Principal Data Scientist - Operational Research, Simulation & ML

British Airways
Greater London
3 weeks ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Principal Data Scientist - Remote

Principal Data Scientist

Principal Data Scientist

Principal Data Scientist

Principal Data Scientist

Principal Data Scientist

A career without limits

As the nation's flag carrier, we take great pride in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain. It's something we've been doing for over 100 years, ever since we launched the world's first international scheduled air service between London and Paris. This originality has been in our blood since day one. It's the spirit we share with the people that fly with us, our partners, and our colleagues.

So, whether you are a reassuring voice on the end of a phone, a smile at the door, under a wing keeping the turbines spinning or landing us gently in far-flung places, a job at British Airways is yours to make. We know great things can happen when you're inspired to think big and bring your ambition to work every day, which is why, at British Airways the sky is never the limit.

Principal Data Scientist - Operational Research, Simulation & ML Optimisation

Join the Operational Decision Support (ODS) team at British Airways, where we build and deploy advanced optimisation, simulation, and machine learning models to improve the efficiency and resilience of airline operations. We're looking for someone who can take models beyond notebooks and turn them into production-ready tools that make a real-world impact.

What you'll do:

  1. Lead the design and deployment of optimisation, simulation, and machine learning models to solve high-impact operational challenges.
  2. Develop and embed predictive and prescriptive analytics into production systems to improve operational performance.
  3. Collaborate with stakeholders and software engineers to co-develop and deploy data science products in production.
  4. Prioritise and manage a portfolio of data science and optimisation projects within an agile delivery model.
  5. Translate complex technical insights into clear recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  6. Build strong cross-functional relationships and use operational research to drive tangible business outcomes.
  7. Foster a culture of innovation, staying up to date with the latest in simulation, optimisation, and MLOps techniques.

What you'll bring to British Airways:

  1. Deep experience in operational research, simulation modelling, or applied machine learning (in production environments).
  2. Hands-on experience building scalable solutions - not just proof-of-concepts or academic models.
  3. Strong Python skills (and/or other relevant languages), with a track record of delivering robust, maintainable code.
  4. Confidence managing end-to-end projects and engaging senior stakeholders with compelling data-driven insights.
  5. A collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills to influence decisions and share complex ideas clearly.

Your experience:

  1. Background in operational research, data science, applied mathematics, or a related field.
  2. Proven success applying advanced optimisation or ML techniques in a business setting.
  3. Experience deploying production-grade models and solutions that deliver measurable improvements.
  4. Passion for solving real-world problems with data, algorithms, and practical, scalable tools.

What we offer:

We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. It's one of the reasons our rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. From the day you join us, you'll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights. You'll also receive up to 30 discounted 'Hotline' airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family.

At British Airways you'll have the chance to take on new challenges and move forward in a way that feels right for you. We encourage all those who work for us to consider opportunities right across our business to help you develop and progress. We never stand still, and we don't expect our people to either.

Inclusion & Diversity

At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work. Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we're committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We're looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Top 10 Best UK Universities for AI Degrees (2025 Guide)

Discover the ten best UK universities for Artificial Intelligence degrees in 2025. Compare entry requirements, course content, research strength and industry links to choose the right AI programme for you. Artificial Intelligence continues to transform industries—from healthcare to finance to transportation. The UK leads the way in AI research and education, with several universities consistently ranked among the world’s best for Computer Science. Below, we spotlight ten UK institutions offering strong AI-focused programmes at undergraduate or postgraduate level. While league tables shift year to year, these universities have a track record of excellence in teaching, research, and industry collaboration.

How to Write a Winning Cover Letter for AI Jobs: Proven 4-Paragraph Structure

Learn how to craft the perfect cover letter for AI jobs with this proven 4-paragraph structure. Perfect for junior developers and career switchers. When applying for an AI job, your cover letter can make all the difference. For many, the process of writing a cover letter for an AI position can be daunting, especially when there are so few specific guides for tailoring it to the industry. However, a clear, effective structure combined with AI-specific language and examples can help you stand out from the competition. Whether you're a junior entering the field or a mid-career professional switching to AI, the following framework will make it easier for you to craft a compelling cover letter. In this article, we’ll take you through a proven four-paragraph structure that works and provide sample lines that you can adapt to your personal experience.

Veterans in Tech: A Military‑to‑Civilian Pathway into AI Jobs

Published on ArtificialIntelligenceJobs.co.uk – empowering the UK talent pipeline for artificial intelligence, data, and robotics. Introduction Leaving the Armed Forces is both a proud milestone and a daunting leap into the unknown. Whether you served with the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force or Royal Marines, one thing is certain: the skills you forged under pressure are in high demand—especially in the booming field of artificial intelligence (AI).  The UK’s AI market is expected to contribute £400 billion to the economy by 2030, with defence and security applications at its core. Employers from start‑ups to FTSE‑100 giants are crying out for disciplined professionals who understand mission‑critical environments. Ex‑service personnel fit the bill perfectly. This guide maps the military‑to‑civilian journey, signposts Ministry of Defence (MoD) transition programmes, and shows you exactly how to land your first AI role. Quick Win: Bookmark our live listings for Machine Learning Engineer roles to see which employers are hiring right now.