Senior Data Scientist - Optimisation

easyJet; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airline company is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to lead the design and deployment of optimisation solutions. This hybrid role requires deep expertise in mathematical programming and optimisation techniques, particularly within the airline industry. The ideal candidate should have excellent skills in Python and C++, as well as a proven track record in operational environments. Join a vibrant workplace culture that rewards innovation and excellence.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

20% bonus potential

25 days holiday, pension scheme

Discounted staff travel scheme

Annual discount on holidays

'Work Away' scheme

Electric vehicle lease salary sacrifice scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering optimisation solutions in operational environments.
• Experience in airline industry or comparable domains.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and delivery of optimisation solutions.
• Design and implement high-performance algorithms in C++ and Python.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to translate business challenges into models.
• Drive collaboration with Data Management for data quality.

Skills

Expert knowledge of operations research

Advanced proficiency in Python

Deep hands-on experience with Gurobi

Proven track record in optimisation solutions

Strong understanding of algorithm design

Excellent communication skills

Demonstrated leadership in teams

Education

Degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, Computer Science or related field

Tools

C++

IBM CPLEX

Job description

The Senior Data Scientist (Optimisation)

Will lead the design, development and deployment of mission-critical optimisation solutions that drive operational excellence across the airline. This role demands deep expertise in mathematical programming, advanced optimisation techniques, and production-grade implementation using solvers such as Gurobi or IBM CPLEX. You will architect solutions for complex routing, scheduling, and resource allocation problems while mentoring team members and establishing optimisation best practices.

This role requires proven experience delivering optimisation solutions in operational environments. Candidates with airline industry experience or comparable domains (transport operations, logistics networks, crew/aircraft scheduling) will be particularly valued.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the architecture and delivery of optimisation solutions (linear programming, mixed-integer programming, graph algorithms, constraint programming) for crew planning, aircraft scheduling, routing, and operational decision-making.
• Design and implement high-performance algorithms in C++ and Python, optimising for both solution quality and computational efficiency with industry-standard solvers (Gurobi/CPLEX).
• Define technical strategy for optimisation capability, evaluating emerging techniques (column generation, decomposition methods, hybrid approaches) and tooling.
• Lead integration of optimisation with simulation and reinforcement learning to solve multi-stage decision problems.
• Partner with senior stakeholders across Operations, Planning, Crew, and Engineering to translate business challenges into tractable mathematical models with quantifiable ROI.
• Present complex technical solutions and trade-offs to leadership, translating optimisation concepts into business impact.
• Lead Agile delivery across the full Data Science lifecycle, from opportunity identification through production deployment and continuous improvement.
• Drive collaboration with Data Management to ensure data quality and availability for optimisation pipelines.
• Mentor data scientists in operations research techniques, conduct technical reviews, and build optimisation capability across the team.
• Represent the organisation at industry conferences and academic partnerships, staying at the forefront of optimisation research and practice.

Key Skills required

• Expert knowledge of operations research, mathematical programming, and optimisation theory.
• Advanced proficiency in Python and C++ (or similar high-performance languages) for production-grade model development.
• Deep hands‑on experience with Gurobi and/or IBM CPLEX, including advanced features (callbacks, tuning, decomposition).
• Proven track record delivering optimisation solutions for routing, scheduling, or resource allocation in operational environments. Airline or transportation/logistics experience highly valued.
• Experience with large-scale optimisation and techniques for managing computational complexity.
• Strong understanding of algorithm design, computational complexity, and performance optimisation.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with ability to explain sophisticated mathematical concepts to diverse audiences.
• A degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering or related quantitative discipline.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross‑functional teams and ability to drive consensus on technical decisions.
• Relevant experience with operations research and optimisation in industry settings, with demonstrable progression in technical leadership.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE

• Experience with cloud-based optimisation platforms and distributed computing.
• Knowledge of machine learning and hybrid optimisation/AI approaches.
• Familiarity with simulation, reinforcement learning, heuristic and metaheuristic methods.
• Experience with commercial airline operations, crew planning systems, or aircraft scheduling.

How to Apply

If you are a self-starter who can identify opportunities to drive greater success for the team and have a track record of building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our dynamic team!

What you’ll get in return

At easyJet, we pride ourselves on a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture that supports and rewards innovation and excellence.

We offer

• Competitive base salary
• 20% bonus potential.
• 25 days holiday, pension scheme, life assurance, and a flexible benefits package.
• Discounted staff travel scheme for friends and family
• Annual credit for discount on easyJet holidays
• ‘Work Away’ scheme, allowing you to work abroad for 30 days a year
• Electric vehicle lease salary sacrifice scheme

Location & Hours of Work

We operate a hybrid working policy of 40%-60% of the month spent with colleagues.

We look forward to your application and the possibility of you flying high with our team!

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply through our careers portal.

Reasonable Adjustments

At easyJet, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse customers we serve across Europe. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds. If you require specific adjustments or support during the application or recruitment process, such as extra time for assessments or accessible interview locations, please contact us at [e-mail]. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure accessibility and accommodation.