Senior Operations Research Scientist

United States, Georgia, Atlanta

Operations Anlys & Performance

17-Jul-2026

Ref #: 33394

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.

Primary Functions

Transform complex datasets into actionable model assets.

Design, develop, implement, and calibrate decision support products (optimization and simulation).

Partner with Information Technology to productionize 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.

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

What you need to succeed (minimum qualifications)

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/GitHub, 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.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications)

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 (AnyLogic preferred)