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?

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.

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.

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

• A challenging role with a unique employer in the Netherlands;
• A gross monthly salary between € 5.101,24 and € 7.287,48;
• 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.

Don’t wait any longer and apply for this function before the final boarding call on 11/11/2026! 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. The vacancy will close sooner when sufficient suitable applicants have applied. 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.