Senior Manager Engineering Authorization ( EA) - Plan and Execution

United Airlines; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 128,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

United Airlines is seeking a leader to oversee Tech Ops / Maintenance - Management & Administration in Chicago, IL. This full-time role requires directing complex aviation projects, aligning timelines, budgets, and stakeholders to ensure on-time, quality outcomes.

The candidate should bring extensive experience in operations leadership, project management, and aviation knowledge, with strong communication and problem-solving abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or related experience in Aviation Management, Business, Engineering, Aircraft Maintenance, or related field.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in operations, strategy, planning, forecasting, engineering, or Continuous Improvement
• 5 years’ experience in managing multiple complex projects in aviation
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with ability to interact at all levels (including executive) and with internal/external partners
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

Responsibilities

• Develop realistic project timelines, monitor progress, and take corrective actions to ensure projects are completed on time with quality and safety at the forefront of decisions made.
• Identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies, and address risks proactively to minimize their impact on the projects.
• Manage project changes to scope, schedule or budget to keep projects on track.
• Identify and resolve problems effectively
• Establish clear project execution objectives, defining scope of work, creating detailed plans, and identifying project milestones.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with stakeholders, Team Members, and Management ensuring satisfactory reporting and operating rhythms
• Define resource (labor / supply chain) requirements against overall fleet projects and work locations to ensure timely and effective project execution
• Engage in AFE approval process for project budget, track cost and ensure projects are completed within allocated budget
• Motivate and lead Project Planning Teams, foster collaboration amongst stakeholders and ensure Team Members are engaged and productive

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Engineering

Finance

Data analysis

Crisis management

Continuous improvement

Communication

Collaboration

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management

Bachelor's degree in Business

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Aircraft Maintenance background

PMP (Preferred)

Tools

None

Job description

Location

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Tech Ops / Maintenance - Management & Administration

Full-Time

Posted Date 10/05/2026

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.

Responsibilities

• Develop realistic project timelines, monitor progress, and take corrective actions to ensure projects are completed on time with quality and safety at the forefront of decisions made.
• Identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies, and address risks proactively to minimize their impact on the projects.
• Manage project changes to scope, schedule or budget to keep projects on track.
• Identify and resolve problems effectively
• Establish clear project execution objectives, defining scope of work, creating detailed plans, and identifying project milestones.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with stakeholders, Team Members, and Management ensuring satisfactory reporting and operating rhythms
• Define resource (labor / supply chain) requirements against overall fleet projects and work locations to ensure timely and effective project execution
• Engage in AFE approval process for project budget, track cost and ensure projects are completed within allocated budget
• Motivate and lead Project Planning Teams, foster collaboration amongst stakeholders and ensure Team Members are engaged and productive

Qualifications

> What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree or related experience in Aviation Management, Business, Engineering, Aircraft Maintenance, or related field
• 5+ years of leadership experience in operations, strategy, planning, forecasting, engineering, or Continuous Improvement
• 5 years’ experience in managing multiple complex projects in aviation
• Leadership and Management, Technical Expertise, Problem Solving, Communication and Collaboration, Data Analysis, Crisis Management and continuous improvement
• Be adept in building presentations for senior leadership team, juggling several projects and initiatives simultaneously through appropriate prioritization
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with ability to effectively interact at all levels (including executive) and team with all internal and external business partners
• Strong Project Management, Engineering, and Finance 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):

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or project management
• Airframe & Powerplant License, Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Experience in Airline Maintenance planning and analysis functions
• Leadership experience in a technical operation environment
• LEAN and A3 Problem solving

The base pay range for this role is $127,870.00 to $166,492.00.

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.