Intern - Resource Planning - Industrial Engineering (Summer 2027)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Parental Leave

Employee Assistance Program

Commuter Benefits

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

401(k)

Flight Privileges

Job summary

United Airlines is offering an internship program for current undergraduates to work on real projects in Industrial Engineering/Finance domains at our Chicago base. You will gain hands-on experience, interact with leadership, and participate in leadership development workshops and summer liaisons.

During the 10–12 week summer program, you will support staffing optimization, budgets, and forecasting analyses, with potential pathway to full-time conversion based on performance and need.

Qualifications

• Current undergrad pursuing Industrial Engineering, Finance, or related field with at least one semester left.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and collaborate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assist in staffing and budgeting for future flight schedules at assigned stations.
• Create budgets and forecasts to support decision making.
• Apply models for 18-month rolling forecasts and annual plans.
• Provide variance analysis to senior leadership and finance.
• Support ad-hoc budget and forecast scenario analyses.
• Capture best practices and propose program or policy updates.

Skills

Excel

Access

Word

PowerPoint

Python

Education

Undergraduate in Industrial Engineering/Finance

Tools

Python

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.

Key Responsibilities:

During your summer experience, you will be fully immersed into our collaborative culture that is built on diversity of thought. This team is looking for your curiosity and unique point of view. We will look to push your development as an analyst and a leader alike through comprehensive, on‑the‑job training, leadership development workshops and personalized summer liaisons to help you navigate your internship. Interns will be given meaningful projects along with the opportunity to interact with and present to leadership. Primary responsibilities include the following (but are not limited to):

• Employing resource planning tool, staffing standards, volume forecast and labor constraints to develop optimal staffing recommendations for future flight schedules for assigned stations
• Assist in the creation of accurate budgets and forecasts which will be used for informed decision making and in providing accurate external financial guidance
• Applying models to generate annual operating plans as well as an 18‑month rolling forecast
• Providing variance analysis and explanation to divisional leadership, senior leadership, and the Finance Division
• Providing ad‑hoc budget and forecast scenario analysis as required
• May also capture best practice data and may make program/process recommendations to support corporate/division programs and policy updates
• May support ongoing or special analyses related to future flight schedules, potential staffing standards changes, strategic initiatives and potential changes to labor agreements

In addition, your understanding of United Airlines as a company and the airline industry will be enhanced through chats with leadership and behind‑the‑scenes tours of airport, baggage, and maintenance operations and/or crew training facilities.

This internship may be eligible for full‑time conversion based on performance in role, position availability and overall operational need, potentially offering a direct pathway to a career with us.

Qualifications

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Must be a current undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering, Finance, or related area of study and demonstrating strong academic performance with at least one semester left of education post internship
• Proven proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint)
• Ability to handle simultaneous projects and adapt to a fast‑paced, changing environment
• Solid interpersonal skills with a focus on collaboration
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Position is based in Chicago, IL – must be able to relocate
• Intern duration is 10‑12 weeks during Summer 2027
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship now and in the future
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualifications
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• Undergraduate student graduating in Winter 2027 or Spring 2028
• Proficiency in Python
• 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 8, 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]