitMQ
• You know your way around software versioning (git), test suites, technical documentation, and continuous integration and deployment
• ...and you don't mind collecting bonus points with your cloud and Kubernetes skills

• Python 3.9/3.10/3.11
• SimPy
• Many Python libraries across various domains
• RabbitMQ
• AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, TeamCity
• Microservices

Picnic is an online supermarket. We meet at the intersection of groceries and tech - leveraging software and data to offer a new solution to an old problem. Our warehouses are including more and more data and automation - and through our Simulation Systems, we have it all under control.

• You’ll get plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself and grow, including the Picnic Tech Academy, Lunch & Learn sessions, and tailored soft skills training. We also offer free professional weekly language courses.

• You’ll work in an awesome startup environment with the freedom to drive your own projects and create a visible impact.
• Our fully electric vehicles and sustainable business model mean you’ll also be contributing to making the world a better place!

• With more than 80 nationalities across 3 countries, you’ll be part of a diverse company with plenty of cool stuff to get involved with, from board game evenings to after-work drinks to our company ski trip and more!

• You’ll get freshly prepared, healthy lunches and snacks (with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and halal options). Coffee snob? Don’t worry, our amazing Picnic barista has you covered.

• Mental health is important. As well as having the option to speak with Picnic colleagues who act as confidential advisors, our collaboration with OpenUp gives you easy access to professional psychologists, along with workshops and materials.
• There are plenty of sports communities and events to get involved with, from tennis to yoga, to climbing!

• We offer competitive compensation and a pension plan that looks out for your future self, as well as 25 vacation days per year, so you can recharge your batteries

Benefits for expats

It can be daunting starting a new job AND moving to a new country. That’s why we offer lots of support for our many expat colleagues, including:

• Relocation package: If you join Picnic from abroad, we’ll cover your trip to Amsterdam, sponsor your Visa, and offer you a month of accommodation while you settle in (as long as regulations allow).
• In the Netherlands, we offer support with your first tax report as well as arranging the 30% ruling.
• From health insurance to living arrangements to pet passports, there are always colleagues who’ve faced the same challenges and are more than happy to help!

Commitment to equal opportunities

Picnic is an equal opportunity employer—this means that all decisions regarding applications will be based on qualifications and merit. Applicants will be regarded independently of age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, skin color, civil status, religious beliefs, physical or mental disability, or any other factors protected by law.

At Picnic, we celebrate and value our differences and are committed to building a safe and inclusive working environment where everyone can be themselves.