Senior Operations Research Scientist

How You'll Help Us Keep Climbing (Overview & Key Responsibilities)

At Delta Air Lines, connection is at the heart of everything we do and guides our every action. We strive to welcome and care for all of our customers during their travels with us and aim to deliver an elevated experience.

Delta Air Lines connects the world by flying 180 million customers to 300+ destinations every year. At Operations Decision Science (ODS), we build and deploy data science and predictive modeling tools to support this complex operation. ODS currently seeks a scientist to develop insights, machine learning models, and solutions aimed at continually improving airline performance and decision making. Our team is looking for a senior-level scientist to make a real-world impact by developing analytical solutions to deliver the best air travel experiences.

An ideal candidate will have excellent technical knowledge of deterministic and stochastic operations research, including mathematical optimization and simulation methodologies (discrete-event and agent-based). Fundamental data engineering skillsets are also required. The candidate should have strong organizational and communication skills and be comfortable working in a fast paced environment. This role supports the delivery of decision support applications based on simulation, optimization, and data science models.

• Transform complex datasets into actionable model assets.
• Design, develop, implement, and calibrate decision support products (optimization and simulation).
• Partner with Information Technology to product ionize decision support tools using sustainable best practices.
• Provide technical leadership, expertise, and influence in product development cycles.
• Leverage emerging technologies and identify efficient, meaningful ways to disseminate data and analyses to meet business needs.
• Lead complex process improvement and project management engagements for both individual business units and cross divisional initiatives.
• Interface with business unit leaders to develop and maintain strong internal stakeholder relationships.
• Promote and practice a safety conscious work environment focused on employee wellbeing.

• Strong foundation in mathematical modeling, optimization, and probability and statistics.
• 5+ years of experience building optimization models and working with optimization engines (e.g., Gurobi, CPLEX) in production environments.
• Proficiency with relational databases and SQL.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, or other programming languages (Python preferred).
• Proficiency in collaborative software development workflows using Git/Gitlab/Git Hub, including branching, merging, and resolving conflicts.
• Working knowledge of core AWS services (e.g., EC2, S3, Lambda, etc.).
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong project management, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Consistently prioritizes safety and security of self, others, and personal data.
• Embraces diverse people, thinking, and styles.
• Possesses a high school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency.
• Is at least 18 years of age and has authorization to work in the United States.

• Master's degree in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of Linux/Unix, and Bash/Shell scripting.
• Experience with statistical or machine learning toolkits.
• Experience developing reinforcement learning models using simulation as a training platform.
• Experience with cloud development toolkits.
• Experience with multiple simulation paradigms and tools (Any Logic preferred).

Our culture is rooted in a shared dedication to living our values – Care, Integrity, Resilience, Servant Leadership, and Teamwork – every day, in everything we do. At Delta, our people are our success. At the heart of what we offer is our focus on Sharing Success with Delta employees. Exploring a career at Delta gives you a chance to see the world while earning great compensation and benefits to help you keep climbing along the way.

• Com…