Data Scientist, AI

Virgin Australia Airlines; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discount flights for you and family

Flexible hybrid work style

South Bank head office location

Wellbeing and counselling support

Job summary

Virgin Australia Airlines is seeking a Data Scientist (AI) to join our growing AI capability, working at the intersection of data science, commercial decision-making and real-world aviation problems.

You will develop ML models to solve complex problems, apply forecasting and optimization, and translate outputs into actionable business guidance for revenue management and operations. Hybrid work from Brisbane or Sydney offices is offered.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience developing and deploying ML models or decision-support solutions in a commercial or operational environment.
• Strong Python capability across supervised ML, predictive modelling and optimisation.
• Experience with explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy machine learning and predictive models to solve complex commercial and operational problems.
• Apply forecasting, optimisation and decision science to pricing, demand, inventory and revenue management.
• Translate model outputs into clear, actionable recommendations for business decisions.

Skills

Python

Stakeholder comms

ML

Forecasting

Data analysis

Education

Quantitative degree

Tools

LightGBM

Pandas

scikit-learn

Job description

Help shape how AI powers Australia's favourite airline! Newly created, permanent role based out of our Brisbane or Sydney office (Hybrid).

We're the airline that dares to be different, bold, down-to-earth and built around giving our guests real choice. Safety is our backbone, service is our heartbeat, and our people are our superpower. At Virgin Australia, we're on a mission to be Australia's most loved airline, for our people, our guests and our owners and we're looking for passionate talent to help take us even higher.

We're vibrant, authentic and unapologetically human. Here, you can bring your whole self, your Virgin Flair and your ambition to a team that champions individuality, innovation and a whole lot of heart. If you're excited by meaningful work, real opportunities to grow, and a culture where you can genuinely make a difference, you'll feel right at home with us.

Your Impact:

Virgin Australia is investing in AI and machine learning to make better decisions, improve the customer experience and run a smarter, more efficient airline.

We're looking for a Data Scientist (AI) to join our growing AI capability and work at the intersection of data science, commercial decision-making and real-world aviation problems.

This is an opportunity to take complex business problems and turn them into practical solutions that people across Virgin Australia can use every day.

You'll work closely with Revenue Management, Commercial and other business teams to identify opportunities where machine learning, optimisation and AI can make a meaningful difference.

You will:

• Develop and deploy machine learning and predictive models to solve complex commercial and operational problems
• Apply forecasting, optimisation and decision science to areas including pricing, demand, inventory and revenue management
• Translate model outputs into clear, actionable recommendations that support better business decisions
• Build robust, explainable and reproducible data science solutions, with strong validation, testing and monitoring
• Explore and apply emerging AI capabilities, including generative AI and LLMs, where they can materially improve decision-making, productivity or automation
• Partner closely with stakeholders to understand their needs, measure impact and ensure solutions are adopted in practice
• Contribute to a modern data science environment with strong engineering, version control and governance practices

What you'll bring:

We're looking for someone who combines strong technical capability with commercial curiosity and the ability to work with stakeholders to solve ambiguous problems.

You'll ideally have:

• 2+ years' experience developing and deploying machine learning models or decision-support solutions in a commercial, operational or similarly complex environment
• Strong hands-on Python capability across supervised machine learning, predictive modelling and optimisation
• Experience with tools such as LightGBM, pandas and scikit-learn, or equivalent
• A solid understanding of forecasting, machine learning, optimisation and model evaluation
• Experience building reliable, tested and reproducible analytical workflows
• Strong stakeholder and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts and turn them into practical business outcomes
• A degree in Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering or another relevant quantitative discipline, or equivalent applied experience
• Experience with generative AI, NLP or LLM-based applications is desirable, as is experience in pricing, demand, customer or revenue-related analytics.

What you'll get from us

We're committed to looking after you, with some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry - including (but not limited to):

• Discounted flights for you and your loved ones (including $1000 worth of travel credits per year from 3 months in the role)
• A flexible, hybrid work style. Work from home or the office, adapt your location to suit your style and needs
• One of Brisbane's most admired head office locations, with South Bank train station, a supermarket, pharmacy, and lunch options downstairs plus a 5-minute walk to the Busway, a rooftop restaurant and onsite gym (with a low membership fee) and South Bank Parklands just across the road
• Discounts on travel insurance, lounge membership, car hire, accommodation, and experiences worldwide
• Cheaper hospitality, retail, technology, beauty and wellness services
• Free counselling and access to a wellbeing app to support your physical, mental, social and financial health
• 'Dress for Your Day' - enjoy the freedom to wear whatever makes you feel great for the type of work you do and the day you have ahead of you.

When everyone is included, everyone wins

We're all individuals. And we love that. That's why we encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, our friends in the LGBTQI+ community, and anyone else who wants to join our family.

We're ready to hear from you.