Manager - Maintenance Programs Engineering

About the position At United, we have some of the best aircraft in the world. Our Technical Operations team is full of aircraft maintenance technicians, engineers, planners, ground equipment and facilities professionals, and supply chain teams that help make sure they’re well taken care of and ready to get our customers to their desired destinations. If you’re ready to work on our planes, join our Tech Ops experts and help keep our fleet in tip-top shape. Job overview and responsibilities The Manager – Maintenance Programs Engineering oversees the development and optimization of the airline’s maintenance programs for two fleets, leading a team of six to eight engineers and technical writers. The role balances tactical execution with strategic planning to ensure maintenance tasks are data-driven, compliant, and operationally efficient. A focus on reliability, aircraft availability, and cost control drives measurable value to the airline’s operation. Through cross-functional coordination and team leadership, the manager ensures the maintenance program remains both effective and sustainable.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary technical authority, guiding engineers and technical writers in problem-solving and defining aircraft maintenance programs tasks to ensure safe and legal operations
• Provide strategic direction on technical decisions, ensuring a balance between cost efficiency, asset utilization, and reliability
• Oversee the evaluation and implementation of OEM documentation changes, including MRBR, MPD, SB, STC, and ICA, to maintain compliance and operational standards
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to address technical issues, recommend work scopes, and investigate failures
• Ensure airworthiness, safety, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability by coordinating efforts across operational groups
• Regularly review and assess the performance of engineers and technical writers, providing constructive feedback and aligning their efforts with organizational goals
• Report on team progress, challenges, and achievements to leadership
• Represent the team and United Airlines at industry meetings, fostering thought leadership and collaboration

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a data-driven engineering or business role
• Working knowledge of both Boeing and Airbus aircraft
• Engineering skillsets that can be applied to a range of aircraft systems and maintenance programs use cases
• Ability to analyze complex technical issues
• Detailed project management skills for regulatory compliance modifications
• Excellent verbal communication and technical writing
• Must be willing and able to travel 20-25% domestic
• Must be willing and able to work at the CSC-Willis Tower in Chicago, IL in a hybrid role, in office 3 days a week
• 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

Nice-to-haves

• Airline experience or operations experience in a similar industry
• Experience working with aircraft, engine, ground equipment or other asset fault data
• Familiarity with MSG-3 philosophy and application in the development and evolution of a maintenance program
• Knowledge of airline operations and maintenance execution
• Experience developing and presenting business cases, including cost-benefit analyses, to support decision-making

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• accident & disability
• parental leave
• employee assistance program
• commuter
• paid holidays
• paid time off
• 401(k)
• flight privileges

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