Graduation Project: Driver happiness – ORTEC – Zoetermeer

Job description

ORTEC leverages data etand mathematics to create value for businesses and society at large. We are active in the transport industry, where we develop and implement optimization software, data analytics solutions and consultancy services. We see that this industry, instead of focusing only on costs as in the ‘80s, is now pushed by globalization, legislation and shortages to also consider other objectives in optimization

As driver shortage is a big challenge, ORTEC wants to address drivers’ wellbeing more. The aim of this work is to help ORTEC include driver satisfaction explicitly in the optimization engine of the route optimization software. A first research question is how to incorporate the driver happiness into the routing problem model. A second research question is how to adapt the algorithm to explicitly optimize also on driver happiness.

As a thesis student, you will study the scientific literature related to measuring driver happiness and to how to explicitly consider this happiness inside the vehicle routing problems. You will test different configurations of the existing optimization engine and propose improvements or extensions to guide the algorithm towards solutions that are interesting for the drivers without increasing the total cost too much.

Who you are

You are in your last year of your Masters in the field of computer science, operations research, mathematics, or other similar areas.

You have experience with traditional operations research methods such as metaheuristics/local search methods. Ideally, you have work/academic experience when you independently built working prototypes/proof of concepts.

You have good coding skills (preferably OOP) in at least one coding language.

You can communicate fluently in English or Dutch, verbally and in writing.

You are able to travel to the Zoetermeer office of ORTEC for a few days a week. Hybrid working is possible.

You are available for 32-40 hours a week.

You are available for a minimum of six months.

You live in the Netherlands and study at a Dutch University.

What we offer

Entrance to the most passionate powerhouse in applied mathematics. We share a drive to use our problem-solving skills to improve our planet, from the world at large to our own backyard.

Inclusion in a company founded by graduate students back in 1981, which today still fosters its students by:

Excellent supervision during your graduation project.

Good internship allowance, laptop, and other office facilities.

An open, kind, and fun culture. 

The next steps:

Did we peak your interest? Then upload your CV, motivation letter and grade lists (BSc and MSc in one PDF if applicable). The recruitment process will consist of two online assessments: a personality and intelligence test, and an interview. 

What to expect

We will help you to thrive in your field of expertise. We offer development programs, tailored to your individual needs and function requirements, including opportunities to attend courses and seminars. We offer challenging, practical hands-on experience with opportunities to work abroad. We operate in a flat organizational structure that keeps communication lines short. The atmosphere is open, informal, cooperative and positive.

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