Decision Scientist, Operations Decision Science

Delta Air Lines; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

401(k) with company contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

Delta Air Lines is seeking a Decision Scientist to apply analytical skills to real-world operations in Atlanta. You’ll develop simulation models and run experiments to evaluate strategies, collaborating with optimization specialists to improve decision frameworks.

You will partner with operational teams, translate findings into actionable insights, and own well-scoped workstreams while maintaining thorough documentation and mentorship for colleagues.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years in simulation-focused analytics or related fields.
• Experience with discrete-event, agent-based, or stochastic modeling.
• Familiarity with Python, SQL, and optimization concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate simulation models (discrete-event, agent-based, Monte Carlo, or hybrid).
• Run experiments to assess operational strategies and policies.
• Apply statistics to simulate outputs and ensure credibility.
• Collaborate with optimization experts to embed insights into decision frameworks.
• Document models, analyses, and assumptions clearly.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Time management

Collaborative mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field

Tools

AnyLogic

Arena

Simio

ProModel

Python

SQL

Optimization techniques

Job description

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 and more efficient decisions across Delta’s operations.

We are seeking a Decision Scientist with a strong interest in simulation, operational analysis, and applied analytics. This is an excellent opportunity for early‑career professionals who want to apply analytical and engineering skills to real‑world operational challenges and learn from an experienced team of decision scientists.

What You’ll Do

• Simulation & Optimization (Primary Focus)
• Support the design, development, and validation of simulation models (discrete‑event, agent‑based, Monte Carlo, or hybrid)
• Conduct simulation input analysis and statistical distribution fitting to represent stochastic operational processes.
• Run simulation experiments to evaluate operational strategies, system behaviors, and policy changes.
• Apply statistical methods to evaluate simulation outputs, variability, and confidence in results.
• Support validation efforts using data‑driven techniques to ensure solution accuracy and credibility.
• Collaborate with optimization specialists to incorporate analytical insights into decision‑making frameworks.
• Operational Analysis & Decision Support
• Partner with operational teams to scope analytical questions, explore data, and translate findings into clear, actionable insights.
• Build scenario analyses and decision‑support tools that help leaders understand impacts, risks, and opportunities within the operational environment.
• Project Ownership
• Collaborate with senior scientists and stakeholders to define project requirements and ensure alignment on analytical objectives.
• Take ownership of well‑scoped workstreams within larger simulation or analytics projects.
• Maintain clear documentation of models, analyses, and assumptions.
• Collaboration & Mentorship
• Learn best practices in simulation modeling, experimentation, and operational analytics through hands‑on experience and mentorship.
• Partner with teams across operations to understand how analytics supports Delta’s operational decision‑making.
• Innovation & Best Practices
• Stay current on emerging simulation tools, analytical techniques, and cloud‑based technologies.
• Bring curiosity, creative thinking, and a continuous‑improvement mindset to the team.

What You Need To Succeed (Minimum Qualifications)

• Experience
• 1-3 years of experience in simulation‑focused applied analytics, operational analysis, or related fields.
• Academic or internship / professional experience with simulation tools such as AnyLogic, Arena, Simio, or ProModel.
• Technical Skills
• Foundational skills in simulation modeling (discrete‑event, agent‑based, or stochastic modeling).
• Experience with Python for data manipulation, basic analytics, or simple simulations.
• Working knowledge of SQL and relational databases.
• Familiarity with optimization techniques and tools (mathematical programming, heuristics, scenario optimization).
• Soft Skills
• Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to teammates and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Ability to manage time and organize tasks with guidance from senior team members.
• Collaborative mindset and eagerness to learn from others.
• Core Values
• 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.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a customer‑first mindset

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Exposure to cloud environments (AWS preferred) is a plus, not a requirement.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, or related quantitative field.

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