Senior Engineer- Powerplant, Auxiliary Power Unit

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent work experience).
• To qualify for Senior Engineer I, you must have 5-8 years of experience; for Senior Engineer II, you must have 8+ years of experience or an equivalent number of years of experience in a relevant type of position.
• Ability to interpret sophisticated technical documents, including OEM drawings, Structural Repair Manuals, and Component Maintenance Manuals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Strong project management skills for regulatory compliance modifications and technical specification revisions.
• Effective interpersonal skills for working with shop technicians, supervisors, and managers.
• Experience with airline or OEM operations.
• Knowledge of the FAA Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) and airworthiness standards.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Reliable attendance and ability to travel up to 20%.

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

• Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience working with ATA airline systems chapters.
• Training in Boeing or Airbus structures and composites.
• Experience working with the FAA on regulatory activity.
• Proficiency in reverse engineering, including 3D scanning and printing.
• Proven experience in aircraft structures and related disciplines.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling software (CATIA, SolidWorks, Siemens NX, or equivalent).

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 broad 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 help 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 ensure our planes are well taken care of and ready to get our customers to their desired destinations. If you’re ready to work on our aircraft, join our Tech Ops experts and help keep our fleet in tip-top shape.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Engineer—Powerplant, you’ll be key in optimizing aircraft performance, reliability, and compliance. You’ll troubleshoot, analyze, and develop APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) systems and components solutions while ensuring operational efficiency and regulatory adherence.

• Investigate and resolve APU design, operation, maintenance, and repair issues.
• Lead repairs of associated APU components (inlet area, exhaust nozzles, acoustic panels, etc.).
• Define maintenance programs and serviceability criteria to ensure safe & compliant operations.
• Evaluate regulatory requirements and fleet modifications for impact on reliability, cost, and performance.
• Develop technical documentation, oversee testing, and support FAA approvals.
• Provide on-site technical support for maintenance operations and collaborate with internal and external teams.

NOTE\: This position is based at the CSC-Willis Tower, located in Chicago, IL, and is considered a hybrid work schedule, with three days in the office.