Principal Engineer - Aircraft Cybersecurity Operations (Remote)

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Description
Connecting People. Uniting the World. There’s never been a more exciting time to join United Airlines!

As a global company that operates in hundreds of locations around the world — with millions of customers and tens of thousands of employees — we have a unique responsibility to uplift and provide opportunities in the places where we work, live and fly. We’re on a path to becoming the best airline in aviation history. Join our Cybersecurity and Digital Risk (CDR) team to help lead the industry in cyber safety, security and resilience.

United's CDR team plays a critical role in protecting our operations by enabling secure and resilient systems, managing threats and vulnerabilities, and ensuring swift response and recovery. Our mission is to seamlessly embed cybersecurity and digital risk management into every aspect of our business. We help drive progress and growth through trusted digital solutions, safeguarding assets and empowering our team, all while promoting a cyber-safe and secure environment that supports resilient airline operations.

United offers a competitive benefits package aimed at keeping you happy, healthy, and well-traveled. From employee-run "Business Resource Group" communities to world-class benefits like parental leave, 401(k), and privileges like space-available travel, United is truly a one-of-a-kind place to work. Are you ready to travel the world and help us keep our airline cyber safe?

Apply today!
 
Job overview and responsibilities
 
Principal Engineer – Aircraft Cybersecurity Operations is responsible for coordinating with both internal and external partners - such as Avionics Engineering, Powerplant Engineering, Government Affairs, Corporate Security, Corporate Safety, Industry working groups, OEMs, and FAA – to implement strategy around United’s aircraft cybersecurity operations, to ensure consistency with the latest developments in aviation cyber security. This individual will mentor peers on how to identify and assess the aviation cyber risk landscape, including how to perform meaningful security tests, and how to validate security mitigations that should be executed to ensure a safe and secure continued airworthiness for all United aircraft. This individual will also be responsible for coordinating with industry to review new aviation cybersecurity standards and recommendations based on expertise in the airline and aircraft operation space.

This individual will be expected to be a strategic system thinker, capable of seeing and defining the broad tactical approach across aircraft cybersecurity operations and United’s infrastructure.

 
Integrate with industry working groups and partners (e.g., FAA, AIA, A4A, EASA, A-ISAC, etc.) to review new aviation cybersecurity standards and recommendations
Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor a team on aircraft operation cybersecurity threats and mitigation strategies, risk assessment methodologies, and security testing
Coordinate and build relationships with internal and external partners to drive key aviation cyber security initiatives and projects
Review mitigation plans implemented by United aircraft operations teams (e.g., Avionics Engineering, Powerplant Engineering, Cabin Systems Engineering, Digital Technology, Flight Operations, etc.) to provide recommendations based on industry best practices
Ensures program(s) is/are meeting intended purpose and metrics
 

Qualifications
What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):
 
Bachelor's degree required, STEM field preferred
Strong cybersecurity expertise applied to aviation or relevant transportation and/or embedded systems domains
5 or more years of combined related experience in either aircraft engineering, aircraft cybersecurity, embedded product security, or other similar related fields
Proficient knowledge of areas comparable to aircraft avionics, cabin, propulsion systems, and/or airport/transportation operations
Proficiency in risk assessment methodologies
Proficiency in aviation security regulations and standards
Ability to manage business and external partners
Ability to work independently and self-motivate
Excellent problem solving, critical thinking, interpersonal, collaboration, written and verbal communication skills
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
CISSP, GSEC, or a SANS equivalent cybersecurity certificates and PKI
Critical infrastructure or Government experience
Working knowledge in navigating hardware-based security techniques and assessments
Working knowledge of programming languages
Working knowledge of digital design and understanding of hardware at the component levels
Working knowledge of infrastructure security and mobile security
 
 
Posting end date: 6/1/2026

The base pay range for this role is $147,060.00 to $191,516.00.
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 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 JobAccommodations@united.com