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 complex operational problems across the airline, from crew scheduling to maintenance.
• Project Ownership:
• Lead projects end-to-end—from scoping and data exploration to model deployment and performance monitoring in production environments.
• Simulation & Optimization:
• Apply simulation modeling techniques and collaborate with optimization experts to evaluate and improve operational strategies.
• Stakeholder Communication:
• Translate technical findings into clear, actionable insights for business stakeholders, 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 cloud technologies, and help establish best practices for scalable, maintainable solutions.
  

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, or LightGBM. Experience with model evaluation, tuning, and interpretability techniques
• Cloud & Deployment Skills:
• Hands-on experience with AWS ML services, including SageMaker and SageMaker 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 predictive modeling and optimization
• Soft Skills:
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain 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 and improvement
• Consistently prioritizes safety and security of self, others, and personal data.
• 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.
• Core Values:
• Commitment to safety and security
• Embraces diverse people, thinking, and styles
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a customer-first mindset
  

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Operations Research, Computer Science, 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:

• Competitive salary, industry-leading profit sharing program, and performance incentives
• 401(k) with generous company contributions up to 9%
• Paid time off including vacation, holidays, paid personal time, maternity and parental leave
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, short/long term disability and life benefits
• Family care assistance through fertility support, surrogacy and adoption assistance, lactation support, subsidized back-up care, and programs that help with loved ones in all stages
• Holistic Wellbeing programs to support physical, emotional, social, and financial health, including access to an employee assistance program offering support for you and anyone in your household, free financial coaching, and extensive resources supporting mental health
• Domestic and International space-available flight privileges for employees and eligible family members
• Career development programs to achieve your long-term career goals
• World-wide partnerships to engage in community service and innovative goals created to focus on sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint
• Business Resource Groups created to connect employees with common interests to promote inclusion, provide perspective and help implement strategies
• Recognition rewards and awards through the platform Unstoppable Together
• Access to over 500 discounts, specialty savings and voluntary benefits through Deltaperks such as car and hotel rentals and auto, home, and pet insurance, legal services, and childcare