Aviation Project Manager: Fleet & Modifications

United Airlines; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

medical

dental

vision

life

accident & disability

parental leave

employee assistance program

commuter

paid holidays

paid time off

401(k)

flight privileges

Job summary

United Airlines is seeking an Associate Project Manager - UAX Fleet to lead end-to-end aircraft modification and fleet enhancement initiatives, coordinating engineering, maintenance, and vendor partners to deliver on time, within budget, and in compliance with FAA requirements.

This hybrid role requires strong project management discipline, data-driven planning, and clear communication to senior leadership, with roughly 50% onsite at our Chicago office and 50% remote, and travel up to 25% as

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aviation, Management or equivalent technical/quantitative discipline
• 2+ years of experience in aviation, technical project management, engineering, operations management, or a related field
• Demonstrated success delivering projects using established project management methodologies and practices
• Experience creating presentations and communicating analytical findings to senior leadership
• Ability to interpret technical engineering data and drawings, to translate them into business-focused project plans and timelines
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel
• Ability to work independently, identify process gaps, and develop data-driven solutions
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to travel up to 25%, including visits to maintenance facilities, vendors, and partner airline locations
• 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

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of aircraft modification and fleet enhancement projects from project initiation through implementation.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, RAID logs, and change control processes to effectively manage scope, budget, schedules, and dependencies.
• Coordinate activities across partner airlines, maintenance facilities, engineering teams, vendors, procurement, and internal stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Monitor project budgets, vendor invoices, and cost performance while providing recommendations to address variances and maintain financial objectives.
• Prepare executive status reports, steering committee materials, and project updates that clearly communicate progress, risks, mitigation plans, and resource requirements.
• Support contract-related activities including Statements of Work (SOWs), service agreements, procurement coordination, and vendor management.
• Translate technical requirements, engineering data, service bulletins, and modification documentation into executable project timelines while supporting FAA compliance activities.
• Provide flexible support across fleet programs, prototype installations, and other strategic operational initiatives as business needs evolve.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Presentation skills

Communication

Independent work

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aviation, Management or equivalent

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

United Airlines is seeking an Associate Project Manager - UAX Fleet to lead end-to-end aircraft modification and fleet enhancement initiatives, coordinating engineering, maintenance, and vendor partners to deliver on time, within budget, and in compliance with FAA requirements.

This hybrid role requires strong project management discipline, data-driven planning, and clear communication to senior leadership, with roughly 50% onsite at our Chicago office and 50% remote, and travel up to 25% as