Sr Data Scientist

• Drives complex data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or optimization projects, working with stakeholders to understand contextual problems quickly and define, analyze, and deliver solutions based on business objectives
• Leads the application of math, statistics, and modeling methods in order to create solutions which can be utilized in descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics
• Leads the ongoing effectiveness of models in use by stakeholders
• Drives the formulation and communication of solutions and options for highly complex business problems
• Supports the ongoing development of analytical IQ by collaborating with and contributing to the Southwest Airlines data science community
• Provides mentorship and guidance to junior team members and reviews their work to ensure quality deliverables
• Acts as a thought leader, interacting with cross functional leaders across multiple concurrent projects and leveraging past experience to influence business strategy
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

• Expert knowledge of developments in data science and adjacent fields and their application towards the domain or department
• Expert knowledge in statistics and math concepts
• Expert knowledge of data science project life cycle including engaging stakeholders to define the problem, solution definition, project planning, and executing per plan
• Intermediate knowledge of, at a broad level, how technology platforms and architectures are applicable to data science
• Skilled in compiling, cleaning, transforming, analysis, and visualization of large-scale data
• Skilled in statistical and scripting programming languages
• Ability to communicate in an engaging way with strong verbal and written communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences up to and including executives
• Ability to evaluate which data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence or optimization techniques and methods are appropriate for a business problem in a demonstrated way and is seen as a subject matter expert when making recommendations for solutions
• Ability to collaborate with vendors and evaluate their platforms, solutions, or techniques
• Ability to adjust to a variety of situations and support other team members in adopting new approaches and methodologies if necessary in order to effectively meet business objectives

• Required: High School Diploma or GED
• Required: Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics, Computer or Data Sciences, Information Technology or similar fields of study; or equivalent advance level experience

• Expert level experience, expansive and far reaching knowledge in:
  • Mathematics and statistics principles and techniques
  • Programming languages and query writing for large-scale analysis (Python, SQL, etc.)
  • Data analysis, advanced analytics, data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or optimization project experience
  • Data pipeline, data science and/or relevant programming
  • Visualization and presentation development and delivery
  • Solving ambiguous and complex problems through a systems thinking approach
  • Building relationships and trust across functional organizations
  • Mentoring and upskilling/reskilling team members
• Preferred: Experience in developing and deploying AI/ML models, including linear regression, classification, decision trees, ensemble methods, and deep learning (neural networks)
• Preferred: Experience in Generative AI models and Large Language Models (LLMs), including both open-source models and API integrations (e.g., GPT, BERT, OpenAI, Hugging Face)
• Preferred: Experience in optimizing models through hyperparameter tuning, leveraging grid search, random search, and advanced techniques like Bayesian optimization

• N/A

• Ability to perform work duties from [limited space work station/desk/office area] for extended periods of time
• Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job

• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
• Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary and sensitive Company information

Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $151,400 per year to $168,200 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.

Benefits you'll love:

• Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
• Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**
• Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit***
• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)
• Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment.
• Explore more Benefits you'll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.

**401(k) match contributions are subject to the plan's vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits

***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to plan's vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company