Sr. Data Scientist - Operations Research

This individual will be embedded with United's Analytics & Innovation organization and working alongside full-time employees on ongoing, complex optimization initiatives. Day to day, they will design, build, and refine large-scale optimization and OR models that support critical airline decisions across areas such as network planning, operations, and resource allocation. The role focuses on solving problems that are too large or complex for standard approaches, selecting the right optimization techniques, and translating mathematical results into practical, high-impact business decisions.

• Develop and apply operations research and optimization models to complex business problems
• Solve large-scale optimization problems using decomposition and mathematical programming techniques
• Build, prototype, and support OR/optimization model applications
• Design analytical approaches and assess limitations, risks, and tradeoffs
• Partner with cross-functional teams to align optimization solutions with business objectives
• Communicate results clearly through presentations and stakeholder discussions

• PhD or ABD in Operations Research or a closely related quantitative discipline
• Strong experience with large-scale optimization problems
• Hands-on expertise with decomposition techniques (breaking problems that are too complex to solve directly)
• Experience with mixed integer programming (MIP)
• Strong foundation in optimization techniques, including:
• Linear programming
• Integer programming
• Experience applying OR techniques to large, complex, real-world datasets
• Experience prototyping optimization models using tools such as CPLEX, AMPL, or OPL
• Proficiency in at least one structured programming language (Python, R, C++, Java, etc.)
• Ability to explain optimization logic and results to technical and business stakeholders

Nice to Have Skills & Experience

• Experience with dynamic programming, especially time-dependent problems
• Exposure to multiple OR techniques beyond a single specialization
• Airline industry experience
• Knowledge of United or airline industry data sources

Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.