Optimization Intern Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL (NOW HIRING)

Description
At United, we offer internships, co-ops, and full-time opportunities for early career professionals. In any role, you're a key member of our team, contributing to real projects that help move the business forward while gaining hands-on experience, growing your professional skill set, and connecting with industry leaders. You'll also have a chance to build community through our employee-run Business Resource Groups, participate in industry conferences, and enjoy unlimited standby travel anywhere we fly.
We're not just in the business of transporting people. We're also in the business of moving cargo. As a major provider of air freight services, our Cargo team transports everyday electronics and automotive parts, to perishable goods, life-saving organs, vaccines and even baby formula.
Cargo has several intern opportunities available in a variety of fields. Successful candidates will be placed in an opening that aligns with their interests.
eCommerce & Marketing - The Cargo eCommerce and Marketing team is in the process of expanding their digital footprint. Whether it's the recent launch of our new website, the furthering of API development or the introduction into digital marketplaces, this team has a lot underway! The eCommerce intern will support the business, in partnership with our technology counterparts, in driving these initiatives forward. The successful candidate(s) will play a key role in finding opportunities to improve website functionality and the user experience of the newly launched cargo website. Intern will actively engage in efforts to enable online booking capabilities, API connectivity and digital marketplace participation.
Postal Network Optimization - The Postal team works closely with USPS and foreign posts to efficiently move mail throughout the United network. Delivering mail to the right place at the right time is important to our customers and crucial to our success. In exchange for providing great service to our customers, United Cargo receives payment for services thereby generating meaningful revenue for the organization. Intern will conduct analysis to identify those mail shipments that meet defined criteria and are eligible for payment. Intern will establish and manage end-to-end process which includes identifying pending payments, initiating claims and following-up on payments due.
Cargo Logistics & Support Services - The Cargo Logistics & Support Services teams will be responsible for projects that make the $2B+ United Cargo business possible. This will include further optimizing 18,000+ Unit Load Device (ULD) assets, Cargo's $70M trucking network, managing millions in capital investments, pushing cost savings and/or minimizing cost increases, statistical modeling and forecasting, optimizing warehouses, driving accessorial revenues, mitigating claims, and negotiating contracts. From process improvements, to operational performance, to cost control, these internships will cover a wide breadth of projects across the global United Cargo organization.
Sales Strategy - Interns in the Sales Strategy organization will actively participate in developing strategic direction, forecasting revenue and providing analytical support to Cargo's global Sales organization. The Sales Strategy intern will join a team of analysts who are working on a variety of projects relating to flight level forecasting & performance. Successful candidate will analyze data including operational and revenue performance, yield, product mix and customer support metrics to further define what makes a flight successful.
Revenue Management - The Revenue Management intern will support our North America and Latin America entities in analyzing Specialty product booking trends, capacity & yields. In addition, intern will support the implementation of a new global dynamic pricing tool thereby enabling Cargo's digital journey. Responsibilities will include assessing current pricing practices relative to market conditions, reviewing processes/SOPs for adhoc management and promoting tool adoption.
Technology Products - The Technology Products team supports the business in delivering key technology initiatives. In partnership with our Digital Technology counterparts, this group serves as a liaison between our user groups and our technology team, translating business need into automation. With several groundbreaking initiatives underway, the team could benefit from an intern who could help drive new functionality for our pricing tool. Finalizing requirements, performing system testing and preparing users for global launch are among intern responsibilities.
No Direct Path: This internship is designed solely to provide you with skill development and valuable work experience. This role will likely not convert to a full-time position at United at the conclusion of the internship.
Job Posting: September 1 - September 15, 2026
Qualifications
• Must be a local/living in Chicago, Illinoi
• Must be a current undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Business or related field graduating Fall 2027 or Spring 2028
• Interpersonal and project management skills and ability to adapt to a fast-paced, changing environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite programs
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualifications
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
• Must be able to optimally work in a remote environment during defined business hours
Preferred Skills:
Demonstrated understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and the ability to leverage AI effectively to support research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving. Applies critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to organizational policies related to responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.