Industrial Engineering COOP

United Airlines; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flight privileges

Health insurance

Paid holidays

401(k)

Job summary

United Airlines is seeking an Industrial Engineering Intern to partner with operations teams across Chicago, Newark, and Denver. You will gather and analyze operational data, identify improvement opportunities, and develop practical recommendations and tools to drive efficiency.

Projects may include Lean Six Sigma approaches, time-and-motion studies, simulation, and model validation. Travel 60-80% may be required; strong Excel/VBA skills and experience with SIMIO/ARENA are desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related field required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with teamwork.
• Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office required.

Responsibilities

• Partner with business teams to identify improvement opportunities and develop innovations.
• Analyze data from United operations and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Use Excel, VBA, SIMIO or ARENA, and other tools to analyze processes and create tools for business teams.
• Conduct time-and-motion studies in airports, maintenance bases, and contact centers.
• Present findings to leaders and connect recommendations to measurable improvements.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

SIMIO

ARENA

SQL

VBA

Minitab

Job description

Achieving our goals starts with supporting yours. Grow your career, access top-tier health and wellness benefits, build lasting connections with your team and our customers, and travel the world using our extensive route network.

Come join us to create what's next. Let's define tomorrow, together.

Description

The Analytics and Innovation team partners with business and technology groups across United Airlines to solve complex business problems, improve operating efficiency, and support strategic decisions through advanced analytics and cross-functional expertise. The Industrial Engineering Intern contributes to meaningful, value-added projects across departments by gathering and analyzing operational data, identifying improvement opportunities, and developing practical recommendations and tools. Projects may range from focused analyses to large-scale transformation efforts and may use methods such as Lean Six Sigma, change management, time-and-motion studies, statistical analysis, simulation, and model development and validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with business teams to identify improvement opportunities, gather and analyze information, and develop innovations.
• Analyze data from United operations and provide fact-based, data-driven recommendations.
• Use Excel, VBA, simulation tools such as SIMIO or ARENA, and other technical methods to analyze processes and create tools for business teams.
• Conduct time-and-motion studies in operational environments, including airports, maintenance bases, and customer contact centers.
• Participate in workshops and Kaizen events.
• Present findings to business leaders and connect recommendations to measurable improvements.
• Support the development of new projects and opportunities through research and analysis.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or current undergraduate study with completed coursework in basic Industrial Engineering and Statistics; minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
• Field of study in Industrial Engineering.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, and proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship for a full-time or part-time position.
• Reliable and punctual attendance; successful completion of the interview is required.
• Position is based in Chicago, Newark, or Denver, and projects may require 60-80% travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant work experience; Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification; experience with SIMIO, ARENA, SQL, Minitab, VBA, or other programming tools.

Demonstrated understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and the ability to leverage AI effectively to support research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving. Applies critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to organizational policies related to responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.

Posting dates: September 1, 2026 through September 15, 2026

The starting rate for this role is $20.00.

The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors such as experience, education and skills. This position may also be eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards.

You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges.

United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact [e-mail]