Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related field
CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent advanced network engineering certification
8+ years of experience in network engineering and architecture
5+ years of experience leading network security or zero-trust initiatives
5+ years of experience applying AI/ML to network engineering or security
5+ years of experience managing network engineering teams at scale
Deep expertise in SD-WAN, routing/switching, and software-defined networking
Responsibilities
Lead AI-driven network transformation, integrating predictive analytics and intelligent automation
Own network infrastructure security strategy, advancing zero-trust architecture and secure access
Lead network engineering for a modern, software-defined network with cloud connectivity
Architect secure connectivity across airports, campuses, and remote offices, embedding security controls
Develop a large team of network engineering talent focused on secure connectivity and resiliency
Operate as a thought leader on AI-enabled, next-generation networking and security standards
Benefits
Opportunity to lead a transformative AI-driven network initiative
Work in a dynamic environment focused on advanced technology and security
Collaborate with a diverse team of experts in network engineering and cybersecurity
Engage in continuous learning and professional development opportunities
Contribute to the security and efficiency of a major airline's operations
Full Job Description
Description
Job Overview and Responsibilities
Enterprise Network Infrastructure Security & Engineering is leading a bold transformation for United Airlines, infusing AI-driven automation, modern network infrastructure security, and next-generation engineering and IoT into every layer of our global network. This role owns that transformation, architecting and securing the enterprise software-defined network across our campuses, airports, remote workforce, and public cloud, while engineering an intelligent, self-healing network that predicts and prevents issues before they affect the airline. This leader will guide our technology, vendor, and people strategy as networking converges with AI/ML, cybersecurity, and cloud-native engineering. Enterprise Network Infrastructure Security & Engineering is part of our Digital Technology organization, focused on enabling the entirety of United Airlines and all of its divisions with advanced, secure, and intelligent infrastructure.
Lead the organization's AI-driven network transformation, engineering AI/ML, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation into the network's design to build self-healing capabilities, eliminate manual configuration, and detect and prevent issues before they impact the airline
Own network infrastructure security strategy and execution, advancing zero-trust architecture, secure access, and end-to-end network segmentation in partnership with cybersecurity leadership to protect United's critical infrastructure, data, and airline operations.
Lead network engineering and architecture for a modern, software-defined network, advancing SD-WAN, cloud connectivity, application services, and network automation and orchestration as networking converges with the public cloud and SaaS.
Architect and engineer secure, resilient connectivity across all airports, campus and remote offices, contact centers, cloud, and third-party network connections, embedding network security controls, threat protection, and compliance requirements into network designs and holding vendors to United's engineering and security standards.
Lead and develop a large team of world-class network engineering and network security engineering talent focused on networking at true enterprise scale with an emphasis on secure connectivity, network access, segmentation, and infrastructure resiliency.
Operate as a thought leader internally and externally on AI-enabled, secure, next-generation networking. Establish network architecture and infrastructure security standards, lead design and threat-model reviews, and partner with cybersecurity on vulnerability remediation and security hardening across the network.
Qualifications
What's needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related field
CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent advanced network engineering certification
8+ years of experience in network engineering and architecture
5+ years of experience leading network security, cybersecurity, or zero-trust initiatives
5+ years of experience applying AI/ML or intelligent automation to network engineering or network security
5+ years of experience managing network engineering and/or network security teams at scale
5+ years of experience working in or adjacent to a cloud environment (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
Deep expertise in network engineering and architecture, including SD-WAN, routing/switching, and software-defined networking
Strong knowledge of network and cybersecurity principles, including zero-trust architecture, segmentation, and secure access
Working knowledge of AI/ML and automation tools and their practical application to network engineering and security
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):
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, or related field
CISSP, CCSP, or equivalent network/cloud security certification
AWS, Azure, or GCP cloud certification
AI/ML, data science, or network automation certification, or equivalent applied experience
10+ years of experience in network engineering and architecture
Excellent strategic communication and influence skills with a passion for enablement
Experience hiring, managing and growing diverse teams in multiple disparate physical locations
Excellent track record of vendor management at large scale
Experience leveraging AI/ML and automation to drive network efficiency, reliability, and innovation
Demonstrates an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and effectively leverages them to support research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving. Apply critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to organizational policies for responsible AI use, data privacy and security
About United Air Lines, Inc
United Airlines is a major American airline that operates a large domestic and international route network. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and is a founding member of the Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance. United Airlines operates a fleet of over 800 aircraft and serves more than 350 destinations in over 50 countries.
