Description

Find your future at United! We’re reinventing what our industry looks like, and what an airline can be – from the planes we fly to the people who fly them. When you join us, you’re joining a global team of 100,000+ connected by a shared passion with a wide spectrum of experience and skills to lead the way forward.

Achieving our ambitions starts with supporting yours. Evolve your career and find your next opportunity. Get the care you need with industry-leading health plans and best-in-class programs to support your emotional, physical, and financial wellness. Expand your horizons with travel across the world’s biggest route network. Connect outside your team through employee-led Business Resource Groups.

Create what’s next with us. Let’s define tomorrow together.

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.

Key Responsibilities:

Experienced Senior Engineer to lead the development, integration and regulatory approval processes for using drones in the evaluation of aircraft for conditional and routines inspections. The position plays a pivotal role in advancing aviation safety, efficiency and innovation by driving the adoption of drone technology for aircraft maintenance and inspections.

Program Development – lead the technical development and implementation of drone-based aircraft inspection systems. Define system requirements, performance specifications in collaboration with multi-functional teams

Regulatory Compliance and Approvals – Engage with aviation regulatory agencies (FAA and foreign regulators) to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards and secure approvals for drone use. Develop and submit documentation, reports, and proposals to support regulatory applications. Maintain and industry presence, keeping up to date on certification processes and emerging regulation.

Technical leadership – Coordinate the integration of drones with existing maintenance program inspection routines for scheduled and unscheduled requirements. Ensure that drone inspection solutions align with aircraft engineering principles and operational requirements. Drive the evaluation and expand the use cases for drones, growing the capability using new technologies and enhanced evaluation of damage detection

Collaboration – Coordinate with internal and external maintenance teams to integrate procedures for inspections using drones. Coordinate with the drone manufacturers and digital technology to refine and customize solutions. Act as the technical liaison between the company and external partners, including regulatory agencies.

Safety – Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for drone operations in airport, tarmac and hangar environments. Define and implement testing protocols to ensure reliability and accuracy of drone inspection systems. Coordinate pilot programs to validate operational feasibility and safety. Document standard processes and lessons learned to support the organization’s learning and growth.

Other:This position is based in ChicagoTravel up to 25%, international travel is required.Support outside of normal working hours for our 24/7 operation may be required.Qualifications

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Aviation Management, Engineering, or UAV technology4+ years of engineering experienceFAA Part 107 drone license, or the ability to acquire part 107 license within 6 monthsExtensive knowledge of FARs (Federal Aviation Regulation), airworthiness design and substantiation criteria, aircraft and equipment design and operational characteristics, aircraft materials and processes, FAA Part 107 drone operationsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsPassion for safety and serviceWhat will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):Master's degree or 6 years of equivalent work experience2+ years concentration in UAV engineering, evaluation and performancePossess FAA Part 107 Drone License`

United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. United Airlines recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status and other protected status as required by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions. Please contact JobAccommodations@united.com to request accommodation.

The base pay range for this role is $97,945.00 to $133,540.00.
The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory 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. United Airlines recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status and other protected status as required by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/LGBT.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions. Please contact JobAccommodations@united.com to request accommodation.