Intern - Tech Ops Heavy Maintenance Planning (Summer 2027)
Chicago, IL
Internship
Onsite
Intern
United Airlines is a global airline with a Technical Operations team responsible for maintaining aircraft and supporting fleet readiness. The intern will support heavy maintenance planning through technical analysis, forecasting, reporting automation, data management, and collaboration with cross-functional maintenance and supply chain teams.
Responsibilities
Interpret and perform technical maintenance analysis by reviewing long-term forecasts for task cards, Deferred Item Programs (DIPs), and log pages across multiple aircraft fleet types to support accurate maintenance planning
Build and support automated reporting and planning tools using programming and analytics platforms to enhance current workflows and improve data accuracy
Expand on current aircraft maintenance forecasting and planning analysis by creating new datasets, monitoring schedules, workloads, and capacity, and flagging / reviewing risks or anomalies
Prepare recurring and ad hoc materials for stakeholder reviews, leadership updates, and operational discussions regarding project status
Interpret and perform technical maintenance analysis by reviewing long-term forecasts for task cards, Deferred Item Programs (DIPs), and log pages across multiple aircraft fleet types to support accurate maintenance planning
Partner with cross-functional teams (Base Maintenance, Line Maintenance, Maintenance Programs, Aircraft Records, Project Planning, Supply Chain, and others) to ensure data alignment, resolve discrepancies, and support smooth execution workflows
Qualification
Required
Must be pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aviation Management, Computer Science, Mathematics or another related field
Proficient in basic tools (e.g. Excel and PowerPoint) and ability to quickly learn to use unfamiliar tools
Adept at juggling several projects and initiatives simultaneously through appropriate prioritization
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with ability to effectively interact at all levels (including executive) and team
Willingness to learn and be curious across all aspects of United
Must have a minimum of 12 semester hours in core degree course work
Individual should be a rising junior (at minimum) when internship begins
Must be available for 10-12 weeks during Summer 2026
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US for any employer without sponsorship now or at any point in the future
Preferred
Strong aviation business acumen
Skilled in computer programming languages and database systems (ex. Python, pyspark, Java Script, SQL, HTML, R, and/or VBA)
Knowledge of aircraft systems, components, maintenance planning, and maintenance programs
Ability to read and interpret Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC), Service Bulletins (SBs), Airworthy Directives (ADs), and understanding of technical documentation and maintenance procedures
Previous internship experience in aircraft maintenance, strategy, data analytics, forecasting, continuous improvement, or related role
Pursuing a degree Computer Science, Data Analytics, Statistics, or Aerospace Engineering
Benefits
Our internships are paid
Course credit hours may be considered depending on university’s guidelines
Competitive benefits package
Mentorship opportunities
Medical insurance
Privileges like space available travel
United Airlines is an aviation company that provides information on reservations, bookings, and travel services online.
