Engineer- Structures at United Airlines in Chicago, IL

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At United, we have some of the best aircraft in the world. Our Technical Operations team includes aircraft maintenance technicians, engineers, planners, ground equipment and facilities professionals, and supply chain teams that help keep them well cared for 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 Key Responsibilities: As an Engineer – Structures, you will provide engineering support for aircraft structures, maintenance programs, repairs, modifications, and operational engineering functions across United's fleet. This role evaluates aircraft structural integrity, design configurations, maintenance requirements, performance, and repair solutions to ensure safe, reliable, and regulatory-compliant operations.

The Engineer applies analytical and problem-solving skills to assess structural issues, develop engineering recommendations, evaluate aircraft configurations, and support fleet maintenance and modification programs. Responsibilities include conducting technical evaluations, investigating failures, assessing operational and financial impacts, and developing solutions that optimize aircraft reliability and asset utilization. The role collaborates with internal teams, aircraft manufacturers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to resolve technical issues and support continued airworthiness. Assignments may span multiple engineering departments based on business needs.

Key Responsibilities:

· Review Service Bulletins (SBs), Airworthiness Directives (ADs), and other manufacturer technical documentation to determine applicability, effectivity, and potential impact across United's fleet.

· Perform engineering evaluations of aircraft structural issues, damage assessments, repairs, and modifications to develop appropriate technical solutions.

· Interpret aircraft drawings, engineering specifications, Structural Repair Manuals (SRMs), Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMMs), and other technical documentation to support engineering decisions.

· Support troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and failure analysis to identify corrective actions and improve aircraft reliability.

· Develop engineering solutions, implementation plans, project justifications, and cost-benefit analyses. Support project execution, including coordination of required FAA approvals and warranty recovery opportunities.

· Establish and manage priorities for assigned projects, ensuring timely completion of deliverables supporting line and base maintenance, maintenance program changes, and technical specification revisions.

· Collaborate with cross-functional operational teams, aircraft manufacturers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure continued airworthiness, safety, regulatory compliance, operational reliability, and efficiency.

· Evaluate engineering recommendations and repair solutions to assess operational, financial, and maintenance impacts.

NOTE: This position is based at the CSC – Willis Tower in Chicago, IL. This position follows a hybrid work schedule with an expectation of three days onsite per week.

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent work experience).
• Entry level to 5 years of engineering work experience
• Foundational engineering knowledge and technical skills applicable to aircraft structures, systems, maintenance programs, and operational engineering functions.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation, engineering specifications, drawings, and manufacturer maintenance data.
• Ability to analyze technical issues, evaluate available data, and develop practical engineering recommendations.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Excellent verbal communication and technical writing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and effectively leverages them for research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving. Applies critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to company policies related to responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
• Successful completion of an interview is required to meet job qualifications
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

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

• Completion of Boeing and/or Airbus Structures I training or equivalent aircraft structures training.
• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate or applicable engineering/technical license or certification.
• Experience supporting aircraft maintenance checks, heavy maintenance, or aircraft modification programs on Boeing and/or Airbus aircraft.
• Experience with aircraft structural repairs, damage assessments, or engineering evaluations.
• Familiarity with aircraft maintenance documentation, including Structural Repair Manuals (SRMs), Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMMs), and Service Bulletins.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations, including FAR Parts 25, 121, and 145.
• Experience working with aircraft manufacturers, suppliers, maintenance teams, and engineering stakeholders.