Operations Research Scientist (Senior Data Scientist, Airline)

The Operations Research Scientist (Senior Data Scientist, Airline) will be responsible for designing and implementing advanced optimization models to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and drive strategic decision-making within the Airline.

This is role reports into technology (Analytics) and operations (integrated planning) and focuses on translating complex business challenges into mathematical frameworks and delivering actionable, data-driven solutions.

What you will do:

• Design and implement optimization models—including mixed-integer programming (MIP) and linear programming (LP)— to tackle complex business problems, enhance resource allocation, and drive key performance outcomes.
• Utilize Data Science and advance mathematical modelling techniques to continuously refine models using real-world data, feedback loops, and performance metrics. 
• Conduct data-driven analyses and develop predictive and prescriptive models to support structured, scalable solutions for operational challenges.
• Produce clear technical documentation and executive summaries that communicate optimization results, insights, key trends, and strategic recommendations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with software developers, data engineers, data scientists, and consultants in an agile setup, ensuring high-quality, process-compliant delivery.
• Act as a trusted advisor by building strong relationships with stakeholders and leadership teams, enhancing their understanding of data science applications.
• Play a pivotal role in fostering a data-driven, customer-centric decision-making culture across Jetstar.
• Develop deep domain expertise in key operational areas and ensure optimization models align with real-world business constraints and objectives.
• Conduct research to evaluate and recommend advanced optimization techniques, solvers, and tools based on applicability, scalability, and integration needs.
• Act as a strategic link between technical teams and business stakeholders, translating complex models into actionable insights within the broader solution landscape.

What you will bring:

• Tertiary degree (or equivalent experience) in a highly quantitative discipline (e.g. operations research, mathematics, computer science, or related science field.)
• Minimum three years’ experience in competitive consumer retail markets such as energy, financial services, insurance, telecommunications or airlines
• Experience in delivery of optimization solutions to solve complex business problems and drive data-driven decision-making.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing advanced optimization models (LP, MIP and optimisation specific heuristics) to solve intricate, real-world challenges.
• Experienced with optimization solvers like Gurobi, CPLEX, HiGHS, or other industry-standard solvers.
• Strong background in data analysis and predictive modelling, enabling the creation of scalable, data-driven solutions.
• Proficient in Python and SQL for building models, conducting analysis, and automating processes.
• Skilled in transforming complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights, with strong stakeholder management expertise.

Your life at Jetstar is unlike any other

Put the craft in aircraft: There’s a new fleet of A321LR NEO’s waiting for your arrival. Beyond Jetstar, our Operations Team get to exposure to projects related to the Qantas Group’s A320/1, B717 and A321 Freighters, plus Jetstar Branded Airlines (JBA’s) in Singapore and Japan. 

Learn fast, takeoff faster: Our Graduate Team takeoff immediately with a fast-tracked development plan – both on the job and via structured development and training. In just two years, you’ll have worked across up to four different teams – ensuring that you learn and grow quickly. 

Live the travel dream: You and your nominated travel companions can takeoff more with our famous Qantas Group Staff Travel discount.  

Make work feel like a holiday: Join a fun, driven team where work feels like a holiday. Our people take every opportunity to takeoff together and find ways to help their teammates soar.

There’s a place for everyone at Jetstar:  For us, travel and meeting new people go hand in hand. We invite our people to get involved in various Employee Network Groups that play an important role in creating our inclusive and supportive culture that we are fiercely proud of.  We believe that teams with a diversity of ideas and experiences are more creative, innovative and solve problems quickly.  We welcome applications from anyone who wants to takeoff with us.  If you have support or access requirements, just reach out and let us know what you need. 

We’re Jetstar.  Let’s takeoff together - Applications will close by the 6th of May