Decision Scientist I, Operations Decision Science

Role overview

Delta Air Lines is looking for an early-career Decision Scientist to join the Operations Decision Science team in Atlanta. The role centers on using applied analytics and machine learning to improve operational decisions across a large, complex airline network that serves more than 180 million customers a year and reaches over 300 destinations.

This position is a good fit for someone who wants to build analytical and engineering experience on real business problems while learning alongside an experienced decision science team. The work combines data exploration, modeling, communication, and collaboration in a fast-moving operations environment.

What you will do

• Partner with fellow decision scientists to build advanced analytical solutions for complex business challenges.
• Gather and prepare data for analysis, then conduct exploratory data analysis to uncover patterns and opportunities.
• Develop applied analytics and machine learning models that support operational decision-making.
• Explain findings to business partners through clear storytelling, concise summaries, and effective visuals.
• Build familiarity with cloud-based tools and continue learning new methods on the job.

Minimum qualifications

• Previous internship or professional exposure in applied analytics, data science, operational analysis, or a similar area.
• Hands-on experience using Python for data manipulation, basic analytics, and/or simple simulations.
• Working knowledge of SQL and relational databases.
• Familiarity with machine learning tools such as Scikit-learn, XGBoost, TensorFlow, or similar libraries.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to communicate technical results clearly to both technical teammates and non-technical audiences.
• Capability to prioritize work and stay organized with support from senior team members.
• Collaborative approach and willingness to learn from others.
• Commitment to safety and security for self, others, and personal data.
• Respect for diverse people, ideas, and working styles.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and customer-first thinking.

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or another quantitative discipline.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Exposure to cloud environments such as AWS.
• Working knowledge of simulation methods, including discrete-event and agent-based simulation.

Culture and values

Delta’s culture is built around Care, Integrity, Resilience, Servant Leadership, and Teamwork. The company emphasizes employee success, inclusion, and a customer-first approach, while also encouraging community service and sustainability efforts.

Benefits and perks

• Competitive pay, profit sharing, and performance incentives.
• 401(k) plan with company contributions up to 9%.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, personal time, maternity leave, and parental leave.
• Medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance benefits.
• Family-care support, including fertility help, surrogacy and adoption assistance, lactation support, backup care, and related programs.
• Wellbeing programs covering physical, emotional, social, and financial health, plus employee assistance, financial coaching, and mental health resources.
• Flight privileges for employees and eligible family members on domestic and international space-available travel.
• Career development programs designed to support long-term growth.
• Community service opportunities, sustainability initiatives, and carbon-footprint reduction efforts.
• Business Resource Groups that build connection, inclusion, and shared perspective.
• Recognition awards through Unstoppable Together.
• Access to more than 500 discounts, savings, and voluntary benefits through Deltaperks, including rentals, insurance, legal services, and childcare.