Principal Architect - Operational Technology (Remote)

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 toward becoming the best airline in the history of aviation. Join our Cybersecurity and Digital Risk (CDR) team to help us also become the leading cyber-safe airline in the industry. United’s CDR team is tasked with keeping our customers’ and employees’ information safe and secure. Our primary mission is to embed cybersecurity into the DNA of United Airlines by reducing business risk through implementation of strong cybersecurity standard processes.

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, 401k 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!

The Principal Architect – Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity leads efforts to mature OT security capabilities for United Airlines. In this role the Architect will work on the creation and maintenance of security relevant documentation and partner with product, platform, engineering, and operations teams to ensure the adoption of security standard processes across the OT system lifecycle. The role with help continuously improve our cyber controls and associated playbooks, workflows, processes, and procedures. The architect will stay informed about the security landscape – internal and external threats, regulatory requirements, policy changes and other sources

• Develop, define and ensure continuous improvement of policies, procedures, programs and technology (including automation)
• Leads the creation of OT security technology strategies and roadmaps based on business strategy, cybersecurity assessments, IT trends and the overall threat landscape Collaborates with key partners to develop and document reference architectures and architectural patterns
• Define and develop metrics program to track maturity, evolution, and health of cybersecurity program over time
• Ensures program is meeting intended purpose and metrics
• Effectively calls out, communicates and mitigates risk and issues
• Engage, collaborate and partner with leadership, key collaborators and broader security team on key initiatives to drive day-to-day security operations
• Acts as a trusted advisor to internal and external collaborators (division leadership, peers, employees)
• Leads the development of OT security architectures that align with assessment remediation requirements, reference architectures, design patterns and technology standards
• Leads implementation of enterprise-wide strategy aligned with industry standards
• Engages with business and ensures alignment with business objectives
• Effectively communicates the impact of cybersecurity gaps to diverse audiences and collaborates with IT and Business partners to deliver security technology roadmaps
• Assess/adapt existing operational programs and develop capabilities to ensure ongoing success
• Find opportunities to use and operationalize existing security investments while also identifying gaps in our defenses and recommending new technologies

United values diverse experiences, perspectives, and we encourage everyone who meets the minimum qualifications to apply. While having the “desired” qualifications make for a stronger candidate, we encourage applicants who may not feel they check ALL of those boxes. We are always looking for individuals who will bring something new to the table.

• Bachelors degree required
• 7+ years of technical experience, including a blend of OT, NOC, and/or other technical skills
• Experience with securing operational technologies such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software, and Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
• Advanced experience with information security principles, practices, technologies, programs and procedures, accompanied by an understanding of risk management methodologies
• Fundamental understanding of IT and OT network communication protocols
• 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

• Masters degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Engineering, IT, Data Science, Cybersecurity
• 10+ years of technical experience, 6 years directly related to OT and Security
• Familiarity with information security standards and frameworks including ISO 27002, NIST, CIS Benchmarks, etc.

United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. United Airlines recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions. Please contact JobAccommodationsunited.com to request accommodation.