Career opportunities: Data Scientist Level 3

Introduction

Aircraft and maintenance operations are generating more data than ever before. By applying advanced techniques from Operations Research, Machine Learning, and AI, we have the opportunity to transform this data into valuable insights that make aircraft maintenance even smarter and more efficient. As a leader in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), the maintenance division of Air France-KLM not only supports our own fleet, but also provides maintenance services for aircraft, engines, and components to more than 150 customers worldwide. Are you ready to help shape the future of aircraft maintenance with your expertise in Operations Research, ML and AI? 

What are you going to do?

As a Data Scientist at E&M, you will play an important role in developing and industrializing advanced predictive, optimization, and decision-support models. You act as a subject matter expert, advising the organization on the possibilities of Data Science and Operations Research. Together with our Agile/Scrum Big Data Development team, you will deliver impactful data-driven products that optimize aircraft maintenance.

Examples of our challenges include: 

• Optimization of maintenance plannin: We design and implement Operations Research models to optimize maintenance scheduling. By leveraging Mixed Integer Linear Programming, we enable planners to determine the most effective timing and allocation of maintenance activities for each aircraft, while carefully considering their impact on the overall flight schedule.


• Optimization of maintenance decision-making: How many new mechanics should KLM E&M hire in the coming years to meet future maintenance needs? And what is the optimal approach to grouping maintenance tasks when integrating a new aircraft type into our fleet?


• Predicting required manpower, materials and risk of delay: We use Machine Learning and GenAI models to anticipate maintenance findings before they impact operations. By improving estimates of the manpower, materials, and time required, we aim to enable efficient planning, reduce delays, and keep maintenance operations running smoothly.

Where do you land?

At KLM Engineering & Maintenance (E&M), you will join the innovative and energetic E&M Big Data team, part of the larger E&M Engineering organization. You will work alongside a diverse group of Data Scientists, Data and Software Engineers, Business Analysts, Information Analysts, and more. Our Airframe team develops maintenance decision support products that support a wide range of users - including engineers, planners, and management - in their daily work. You will also become part of the KLM Data Science Community, connecting you with experts across the company. Our offices are located in the Schiphol-East Technical Area, right at the heart of aircraft maintenance operations. 

Your profile

You are an enthusiastic and results-driven Data Scientist with hands-on experience in applying Operations Research within production environments. Your analytical skills are exceptional, allowing you to quickly identify the root of a problem. In addition, you are a strong communicator, enabling you to explain your work to stakeholders. 

You also bring: 

• A Master’s degree in a quantitative field such as Econometrics, Data Science, Mathematics, or Computer Science;


• 4+ years of experience as a Data Scientist in innovative projects, preferably using Operations Research techniques in aviation or logistics; 


• Excellent programming skills in Python with proven experience applying these skills in production environments;


• Experience with the development and implementation of Operations Research, decision support, and simulation models using tools like Gurobi or CPLEX; 


• Experience with the development and implementation of Machine Learning and prediction models in production environments is a plus;


• Experience working in Agile/Scrum IT product development teams;


• Excellent command of the English language; proficiency in Dutch is a plus.


• You are currently based in The Netherlands.

Competencies: 

• Innovation


• Critical thinking


• Problem Analysis


• Technical skill and competence


• Teamwork

Competencies