Engineer - Aircraft Cybersecurity Operations (Remote)
United Airlines · Chicago, IL
- On site
- Full-time
- $122,550 / year
- Chicago, IL
Job highlights
- Protect United aircraft with cybersecurity operations.
- Analyze threats and validate security mitigations.
- Collaborate with engineering, government, and OEMs.
- Draft regulatory responses for airworthiness.
- Requires STEM degree and 2+ years experience.
About the role
About the Role
United Airlines is seeking an Engineer - Aircraft Cybersecurity Operations to support internal and external partners in driving United’s aircraft cybersecurity operations. This role involves identifying the aviation cyber risk landscape, performing cybersecurity threat analysis and assessment, conducting security tests, and validating security mitigations for United aircraft. You will also be responsible for drafting regulatory responses to meet continued airworthiness requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Support cybersecurity threat assessments and mitigation strategy solutioning.
- Develop aviation cybersecurity risk-related papers, reports, alerts, and bulletins.
- Assist in developing AISP/ANSP responses for regulatory cybersecurity implications to aircraft.
- Coordinate with internal and external partners to operationalize cybersecurity improvements.
- Continuously gain knowledge of industry standards and regulatory best practices in aircraft cybersecurity.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required, STEM field preferred.
- 2+ years of combined related experience in aircraft engineering, aircraft cybersecurity, or embedded product security.
- Basic understanding of airport operations, aircraft avionics, cabin, and propulsion systems.
- Basic knowledge of risk assessments and cryptography concepts.
- Basic understanding of network exploitation, attack strategies, IT security technology, and cyber threat mitigation tools.
- Working knowledge of computer operating systems, network design, embedded security, and security architecture principles.
- Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
- Reliable and punctual attendance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Aviation experience.
- Working knowledge of hardware-based security techniques and assessments.
- Working knowledge of programming languages.
- Basic understanding of digital design and hardware at the component level.
- Basic understanding of security risk methodologies in the aviation industry.
- Basic understanding of aviation security regulations and standards.
Key skills/competency
- Aircraft Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity Operations
- Risk Assessment
- Threat Analysis
- Security Mitigations
- Regulatory Compliance
- Aviation Security
- Embedded Systems Security
- Network Security
- Problem Solving
Skills & topics
- Aircraft Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity Operations
- Aviation Security
- Risk Management
- Threat Analysis
- Security Engineering
- FAA
- Embedded Systems
- Remote
- United Airlines
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight relevant experience in aircraft engineering, cybersecurity, or embedded systems security. Quantify achievements where possible.
- Showcase technical skills: Emphasize your understanding of risk assessments, threat analysis, and mitigation strategies, aligning with aviation cybersecurity.
- Demonstrate soft skills: Prepare to discuss your problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration abilities, crucial for working with diverse partners.
- Understand the industry: Research United Airlines' commitment to safety and cybersecurity in aviation. Align your answers with their mission.
- Prepare for interviews: Expect questions about your technical knowledge, experience with aviation regulations, and how you handle complex security challenges.
Technical preparation
Study FAA cybersecurity guidance for aircraft.,Review common aircraft system architectures.,Practice risk assessment methodologies.,Familiarize with common cyber attack vectors.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex security problem you solved.,How do you handle conflicting priorities?,Explain a time you collaborated with diverse teams.,How do you stay updated on cybersecurity threats?
Frequently asked questions
- What specific aviation security regulations should I be familiar with for the Aircraft Cybersecurity Operations Engineer role at United Airlines?
- While the job description mentions a 'basic understanding' of aviation security regulations and standards, it's beneficial to familiarize yourself with key regulations like those from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) concerning aircraft cybersecurity, such as AC 25-30, AC 20-190, and similar guidance documents from EASA and other international aviation authorities. Understanding their implications for continued airworthiness and risk management will be advantageous.
- How does United Airlines approach cybersecurity for its aircraft fleet?
- United Airlines' Cybersecurity and Digital Risk team plays a critical role in protecting operations by enabling secure and resilient systems, managing threats and vulnerabilities, and ensuring swift response and recovery. For aircraft, this involves embedding cybersecurity into every aspect, from design and engineering to ongoing operations, with a focus on safeguarding assets and promoting a cyber-safe environment for resilient airline operations.
- What is the expected career growth for an Aircraft Cybersecurity Operations Engineer at United Airlines?
- United Airlines emphasizes career growth and offers opportunities to 'grow your career.' As an Engineer - Aircraft Cybersecurity Operations, you can advance by gaining deeper expertise in aviation cybersecurity, potentially moving into senior engineering roles, leadership positions within the Cybersecurity and Digital Risk team, or specializing in specific areas like threat intelligence or incident response.
- What kind of external partners will I collaborate with as an Aircraft Cybersecurity Operations Engineer at United Airlines?
- As an Engineer - Aircraft Cybersecurity Operations, you will collaborate with a variety of internal and external partners. These include Avionics Engineering, Powerplant Engineering, Government Affairs, Corporate Security, Corporate Safety, industry working groups, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).
- Does United Airlines offer sponsorship for this Aircraft Cybersecurity Operations Engineer position?
- No, the job description explicitly states that candidates 'Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.' Therefore, United Airlines will not provide visa sponsorship for this role.
- What is the difference between minimum and preferred qualifications for this role?