Sr Data Scientist - Statistics

Job Description

United Airlines, Inc. has multiple openings for Senior Data Scientist – Statistics in Chicago, IL. Develop the approach and methods to define and solve management problems through quantitative analysis and analytical models, using forecasting/statistics, machine learning, and structured programming languages. Provide on‑going analytical services to client organizations. Build and develop statistical/forecasting models and provide client support. Leverage understanding of the business process to identify and implement solutions that will result in significant bottom‑line contributions.

Participate in model design, prototype, and model development for several efforts that occur simultaneously and interface with product delivery groups. Identify, research, or solve large complex problems using big data statistical forecasting, and machine learning principles. Design analytic plan and develop hypotheses to test and understand limitations of analysis. Understand the intuition behind the numbers. Stay informed about the latest analytical methods and research.

Communicate results to management and clients. Contribute deck content and build the story for the deck with guidance to summarize findings. Raise concerns when scope of analysis may not align with time available and choose an appropriate scope of analysis to conduct balancing ROI to time available. Identify solution quality risks and on‑time risks. Understand the business value, process, and expectations before focusing on choice of a technical solution.

Anticipate working team questions to data and approach. Develop and deliver presentations aligned with Analytics and Innovation department standards.

Telecommuting permitted from anywhere in the U.S., but required to work in the office, 233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606, at least 3 days per quarter. Expenses for accommodation and travel are the employee’s responsibility; if living in a location served by United, company benefits to travel to Chicago may be available but are not guaranteed.

PhD degree or ABD in Statistics, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, or related field. Alternatively, a Master’s degree in Statistics, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, or related, and 18 months of applying advanced statistical methods for solving complex business problems.

• Probability/forecasting techniques such as statistical hypothesis testing, parametric & non‑parametric estimation methods, time series forecasting, Bayesian estimation framework, or causal inference techniques.
• Designing and developing preliminary analytic model prototyping using statistical packages such as SAS, SPSS, Minitab, BI/SQL tools, Python, or R.
• C, C++, Java, R, Python, or other structured programming languages.
• Identifying patterns and extracting actionable insights and information from available data through critical thinking.
• Generating data‑driven insights through identifying and applying appropriate data visualization techniques.

• At least three of the following mathematical programming techniques: linear programming (LP), non‑linear programming (NLP), integer programming (IP), and mixed integer programming (MIP).
• Model prototyping using optimization toolkits including CPLEX, AMPL, or OPL.
• Experience with C, C++, Java, R, Python, or other structured programming languages.
• Decomposition techniques including Bender’s and Lagrangian decomposition, column generation, gradient descent, branch & price, and transformation of nonlinear programs.
• Handling large data sets (more than 100,000 elements) for operations research problems.
• Developing heuristic algorithms to solve operations research problems.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.

Base salary range: $ to $ for the Statistics role; $ to $ for the Analytics role. The salary is dependent on experience, education, and skills. Position is eligible for bonus and/or long‑term incentive compensation awards.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter allowance, 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