Principal DDI Engineer - IT System

United's Digital Technology team is comprised of many talented individuals all working together with cutting-edge technology to build the best airline in the history of aviation. Our team designs, develops and maintains massively scaling technology solutions brought to life with innovative architectures, data analytics, and digital solutions., The Principal DDI Engineer will work within foundational services organization. The ideal candidate will design, operate, and enhance a hybrid DNS/DHCP/IPAM infrastructure spanning on-prem, software-defined infrastructure, and cloud environments, such as AWS Route53 and/or Azure DNS.

• Stay abreast of industry knowledge of DDI technologies (Infoblox, BlueCat etc.) and manage hybrid DNS architectures across on-prem, AWS Route53, and Azure DNS to ensure seamless name resolutions and zone delegation.

• Automates DNS/DHCP/IPAM workflows using Ansible, Python, and APIs; implements CI/CD pipelines, monitoring solutions, and automated zone-sync validation and compliance enforcement.

• Troubleshoots complex DNS/DHCP/IPAM issues, conducts detailed RCAs, provides permanent corrective fixes, and leads Priority 1 incident and network-outage investigations.

• Establishes and maintains technical standards, reviews security releases and CVEs, provides mitigation guidance, and certifies hardware platforms and code versions.

• Maintains comprehensive documentation, runbooks, and procedural materials to support operational excellence and global team knowledge continuity.

• Interfaces with Cloud, Network, Security teams, other technology towers, and vendors to design resilient hybrid DDI solutions and ensure alignment across internal and external partners.

• Acts as the Network SME on initiatives, collaborates on scopes of work (including budgets), partners with business teams, and participates in long-term technology strategy and direction.

What's needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field.

• 5+ years of experience relevant work experience.

• 4+ years of experience in DDI engineering and operations.

• 4+ years of experience in DNS/ DHCP/ IPAM operations, Incidents and problem management.

• Experience in DDI engineering and operations with strong hands-on knowledge in designing, deploying, maintaining and managing large scale environments.

• Strong understanding of DNS protocols, DHCP lease management, and IPAM hierarchy.

• Experience in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting of DDI appliance technologies from industry leading vendors (Infoblox, Bluecat)

• Experience in Agile methodologies, daily stand-up meetings, sprint planning sessions and user story preparations

• Extensive knowledge in Perl, Shell, and Python scripting is desired to automate Network Task and Improve operational efficiency.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship

• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification

• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

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

• Master's degree

• A certification from (BICSI) Building Industry Consulting Service International

The base pay range for this role is $137,275.00 to $178,670.00.

The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, factors such as experience, education, and skills. This position is also 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 (Chicago, IL) 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.