Research Scholar - Operations Research

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flight privileges

Health benefits

Commuter benefits

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

United Airlines in Chicago, IL offers internships, co-ops and full-time opportunities for early career professionals, with hands-on projects and exposure to industry leaders. Interns work across departments to drive value while gaining practical experience and networking through employee groups and conferences.

The Analytics and Innovation team applies mathematical modeling and advanced analytics to strategic decisions, empowering interns to contribute meaningfully to business outcomes and

Qualifications

• Must be a current PhD student with at least one semester left after the summer ends.
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Knowledge of modeling toolkits such as CPLEX, OPL, Python, R, SAS, VBA, or similar
• Ability to work in Unix/Linux platforms with languages including C/C++, Java, Python, or similar
• Creativity and innovative thinking in developing solutions to complex business problems
• Ability to document and present technical information from the business problem definition to the implementation stage in a way that effectively addresses varying levels of management and different audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on teamwork
• Successful completion of the interview is required to meet job qualification
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

Responsibilities

• Work on real projects in a cross-functional setting.
• Support AI research and analytics initiatives with practical impact.
• Leverage AI tools while upholding data privacy and security policies.
• Present findings to stakeholders and translate technical results for business audiences

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Problem solving

Education

PhD student in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Statistics or related field

Tools

CPLEX

OPL

Python

R

SAS

VBA

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.

The Analytics and Innovation (Ai) team at United Airlines works to innovate, transform, and solve complexbusiness problems resulting in significant and measurable enterprise impact through the application ofdeep cross-functional business expertise and advanced analytics. We work with business and technologypartners across the enterprise (e.g. Airport Operations, Contact Centers, Network Planning, RevenueManagement, Digital Products, Human Resources, etc.) to influence strategic decisions, enterprise strategy,businessprocess, and to help connect the dots across the enterprise. We aim to be an organization withwhom and within everyone loves to work!

Operations Research experts within Ai partner with business areas to generate practical solutions to complex problems by leveraging big data, explore new business alternatives and drive improvement in business decisions through innovations, research & development, and product knowledge. The team integrates mathematical modeling and analysis to critical financial, operational and/or strategic planning decisions.

Interns are fully immersed in our culture and given meaningful project work. Interns leverage their skills to support value‑added projects across many of United’s departments.

Qualifications

• Must be a current PhD student in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Statistics or a related field with at least one semester left after the summer ends
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Knowledge of modeling toolkits such as CPLEX, OPL, Python, R, SAS, VBA, or similar
• Ability to work in Unix/Linux platforms with languages including C/C++, Java, Python, or similar
• Creativity and innovative thinking in developing solutions to complex business problems
• Ability to document and present technical information from the business problem definition to the implementation stage in a way that effectively addresses varying levels of management and different audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on teamwork
• Successful completion of the interview is required to meet job qualification
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

Positions are based in Chicago, IL

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]