Senior Line Engineer

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.

Job overview and responsibilities

The Senior Line Engineer serves as the on-site engineering authority for aircraft experiencing significant maintenance issues that threaten operational reliability and on-time performance. Working directly alongside maintenance technicians, Operations, and Engineering teams, this role provides real-time technical leadership to troubleshoot complex aircraft discrepancies, develop safe and compliant repair solutions, and expedite the return of aircraft to service. As a critical operational resource, the Senior Line Engineer balances safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency while minimizing disruptions to the airline's network. This role requires strong technical expertise, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to make timely decisions in a fast-paced airport environment.

Lead Aircraft Recovery Efforts – Provide immediate engineering support for aircraft out-of-service events by troubleshooting complex technical issues, developing repair solutions, and driving timely return-to-service decisions.

Support Safe and Efficient Operations – Serve as the engineering liaison during overnight and line maintenance activities, providing technical guidance that enables safe, compliant, and efficient aircraft maintenance across the operation.

Partner with Operational Teams – Work closely with Maintenance, Maintenance Control, Flight Operations, Engineering, and OEMs to resolve critical aircraft issues while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability.

Provide Technical Authority – Interpret engineering data, aircraft manuals, and regulatory requirements to develop and approve repair instructions, engineering dispositions, and corrective actions for in-service aircraft.

Support Fleet Reliability Improvements – Leverage firsthand operational experience to identify recurring aircraft issues and maintenance trends, providing recommendations and proposed repair solutions to Fleet Engineering teams to enhance fleet reliability and reduce future operational disruptions.

In addition to base pay, this role includes a $10,000 role-specific premium, separate and additional from the listed base pay range.

Bachelor's degree or related experience in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace), related technical field or equivalent relative work experience

Senior Line Engineer I: 5-8 years

Senior Line Engineer II: 8 years +

5+ years of airline, OEM, or aviation engineering experience supporting operational aircraft.

Advanced knowledge of Boeing and/or Airbus aircraft systems, structures, and maintenance practices.

Demonstrated experience supporting Aircraft on Ground (AOG) events and operational aircraft recovery.

Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, continued airworthiness requirements, and engineering authorization processes.

Demonstrated ability to make sound engineering decisions in time-critical operational environments.

Detailed knowledge of commercial aircraft systems, structures, avionics, or powerplant systems, with an emphasis on structural background

Working knowledge of FAA regulations, continued airworthiness requirements, and aircraft maintenance practices.

Ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings, maintenance manuals, OEM documentation, and technical data

Must be available to work any shift including nights and weekends as well as holidays

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

Specific ATA experience

OEM Structural Repairs for Engineers Training (Boeing/Airbus) with portfolio of designing major repairs for aircraft structures; metallic or composite

Work within specific ATA Airline Chapters

Airline or Industry experience with general ATA Chapters which could encompass, aircraft systems, structures, power plant and avionics disciplines

Excellent communication and technical writing ability

Knowledge of FARS (specifically parts 21, 25, 26, 43, 121, & 145)

CATIA/AUTOCAD experience