Sr Manager - IT Application Development

United Airlines; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 141,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flight privileges

Job summary

United Airlines is seeking a Senior Manager, IT Application Development to lead the PSS Integration portfolio, directing teams across product, architecture, security, and operations to modernize and scale our airline technology.

You will drive delivery of integration services with internal apps, partner systems, and external providers, emphasizing automation, DevSecOps, and cloud-based solutions while building a high-performing organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Engineering, Finance or related field.
• 5+ years of IT leadership experience.
• 5+ years of IT and business/industry leadership experience.
• Experience leading multi-functional teams or projects.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Executive communication and stakeholder management.
• Knowledge of enterprise architecture, integration patterns, security, and scalability.
• Hands-on Agile, DevOps, QA, and operational performance management.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Interview process required to meet job qualification.
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the PSS Integration development team, establishing delivery priorities, resource plans, and operational practices.
• Oversee delivery, support, and continuous improvement of PSS Integration applications, interfaces, and services.
• Identify opportunities to leverage automation and AI-assisted engineering to improve productivity and quality.
• Manage portfolio execution by tracking delivery commitments, risks, dependencies, and metrics.
• Ensure DevSecOps, testing, release management, and operational readiness standards are applied and improved.
• Coach and mentor team members, fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.
• Collaborate with Security, Architecture, and Risk teams to ensure security and resiliency in delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Executive communications

Agile delivery

DevOps

Security & compliance

Enterprise architecture

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/related field

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

United's Digital Technology team is comprised of many talented individuals all working together with cutting‑edge technology to build the best airline in the history of aviation. Our team designs, develops and maintains massively scaling technology solutions brought to life with innovative architectures, data analytics, and digital solutions.

Job Overview And Responsibilities

The Senior Manager, IT Application Development provides strategic and operational leadership for the PSS Integration portfolio, including systems and services that connect United’s Passenger Service Systems with internal applications, partner airlines, Global Distribution Systems, and other external entities. The role is accountable for the reliable delivery and operation of current integration capabilities while leading their transition to modern, scalable, secure, and cloud‑based platforms. This position partners across business, product, architecture, security, operations, and external suppliers to deliver Mosaic initiatives, including PSS application modernization and the Industry Message Broker Transformation. The role also drives engineering excellence, automation, responsible use of AI, continuous improvement, and development of a high‑performing organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the PSS Integration development team, establishing delivery priorities, resource plans, and operational practices to support business and technology objectives
• Oversee the delivery, support, and continuous improvement of PSS Integration applications, interfaces, and services. Partner with business, product, architecture, operations, and supplier teams to implement modernization initiatives and ensure reliable production operations.
• Identify and implement opportunities to leverage automation, AI‑assisted engineering, and modern development practices to improve team productivity, software quality, and operational efficiency.
• Manage portfolio execution by tracking delivery commitments, risks, dependencies, supplier activities, and operational metrics. Escalate issues and support leadership reporting as needed.
• Ensure application development, DevSecOps, testing, release management, and operational readiness standards are consistently applied and continuously improved across the team's solutions.
• Coach, develop, and mentor team members while fostering a high‑performing, collaborative culture. Support talent development, succession planning, and skills growth aligned with current and future technology needs.
• Partners with Security, Architecture, and Risk teams to ensure security, compliance, resiliency, and vulnerability remediation requirements are incorporated into solution delivery and operations.

Qualifications

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree
• Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Finance or related field
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• 5+ years of IT and business/industry work experience as a leader
• Leadership experience in managing multiple, large, multi‑functional teams or projects
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to set direction, develop talent, hold teams accountable, and manage vendor delivery teams effectively
• Excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and influence senior business and technology leaders
• Strong executive communication and presentation skills; able to simplify complex information and communicate clear options, recommendations, risks, and decisions
• Understanding of enterprise architecture principles, integration patterns, data governance, scalability, security, and maintainability
• Hands‑on experience with Agile delivery, DevOps practices, QA discipline, and operational performance management
• Ability to balance strategic roadmap development with disciplined execution, issue resolution, and day‑to‑day operational follow‑through
• 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
• Airline experience is a plus
• Cloud experience would be helpful
• Experience in influencing senior level management and key partners on large projects
• Strong desire to learn new technologies
• Requires advanced technical and business knowledge in SDLC, project management and other related disciplines or processes

The base pay range for this role is $140,600.00 to $183,108.00.

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]