Senior Decision Scientist, Operations Decision Science

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 over 180 million customers annually to more than 300 destinations. Behind this global operation is a complex network of decisions, logistics, and real-time problem-solving. The Operations Decision Science (ODS) team plays a critical role in enabling smarter, faster, and more data-driven decisions across Delta's operations.

We are seeking a Senior Decision Scientist to lead the development of machine learning and simulation-based solutions that address high-impact operational challenges. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of data science, business strategy, and real-world applications.

What You'll Do

• Model Development & Deployment:

• Design, build, test, and deploy machine learning models to solve complexoperational problems across the airline, from crew scheduling to maintenance.

• Project Ownership:

• Lead projects end-to-end-from scoping and data exploration to model deploymentand performance monitoring in production environments.

• Simulation & Optimization:

• Apply simulation modeling techniques and collaborate with optimization expertsto evaluate and improve operational strategies.

• Stakeholder Communication:

• Translate technical findings into clear, actionable insights for businessstakeholders, ensuring alignment and adoption of data-driven solutions.

• Collaboration & Mentorship:

• Work closely with cross-functional teams and mentor junior scientists,contributing to a culture of learning and innovation.

• Innovation & Best Practices:

• Stay current with advancements in machine learning, simulation, and cloudtechnologies, and help establish best practices for scalable, maintainablesolutions.

What you need to succeed (minimum qualifications)

• Experience:

• 2-5 years of experience in applied data science or advanced analytics,preferably in operational or industrial domains

• Machine Learning Expertise:

• Proficiency in Python and ML libraries such as scikit-learn, XGBoost, orLightGBM. Experience with model evaluation, tuning, and interpretabilitytechniques

• Cloud & Deployment Skills:

• Hands-on experience with AWS ML services, including SageMaker andSageMaker Pipelines, Lambda, Step Functions, S3, CloudWatch,and IAM

• Data Engineering:

• Strong SQL skills and experience working with large-scale relational databases.Familiarity with data pipelines and ETL processes

• Simulation Modeling:

• Exposure to or experience with simulation tools such as Arena, ProModel,or AnyLogic, and an understanding of how simulation integrates with predictivemodeling and optimization

• Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication skills with the ability toexplain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences

• Strong organizational and project management skills

• Proven ability to work collaboratively in diverse,cross-functional teams

• A continuous learner with a passion for innovation andimprovement

• Consistently prioritizes safety and security of self,others, and personal data.

• Possesses a high school diploma, GED, or high schoolequivalency.

• Is at least 18 years of age and has authorization to workin the United States.

• Core Values:

• Commitment to safety and security

• Embraces diverse people, thinking, and styles

• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and acustomer-first mindset

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications)

• Master'sdegree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Operations Research, ComputerScience, or related field (Ph.D. preferred)

• Deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, Keras,Pytorch)

• Distributed computing platforms (e.g., Spark)

• API development and consumption for model integration

Benefits and Perks to Help You Keep Climbing

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:

• Competitivesalary, industry-leading pro?t sharing program, and performanceincentives

• 401(k) withgenerous company contributions up to 9%

• Paid time offincluding vacation, holidays, paid personal time, maternity and parentalleave

• Comprehensivehealth bene?ts including medical, dental, vision, short/long termdisability and life bene?ts

• Family careassistance through fertility support, surrogacy and adoption assistance,lactation support, subsidized back-up care, and programs that help withloved ones in all stages

• HolisticWellbeing programs to support physical, emotional, social, and financialhealth, including access to an employee assistance program offeringsupport for you and anyone in your household, free financial coaching, andextensive resources supporting mental health

• Domestic andInternational space-available flight privileges for employees and eligiblefamily members

• Careerdevelopment programs to achieve your long-term career goals

• World-widepartnerships to engage in community service and innovative goals createdto focus on sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint

• BusinessResource Groups created to connect employees with common interests topromote inclusion, provide perspective and help implement strategies

• Recognitionrewards and awards through the platform Unstoppable Together

• Access to over500 discounts, specialty savings and voluntary benefits through Deltaperkssuch as car and hotel rentals and auto, home, and pet insurance, legalservices, and childcare

Delta Air Lines, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and provides reasonable accommodation in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you are a qualified individual, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings through this site, apply for jobs through Delta's online system, or at any point in the selection process. To request a reasonable accommodation, please click here