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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Data Scientist - Optimisation Engineering - **Company:** Easyjet - **Location:** Luton, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Amazon Web Services, Audit Trail, Automation of Tests, Microsoft Azure, C Sharp (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Cloud Computing, Software Quality, Code Review, Computer Programming, Continuous Integration, IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio (CPLEX), Data Validation, Extract Transform Load (ETL), DevOps, Distributed Systems, Python (Programming Language), Performance Tuning, Release Management, Software Engineering, SQL Databases, Data Streaming, Systems Integration, Performance Testing, Model Validation, Software Troubleshooting, Caching, Event Driven Architecture, Integration Tests, Data Pipelines, Docker, Microservices - **Published:** August 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerjet.co.uk/job/gb0ed8c53d1cc2721c6071fcd13404caa2/eaa ## About the Role · Proven experience leading a software engineering team delivering production-grade systems (people leadership and/or strong technical leadership), that encompass solver technology (like CPLEX or Gurobi). · Strong software engineering fundamentals: system design, distributed systems concepts, APIs, data modelling, testing, and operational excellence. · Experience building optimisation, scheduling, or decision-support applications, or closely related domains requiring complex constraint-based reasoning. · Working knowledge of mathematical optimisation concepts (e.g., MILP, constraint programming, heuristics/metaheuristics) and how they impact product design. · Hands-on programming experience in one or more mainstream languages (e.g., Python, Java, C#, C++), with the ability to review and guide code quality. · Experience integrating and operating optimisation components (e.g., solver orchestration, model/service boundaries, runtime configuration, fallbacks). · Ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and to translate operational needs into engineering deliverables. Preferred qualifications · Deep experience with commercial optimisation solvers (e.g., Gurobi), including parameter tuning, licensing/packaging considerations, and performance troubleshooting. · Experience in airline/rail/transport operations, logistics, workforce management, or similar disruption/crew scheduling environments. · Familiarity with simulation and scenario generation to support what-if analysis and resilience planning. · Experience designing human-in-the-loop decision tools (explainability, constraints override, auditability, and traceable recommendations). · Cloud platform experience (Azure/AWS/GCP) and building secure, scalable services. · Experience with event-driven architectures, streaming, and near-real-time optimisation. · Experience with data science/ML components that complement optimisation (forecasting, demand estimation, delay prediction). Technical skills & tools Optimisation: Gurobi (or equivalent), model libraries/APIs, batching/warm starts, parameter management, sensitivity analysis. · Languages: Python and/or Java/C#/C++ (based on team stack). · Services: REST/gRPC APIs, microservices and/or modular monoliths, asynchronous job orchestration. · Data: SQL, data pipelines/ETL/ELT, caching strategies, data quality checks, reproducible inputs/outputs. · DevOps: CI/CD, infrastructure as code, containerisation (e.g., Docker), monitoring/alerting, incident management. · Quality: unit/integration tests, performance tests, model validation frameworks, feature flags. ## Description Lead an optimisation engineering team building decision-support products that solve complex disruption-management and crew/roster optimisation challenges. You'll translate operational problems into scalable software and optimisation solutions, partnering closely with product, data/operations research (OR), and customer stakeholders. The role blends people leadership with hands-on technical direction across architecture, delivery, quality, and reliability. Qualifications Key responsibilities · Lead, coach, and grow a cross-functional team of software engineers (and closely partnered OR/data science specialists) · Own technical direction and delivery for products that model, optimise, and operationalise solutions to disruption and crewing problems (e.g., recovery planning, re-optimisation, what-if analysis). · Drive architecture and design decisions for services, APIs, data pipelines, and user-facing workflows that support optimisation at scale. · Partner with product management to shape roadmap, break down ambiguous problem statements, and define measurable outcomes and acceptance criteria. · Collaborate with OR/optimisation experts to integrate solvers (e.g., Gurobi) and ensure model performance, correctness, explainability, and maintainability. · Establish strong engineering practices: code review, automated testing, CI/CD, release management, incident response, and post-incident learning. · Build observability into optimisation services (KPIs, logs, traces) and manage performance tuning (latency, throughput, cost) across environments. · Contribute hands-on when needed (prototyping, critical-path coding, reviews), while primarily enabling the team to deliver consistently., If you are a self-starter who can identify opportunities to drive greater success for the team and have a track record of building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our dynamic team! What you'll get in return: At easyJet, we pride ourselves on a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture that supports and rewards innovation and excellence. ## Related Videos - [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [From DevOps to Scaled DevOps: How We’re Rebuilding Continuous Delivery as a Platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100018-from-devops-to-scaled-devops-how-we-re-rebuilding-continuous-delivery-as-a-platform) - [HTTP headers that make your website go faster](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1676-http-headers-that-make-your-website-go-faster) - [Crew Management System for Airlines: Plan duties for pilots & flight attendants worldwide](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1444-crew-management-system-for-airlines-plan-duties-for-pilots-flight-attendants-worldwide) - [Docker build without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100114-docker-build-without-docker) - [Augmented Intelligence for transport planning: Human in the Loop Modelling](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/72-augmented-intelligence-for-transport-planning-human-in-the-loop-modelling) ## Related Articles - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [A Guide to Green Tech and Green IT Careers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/374-a-guide-to-green-tech-and-green-it-careers) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Why Upskilling And Reskilling is Important For Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/428-why-upskilling-and-reskilling-is-important-for-developers)