Engineer- Structures

United Airlines•Chicago, IL

23h•$83,695 - $109,004•Hybrid

About The Position

The Engineer – Structures provides engineering support for aircraft structures, maintenance programs, repairs, modifications, and operational engineering functions across United's fleet. The role evaluates aircraft structural integrity, design configurations, maintenance requirements, performance, and repair solutions to support safe, reliable, and regulatory-compliant operations. The Engineer assesses structural issues, develops engineering recommendations, evaluates aircraft configurations, and supports fleet maintenance and modification programs. The position involves technical evaluations, failure investigations, assessment of operational and financial impacts, and development of solutions to improve aircraft reliability and asset utilization. The Engineer works 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. The position is based at the CSC – Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois, and follows a hybrid work schedule with an expectation of three days onsite per week. The role is eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards.

Requirements

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, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
Excellent verbal communication and technical writing skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and ability to use them for research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving while validating outputs and following company policies for 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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Review Service Bulletins (SBs), Airworthiness Directives (ADs), and 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 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 operational teams, aircraft manufacturers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to support continued airworthiness, safety, regulatory compliance, operational reliability, and efficiency.
Evaluate engineering recommendations and repair solutions for their operational, financial, and maintenance impacts.