Operational Excellence & CPI Manager

United Airlines; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 102,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flight privileges

Paid time off

401(k)

Job summary

United Airlines is seeking a Continuous Improvement professional to partner with Base Maintenance leadership. You will own a portfolio of improvement initiatives, drive structured problem solving, and collaborate with analytics, standards, and station teams to embed improvements and sustain outcomes.

The role focuses on operational performance, productivity, and efficiency across assigned stations, with opportunities to influence across the Tech Ops network and support regional initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or related experience required.
• Industrial Engineering, Business, or Supply Chain background desired.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent certification or experience.
• 3+ years in CI, operations, or process optimization in complex settings.
• Experience leading cross-functional improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted partner to local Base Maintenance leadership, providing thought partnership on operational performance and prioritizing improvements.
• Lead local continuous improvement work and mentor team members where applicable.
• Own and manage a local portfolio of CI initiatives delivering measurable improvements in performance and efficiency.
• Lead structured problem-solving to address Base MX performance gaps, delays, and repeat issues.
• Collaborate with Process Standards, Analytics, and local stakeholders to align priorities and embed improvements into standard processes.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Influence & partnership

Education

Bachelor's degree or related experience

Industrial Engineering, Business, Supply Chain

Job description

Achieving our goals starts with supporting yours. Grow your career, access top-tier health and wellness benefits, build lasting connections with your team and our customers, and travel the world using our extensive route network.

Come join us to create what’s next. Let’s define tomorrow, together.

Description

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

• Serve as a trusted partner to local Base Maintenance leadership, providing thought partnership on operational performance, identifying constraints and opportunities, and helping shape practical improvement priorities across assigned station(s)


• Provide day‑to‑day direction and coordination for local continuous improvement work and, where applicable, support the development of assigned team members


• Own and manage a local portfolio of continuous improvement initiatives across assigned station(s), delivering measurable improvements in operational performance, productivity and efficiency


• Lead structured problem‑solving efforts to address local Base MX performance gaps such as missed KPIs, productivity shortfalls, delays and repeat issues


• Collaborate with Process Standards, Projects & Execution, Analytics, Process Management Experts and local stakeholders to align priorities, embed improvements into standard processes and validate sustained outcomes


• Establish local sustainment plans and performance tracking mechanisms to ensure improvements are embedded, monitored and maintained over time


• Support implementation of Tech Ops and regional initiatives by translating changes into the local Base Maintenance operating environment and ensuring they are effectively executed and adopted at the station level


• Represent local field realities, constraints and readiness needs so initiatives are practical and executable


• Build and reinforce a culture of continuous improvement at the station level, coaching supervisors and frontline teams in structured problem‑solving and Lean practices


• Support the development of a CI education and training program and encourage adoption of continuous improvement routines in day‑to‑day operations


• Drive consistent and effective deployment of initiatives across the network, reinforcing accountability, adoption and execution at the station level


• Provide visibility into local process performance, initiative progress, risks and realized operational and financial impact, and ensure station‑level sustainment mechanisms are in place

Qualifications

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree or related experience


• Industrial Engineering, Business, Supply Chain


• Airframe & Powerplant (A & P) or equivalent practical experience


• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent continuous improvement certification or work experience


• 3+ years of experience in continuous improvement, operations or process optimization within a complex operational environment


• Experience leading large, cross‑functional improvement initiatives or transformation efforts


• Demonstrated experience leading improvement initiatives that resulted in measurable operational or financial impact


• Experience working with data and analytics to identify opportunities and validate results


• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, with experience in root‑cause analysis and structured problem‑solving


• Ability to influence and partner effectively with frontline operational teams and station leadership


• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect operational improvements to performance outcomes


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• 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

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• Master's degree or related experience


• Airframe & Powerplant (A & P) license


• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent continuous improvement certification


• Experience in Line/Base Maintenance operations, such as Technician, Supervisor, Assistant Manager or Shift Manager roles


• Experience in Tech Ops, Line Maintenance, MRO, airline operations or other large‑scale operational environments


• Hands‑on experience working in or directly supporting frontline operations


• Experience applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, including DMAIC, value stream mapping, waste identification and root‑cause analysis

The base pay range for this role is $102,220.00 to $133,194.00.

The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job‑related, factors such as experience, education, and skills. This position is also eligible for bonus and/or long‑term incentive compensation awards.

You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges.

United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact [e-mail]