Senior Data Scientist

Textron; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Textron Aviation is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to drive advanced analytics for predictive maintenance across a large aircraft fleet. You will merge time-series sensor data, parts and maintenance records, and apply ML/AI methods to maximize operational availability and optimize maintenance practices.

The role includes mentoring junior data scientists, leading analytics projects, and promoting ethical AI practices. Aviation domain knowledge and cloud/MLOps experience are valued.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to explain complex findings to diverse audiences.
• Practical experience with Python (pandas, scikit-learn, etc.), SQL, and statistical analysis.
• Experience with data visualization tools (Matplotlib, Seaborn, Plotly).
• Advanced proficiency with tree-based algorithms and dimensionality reduction.
• Experience with relational databases and developing complex data sets.
• Experience with generative AI concepts incl. LLMs, RAG, prompt engineering, and AI coding assistants.
• Experience building, deploying, and managing ML solutions on cloud platforms (Azure ML, MLflow, AWS SageMaker) and MLOps.
• Commitment to continuous learning and ethical AI practices.
• Preferred: ML model training on multiple GPUs/CUDA; parallel compute with Polars, PySpark, Dask.
• Experience with deep learning libraries (PyTorch, TensorFlow) and transformer models.
• Strong linear algebra, leadership, mentoring, and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support data exploration, hypothesis testing, and predictive analytics.
• Develop ML models for classification, regression, clustering, and time-series analysis using Python.
• Collaborate with analysts to prepare and clean data for modeling.
• Document methodologies and promote reproducible research practices.
• Lead development of predictive models and analytics workflows; mentor junior scientists.
• Design experiments and causal inference studies to support strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate models into business processes.
• Champion governance frameworks and data science standards; ensure model interpretability.

Skills

Communication

Python

SQL

Statistical analysis

Data visualization

Tree-based algorithms

Dimensionality reduction

Relational databases

Generative AI concepts

LLMs

Prompt engineering

RAG

AI coding assistants

Azure ML

MLflow

AWS SageMaker

CI/CD

Experiment tracking

Model deployment

Monitoring

Lifecycle management

GPU/CUDA

Polars

PySpark

Dask

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Linear algebra

Leadership

Mentoring

Analytical skills

Research

Education

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

Master’s or PhD in Applied Mathematics/Statistics/CS/Data Science

Tools

Matplotlib

Seaborn

Plotly

Pandas

scikit-learn

Azure ML

MLflow

AWS SageMaker

CUDA

PyTorch

TensorFlow

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.

Description

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.

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.

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.

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
Job Function: Business Development
Schedule: Full-time
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Job Type: Experienced
Shift: First Shift
Job Posting: 09/10/2026, 12:40:53 PM
Job Number: 345009