Data Scientist - Operations Research & Decision Intelligence

Type of vacancy: Regular

City: Schiphol Oost

Hours per week: 32-40

Education: Wo

Apply before: 11/05/2026

Introduction

As a key member of the Decision Intelligence team, you will play a pivotal role in driving change within the airline industry. Airlines are a collection of giant interconnected puzzles: How can we balance the time senior pilots spend proving training and flying to achieve sustained growth and crew satisfaction? How to ensure our aircraft engines are utilized in synch with our network needs over their lifetime? What can be done to increase the availability and airworthiness of our aircraft to operate a reliable network? What are the right metrics for estimating trade-off between different processes and departments? At this pioneering team delivering innovative AI products to KLM and external clients, there is always an optimization challenge awaiting you.

What are you going to do?

We are seeking for a Data Scientist who specializes in operations research and software development and has a practical understanding of other AI techniques. In this role, you will collaborate closely with our business partners to translate their needs into compelling and innovative products based on predictive and prescriptive analytics. You will work with fellow developers from both KLM and BCG to design and develop our latest AI products, while also contributing with your expertise in operations research to build efficient mathematical models and algorithms that drive real business value.

Where do you land?

You’ll work within the department Operations Decision Support (ODS), the data and analytics hub of KLM Operations. The Decision Intelligence team combines machine learning, generative AI and optimization to make operational decisions smarter and more predictable. This team also positions the unique Partnership between KLM and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). This partnership is managed by a separate management team that includes the KLM COO and BCG Managing Director.

You will be part of a multidisciplinary team consisting of Data Scientists, Machine Learning Engineers and Product Consultants; combining talent with a drive for delivering results while having profound knowledge of the airline industry and KLM operations.

Your profile

We are looking for talented Operations Research enthusiasts, for curious builders who are biased towards action, communication and enjoy working in a fast-paced and international environment. You have a fundamental understanding of both OR and ML and how it can be implemented in an operational context with the goal of driving impact in complex organizations.

You can prove this by:

• Having a relevant master's degree (or PhD) and experience building operations research-based products with measurable business impact in an enterprise or commercial setting;
• Being proficient in Python. You are eager to deliver production grade code;
• Being able to explain complex technical topics to peers, non-technical colleagues, and management in an easy to digest way and adapt style to suit the audience;
• Displaying an innate curiosity and being a lifelong learner;
• 2+ years of relevant experience in decision support for operations and planning in complex environments. Experience in airlines and logistics is an asset;
• Available and willing to travel abroad to engage with clients and implement optimization solutions on site;
• Also, you are fluent in English, being able to communicate in Dutch is a plus.

Flight Plan

When selected, you can expect 2 rounds of interviews to be carried out in the week of November 9th:

• technical interview (90 min, online): a challenging case and discussion with your potential colleagues;
• business interview (60 min, on sight): a conversation with Decision Intelligence senior leaders on how you approach different business questions and solutions.

Competencies

• initiative;
• impact;
• result-oriented;
• collaboration;
• communicative;
• problem analysis.

Competencies

We offer

• A challenging role with a unique employer in the Netherlandss;
• A gross monthly salary between € 4.348,98and € 6.212,83;
• Plenty of room for personal development and great advancement opportunities;
• A good pension scheme;
• 8% holiday allowance;
• A year-end bonus of 8.33%;
• A profit-sharing scheme, up to 20%;
• 25 days of paid holiday and 5 additional days off;
• Great discounts on airline tickets (after at least 6 months of employment);
• A sustainable transport policy - use all public transport for your commute within the Netherlands, free of charge;
• If your job allows: working from home and up to 8 weeks working abroad (within the EU and Caribbean);
• Discount of your health insurance;
• A personal budget for sustainable employability.

Ready for your next destination?

Don’t wait any longer and apply for this function before the final boarding call on 11/05/2026! A motivation letter is no longer required; we will simply ask you a couple of questions during your online application. The selection process consists of two interviews and a security screening.

Candidates who are positively selected for the first interview will receive an email allowing them to choose a suitable time slot themselves. This keeps the process fast and clear, and puts you in control of your schedule. You'll hear from us within two weeks after the vacancy closes.

Through your personal candidate profile, you can log in at any time. There you'll find the vacancy you applied for - even after it has closed - as well as a clear dashboard with any other ongoing applications within KLM, including status updates.

Do you have the drive to grow further in this role? Then we look forward to your application. Within two weeks, you will receive a message from us.

Did you know that according to research, women are less likely to apply than men when they don't meet all the job requirements? What a shame. Because, in our view, 'the perfect candidate' is a myth. So, if you have the drive to grow in aspects of this role, we look forward to your application.

A reference check can be part of the application procedure.

Questions?

If you would like to know more about the position, please contact the hiring manager. Call or e-mail the recruiter for questions about the application process. In both cases, don't forget to mention the vacancy number: #23152. At KLM, we believe in the power of diversity. Would you like to read more about this? Please see our statement.

Hiring manager

Laurie Robben: [email protected]

Recruiter

Lize Muller: [email protected] +31 638995198

Details from this vacancy are not to be used for marketing purposes.