Data Scientist - Optimisation

When it comes to innovation and achievement there are few organisations with a better track record. Join us and you’ll be able to play a big part in the success of our highly successful, fast-paced business that opens up Europe so people can exercise their get-up-and-go. With over 300 aircraft flying over 800 routes to more than 30 countries, we’re the UK’s largest airline, the second largest in Europe and the tenth largest in the world. Flying over 80 million passengers a year, we employ over 13,000 people. Its big-scale stuff and we’re still growing.

JOB PURPOSE

The Data Scientist will play a pivotal role in designing and delivering advanced optimisation solutions to drive operational efficiency across the airline. This role requires strong expertise in mathematical programming, optimisation modelling, and the practical use of solvers such as Gurobi or IBM CPLEX. You’ll combine C++ and Python coding with applied operations research to tackle complex routing, scheduling, and resource allocation problems.

Candidates with direct experience in the airline industry or related optimisation-heavy domains (e.g. crew/aircraft scheduling, transport routing, logistics networks) will be especially valued.

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Develop, validate, and implement advanced optimisation models (linear, mixed-integer programming and graph based methods) for crew planning, scheduling, routing, and operational decision-making.

• Build and maintain high-performance algorithms in C++ and Python, leveraging industry-standard solvers (Gurobi/CPLEX).

• Contribute to simulation and reinforcement learning approaches where relevant.

• Collaborate with domain experts and stakeholders to translate operational problems into optimisation models with measurable business impact.

• Analyse and interpret results, presenting recommendations to senior management to improve efficiency, robustness, and resilience.

• Work within Agile methodologies, contributing to all stages of the Data Science lifecycle from ideation through delivery.

• Collaborate with Data Management teams to ensure quality inputs to optimisation pipelines.

• Support the wider Data Science community in sharing best practices and advancing optimisation capability within the business.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED

• Strong foundation in operations research, optimisation, and mathematical programming.

• Proficiency in Python and C++ (or other similar computation focused language) for model development and integration.

• Hands-on experience with Gurobi and/or IBM CPLEX.

• Experience applying optimisation to routing, scheduling, or resource allocation problems. Airline or wider transportation/logistics optimisation experience highly desirable.

• Excellent communication skills to explain technical solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering or related quantitative discipline.

• Self-organised, proactive, collaborative team player who can work across functions and disciplines.

ADVANTAGEOUS

• Familiarity with cloud environments and common data science toolsets.

• Knowledge of machine learning techniques and their application in hybrid optimisation/AI contexts.

• Experience with simulation, reinforcement learning, or heuristic/metaheuristic methods.

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% 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 . We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure accessibility and accommodation

Schedule: Full-time