Intern - Air Traffic Strategy Data Analytics (Summer 2027)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flight privileges

Health benefits

Paid holidays

401(k)

Job summary

United Airlines in Arlington Heights, IL seeks a Data Analyst intern to work with our Network Operations team on real datasets and live dashboards. You’ll transform data into insights to improve operational efficiency and support frontline personnel, collaborating with Air Traffic Strategy Managers and cross‑functional partners.

This paid internship offers hands‑on experience, mentorship, and exposure to industry leaders.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a relevant field (Data Science, Statistics, CS, Engineering, Aeronautics, ATC) or equivalent practical experience.
• Applied statistics and empirical data analysis demonstrated in real-world use cases.
• Proficiency in data manipulation and analysis with Python/SQL.
• Experience designing dashboards with Tableau/Power BI or similar.
• Strong communication for cross-functional collaboration and translating insights.

Responsibilities

• Leverage large data sets to support frontline personnel and decision making.
• Build, develop, and validate dashboards and analyses aligned to operational needs.
• Translate data into practical recommendations for front-line teams.
• Ensure data quality and accuracy of insights.

Skills

Python

SQL

Statistics

Communication

Education

Pursuing related degree or equivalent

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

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

At United, we offer internships, co-ops, and full-time opportunities for early career professionals. In any role, you’re a key member of our team, contributing to real projects that help move the business forward while gaining hands‑on experience, growing your professional skill set, and connecting with industry leaders. You’ll also have a chance to build community through our employee‑run Business Resource Groups, participate in industry conferences, and enjoy unlimited standby travel anywhere we fly.

Our customers choose United because of our dedication to safety and passion for service. United's Network Operations team is made up of diverse, driven individuals working together to Connect People and Unite the World. Focusing on airport surface operations and air traffic flow analyses, our team transforms air traffic data into enterprise reporting, as well as real‑time and predictive analytics to support informed traffic flow management decisions, drive operational efficiency across Network Operations, and strengthen collaboration with the FAA and other stakeholders in the National Airspace System.

As a Data Analyst intern at United, you will be at the forefront of our efforts to enhance operational efficiency and support our front‑line personnel. You will be responsible for leveraging large datasets through real‑time analytical and quantitative analysis, providing crucial insights to drive strategic and tactical decisions. Collaborating closely with our Air Traffic Strategy Managers and front‑line teams, you'll interpret complex data and transform it into actionable recommendations that impact our business units across United.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize your expertise to leverage and operationalize large data sets, enhancing decision support for our front‑line personnel.
• Build, develop, and validate operational dashboards and analyses that are strategically and tactically aligned, providing answers to critical operational questions.
• Translate data into practical operational examples and recommendations that will support front‑line teams.
• Guarantee quality assurance and quality control to ensure the integrity of our data, a crucial aspect of maintaining the accuracy of our insights.

Qualifications

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications)

• Studying a relevant field (e.g., Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Aeronautics, Air Traffic), or equivalent practical experience.
• Proven expertise in applied statistics and empirical data analysis techniques, with a track record of applying these skills to real‑world scenarios.
• Proficiency in data manipulation and analysis tools/languages such as Python, SQL, etc.
• Experience in designing and creating operational dashboards using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar.
• Strong communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with cross‑functional teams and the ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights.
• Adept problem‑solving abilities and a keen attention to detail.
• An understanding of air traffic control operations and the aviation industry is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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]