Senior Data Scientist

Textron Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Textron Aviation in Wichita, Kansas seeks a Senior Data Scientist to drive predictive maintenance and advanced analytics for a large fleet of aircraft. You will merge time-series sensor data with maintenance records, build and validate models, and mentor junior data scientists to raise measurement quality and impact.

The role requires 7+ years in data science, proficiency with Python, SQL, and cloud ML platforms; experience with ML/DL, NLP, and model governance; and the ability to communicate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, predictive modeling, or advanced analytics.
• Master's or PhD degree in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field preferred.
• Aviation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support data exploration, hypothesis testing, and foundational predictive analytics.
• Independently develop machine learning models for classification, regression, clustering, and time-series analysis using Python and relevant libraries.
• Collaborate with analysts and engineers to prepare and clean data for modeling.
• Document methodologies and contribute to reproducible research practices.
• Develop foundational understanding of the business domain, including aircraft OEM operations.
• Apply advanced statistical techniques to evaluate model performance and business impact.
• Work with large datasets using Python, SQL, and cloud-native platforms.
• Communicate findings through technical documentation and stakeholder presentations.
• Contribute to the development of analytics best practices and model governance.
• Lead development of predictive models and advanced analytics workflows.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
• Design experiments and causal inference studies to support strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate models into business processes.
• Champion adherence to governance frameworks and global data science standards.
• Drive innovation in data science methodologies and tools.
• Influence enterprise-wide strategy through advanced modeling and simulation.
• Lead cross-domain projects involving deep learning, NLP, or advanced time-series forecasting.
• Advocate for ethical AI practices and model interpretability.
• Serve as a thought leader in data science governance, ensuring consistency and quality across teams.

Skills

Python

SQL

Time-series modelling

NLP

Data visualization

Cloud ML

Education

Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics / Statistics / CS / Data Science

7+ years experience in data science

Master's or PhD preferred

Aviation experience preferred

Tools

Pandas

scikit-learn

Matplotlib

Seaborn

Plotly

Azure ML

AWS SageMaker

MLflow

Job description

Senior Data Scientist

Textron Aviation has been inspiring the journey of flight for nine decades through the iconic and beloved Cessna and Beechcraft brands. We are passionate advocates of aviation, empowering people with the freedom of flight. As you join our legacy as a global leader in private aviation, you’ll have opportunities to try new fields, expand your skills and knowledge, stretch your abilities, and build your career. We provide a competitive and extensive total rewards package that includes pay and innovative benefits to support you and your family members – now and in the future, beginning day one. Your success is our success.

JOB SUMMARY

Data Scientists drive strategic initiatives by performing advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and machine learning on complex internal and external datasets. They leverage advanced mathematics, statistics, and code-first tools to deliver high-impact, actionable insights. Unlike Data Analysts, Data Scientists focus on building and validating models, conducting experiments, and generating recommendations that directly inform business strategy and operational transformation.

We are seeking an experienced Data Scientist to join our small, specialized, and highly motivated team that is implementing predictive maintenance and connected aircraft solutions for a large fleet of Textron Aviation aircraft. In this senior position, you will merge large scale time-series aircraft sensor data, parts, and maintenance records using a variety of machine learning, deep learning, AI, and visualization methods. You will keenly focus on maximizing the operational availability of customer jet, turboprop, and piston aircraft along with efficient aircraft maintenance practices. As a key part of your role, you will mentor and provide technical leadership to junior data scientists, foster creativity, and champion innovative, cutting-edge data science methodologies across the organization.

At Textron Aviation, we are building a community of Data & Analytics professionals with an emphasis on collaboration and cross functional support. You will have the opportunity to work closely with your peers throughout the organization toward a vision of data driven strategy.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support data exploration, hypothesis testing, and foundational predictive analytics.
• Independently develop machine learning models for classification, regression, clustering, and time-series analysis using Python and relevant libraries.
• Collaborate with analysts and engineers to prepare and clean data for modeling.
• Document methodologies and contribute to reproducible research practices.
• Develop foundational understanding of the business domain, including aircraft OEM operations.
• Apply advanced statistical techniques to evaluate model performance and business impact.
• Work with large datasets using Python, SQL, and cloud-native platforms.
• Communicate findings through technical documentation and stakeholder presentations.
• Contribute to the development of analytics best practices and model governance.
• Lead development of predictive models and advanced analytics workflows.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
• Design experiments and causal inference studies to support strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate models into business processes.
• Champion adherence to governance frameworks and global data science standards.
• Drive innovation in data science methodologies and tools.
• Influence enterprise-wide strategy through advanced modeling and simulation.
• Lead cross-domain projects involving deep learning, NLP, or advanced time-series forecasting.
• Advocate for ethical AI practices and model interpretability.
• Serve as a thought leader in data science governance, ensuring consistency and quality across teams.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, or related technical field/coursework.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience required in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, predictive modeling, or advanced analytics.
• Master’s or PhD degree in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field preferred.
• Aviation experience preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts and analytical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Practical application experience with Python (and associated libraries: pandas, scikit-learn, etc.), SQL, and statistical analysis.
• Experience with data visualization tools (Matplotlib, Seaborn, Plotly, or similar).
• Advanced proficiency with tree-based algorithms and dimensionality reduction.
• Experience working with relational databases and developing complex data sets.
• Experience with generative AI concepts, including large language models (LLMs), prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and comfortable with AI coding assistants.
• Experience building, deploying, and managing machine learning solutions using cloud-native platforms (Azure ML, MLflow, AWS SageMaker, etc.), including MLOps practices such as version control, CI/CD, experiment tracking, model deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Commitment to continuous learning, adoption of emerging data science methodologies, and ethical, responsible AI practices.
• Preferred experience in ML model training on multiple GPUs/CUDA.
• Experience optimizing compute performance on large datasets using parallel processing and multi-core utilization techniques and packages (e.g. Polars, PySpark, Dask, etc.)
• Experience with deep learning libraries (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow), transformer-based architectures, and advanced modeling techniques.
• Strong linear algebra skills.
• Proven experience leading data science projects and teams, mentoring junior data scientists, and driving strategic initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills, research capabilities, and careful attention to detail.

Textron Aviation Inc. must comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations. If a position requires access to sensitive information controlled under these laws and regulations, a successful applicant must be eligible to meet any requirements to access controlled information.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

AI Readiness:Textron expects employees to use AI-enabled tools responsibly and effectively. Candidates should be comfortable learning and applying these tools, evaluating AI-generated output with sound judgment, and using AI in line with company policy and ethical standards. Prior experience with specific tools is not required — we value curiosity, adaptability, and good judgment.

Kansas Tax Credit

Join Textron Aviation’s Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Visit https://www.aircapitaloftheworld.com/taxcredits for more information on the tax credit.

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Recruiting Company: Textron Aviation

Primary Location: US-Kansas-Wichita

Schedule: Full-time

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Job Type: Experienced

Shift: First Shift