Senior Operations Research Scientist
INTRO
We are easyJet – a FTSE listed, £multi-billion low-cost airline that serves tens of millions of customers every single year. If you’re reading this, you have probably already been an easyJet customer, and you’ll know that there is no more iconic (or Orange!) travel brand in Europe.
We fly more than 1,207 routes, connecting 38 countries across Europe, and employ more than 18,000 colleagues. We’re on a mission to make low-cost travel easy – and whatever your role here, you’ll connect millions of people to what they love using Europe’s best airline network, great value fares, and friendly service.
What makes us easyJet? Our Promise Behaviours - we are Safe, Bold, Welcoming and Challenging. Four Behaviours. One Spirit. One easyJet.
READ ON IF YOU
> Have significant experience delivering operations research and optimisation solutions within complex operational environments.
> Enjoy solving large-scale routing, scheduling, capacity planning and resource allocation challenges using advanced mathematical modelling.
> Are passionate about translating complex business challenges into innovative, data-driven solutions that create measurable business value.
> Have expertise in optimisation, simulation, stochastic modelling and algorithm development.
> Can be in our fantastic Luton head office 3 x per week.
THE TEAM
As part of our Data Science and Advanced Analytics capability, the Operations Research team partners with colleagues across Operations, Planning, Crew and Engineering to tackle some of the most complex challenges in aviation. The team delivers optimisation, simulation and decision-support solutions that drive operational excellence, resilience and efficiency across easyJet's network.
THE ROLE
As a Senior Operations Research Scientist, you will lead the design, development and deployment of mission-critical optimisation models, simulation tools and decision-support solutions that support key operational decisions across the airline. You will combine deep technical expertise with strong stakeholder engagement to solve complex operational challenges, influence strategic decisions and deliver measurable business impact.
Key responsibilities include:
> Leading the architecture and delivery of advanced operations research solutions across crew planning, aircraft scheduling, network resilience and ground operations.
> Designing and implementing high-performance optimisation algorithms and production-grade solutions using Python, C++ and commercial optimisation solvers.
> Integrating optimisation, simulation and reinforcement learning techniques to solve complex multi-stage decision problems.
> Partnering with senior stakeholders to translate business challenges into mathematical models with clear operational and commercial outcomes.
> Leading delivery across the full data science and optimisation lifecycle, from opportunity identification through to deployment and continuous improvement.
> Collaborating with data and technology teams to ensure data quality and availability for optimisation solutions.
> Mentoring colleagues in operations research techniques, conducting technical reviews and helping establish best practice across the organisation.
> Representing easyJet through industry events, academic partnerships and engagement with the wider optimisation community.
Requirements of the Role
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
> Expert knowledge of operations research, mathematical programming, simulation methodologies, stochastic processes and decision theory.
> Advanced programming skills in Python and C++, or similar high-performance languages.
> Strong experience using optimisation software such as Gurobi, CPLEX or Xpress.
> A proven track record of delivering operations research and optimisation solutions within operational environments.
> Experience solving large-scale routing, scheduling or resource allocation problems within aviation, transport, logistics, supply chain or other complex network-based environments.
> Strong understanding of algorithm design, computational complexity and performance optimisation techniques, including heuristics and metaheuristics.
> Excellent communication and influencing skills with the ability to explain sophisticated mathematical concepts to a range of audiences.
> A degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering or a related quantitative discipline.
> Demonstrated leadership capability and experience working across cross-functional teams.
> Significant relevant industry experience within operations research and optimisation, with evidence of technical leadership progression.
Desirable experience includes:
> Cloud-based optimisation platforms and distributed computing.
> Machine learning and hybrid optimisation approaches.
> Simulation, reinforcement learning and advanced heuristic methods.
> Commercial airline operations, crew planning systems or aircraft scheduling.
> Aviation regulations and operational constraints.
WHAT YOU'LL GET IN RETURN
> Up to 20% maximum bonus
> PMI
> 7% pension contributions
> Excellent staff travel benefits
> 25 days of annual leave + bank holidays
> Annual credit towards an easyJet holiday
> Various flexible benefits and extras
PRACTICALITIES
This full-time role will be based in Luton and will be 40 hours per week. We support hybrid working and we spend 60% of our time per month in the office.
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 [email protected]. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure accessibility and accommodation.
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