• Graduate Intern - Optimization (Summer 2026)

    Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Atlanta, GA)


    How you'll help us Keep Climbing (overview & key responsibilities)

     

    The Operations Decision Science team

    at Delta Air Lines is seeking a graduate operations research intern to develop

    data-driven solutions aimed at continually providing decision support while

    improving airline efficiency and performance.

     

    An ideal candidate has foundational

    technical knowledge of operations research optimization models, simulation

    models, and core data science/data engineering concepts. The candidate should

    have excellent organizational and communication skills and feel comfortable in

    a fast-paced environment. This role will support the delivery of decision

    support applications by leveraging combinatorics, algorithms, and optimization.

    Primary Functions:

    + Build complex data sets frommultiple data sources, both internally and externally

    + Leverage emerging technologies andidentify efficient and meaningful ways to disseminate and synthesize datato satisfy business’ needs

    + Design, develop, implement, andcalibrate optimization products

    + Interface with business unit leadersto develop and maintain internal customer relationships

    + Practicesafety-conscious environment resulting in employee safety and well-being

    What you need to succeed (minimum qualifications)

    + Working as an intern does not guarantee a full-time opportunity upon graduation. This position is intended to provide you with educational, and professional work experience to prepare you for the workforce.

    + This position requires you to work from May 2026 - August 2026. You cannot actively take any courses (inclusive of online or in-person) and work as an intern at the same time.

    + BA/BS in Industrial Engineering,Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field

    + Minimum of one year of graduatecoursework completed MA/MS/PhD

    + Proven success in solving complexquantitative problems

    + Working knowledge in one or moreoptimization techniques (LP, MILP, QCP, MIQP, CP, and/or heuristics)

    + Proficiencyin Python, C++ or other programming languages (Python preferred)

    + Strongwritten, oral communication, and interpersonal skills

    + Consistentlyprioritizes safety and security of self, others, and personal data.

    + Embracesdiverse people, thinking, and styles.

    + Possessesa high school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency.

    + Isat least 18 years of age and has authorization to work in the UnitedStates.

    What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications)

    + Workingknowledge in commercial optimization solvers (Gurobi, Cplex, GLPK, etc.)

    + Workingknowledge in model tuning/calibration

    + Proficiencyin working with relational databases and query authoring (SQL)

    + FundamentalMachine Learning techniques, including reinforcement learning

    + Workingknowledge of AWS

    Benefits and Perks to Help You Keep Climbing

    Delta Air Lines, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and provides reasonable accommodation in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you are a qualified individual, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings through this site, apply for jobs through Delta’s online system, or at any point in the selection process. To request a reasonable accommodation, please click here