United Airlines — Chicago, Illinois, United States
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Description At United, we fly into airports around the entire world. And we need a whole team of people to keep things running in tip-top shape. From the check-in counter to the departure gate, and even behind the scenes, our Airport Operations team keeps operations at our airports running smoothly every single day. During your summer experience, you will be fully immersed into our collaborative culture that is built on diversity of thought. Our teams will be looking for your curiosity and your unique point of view. Our operations internship provides hands-on, real-world experience. As an intern with United, you are more than a student – you are a member of our team. Throughout the course of the program, interns will be responsible for their respective work location, but there may also be opportunities or projects that have heavy emphasis or travel to other hub or line station cities within our network.
Additionally, valuable training, facility tours, airport experiences and other benefits are what make United Airlines the premier company to intern for. Key Responsibilities: · Support the four pillars of the SMS (Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance and Safety Promotion) · Creating, supporting, and learning to develop predictive analytics and leading-indicator models to anticipate hazards before they result in events · Strategizing, starting, and supporting safety programs and initiatives in direct support of the SMS · Helping maintain an ongoing safety program, including data collection, monitoring, and follow-up on mitigating actions · Assisting with safety data analysis and reporting to measure program effectiveness · Execution of special projects driving improvements to safety 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): • Skilled in data analytics/data sciences/statistics with strong quantitative and problem-solving skills • Strong project management, communication, and interpersonal/teamwork skills • Ability to handle simultaneous projects and adapt to a fast-paced, changing environment • Understanding of Safety Management Systems (SMS), aviation/occupational safety fundamentals, and the reactive-proactive-predictive risk management continuum • Coursework or working knowledge of accident/incident investigation, root cause analysis, and human factors in aviation safety • Knowledge of occupational safety and industrial hygiene principles, including OSHA standards • Exposure to safety data and reporting systems, safety reporting culture (e.g., just culture), and safety performance indicators • Pursuing a degree in aviation safety, safety science, aeronautics/aeronautical science, aviation management, aerospace/occupational safety, human factors or related field • Applicant must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship or future sponsorship for a full/part time position
Preferred Qualification: • 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 JobAccommodations@united.com
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