-
Lead Program Manager - Engine Supplier Management
- United Airlines (San Francisco, CA)
-
Achieving our goals starts with supporting yours. Grow your career, access top-tier health and wellness benefits, build lasting connections with your team and our customers, and travel the world using our extensive route network.
Come join us to create what’s next. Let’s define tomorrow, together.
Description
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 Lead Program Manager - Engine Supplier Manager is responsible for actively supporting the strategic and operational success of the SFO engine shop. This role focuses on optimizing engine induction schedules, ensuring material readiness, and reducing maintenance cost and turn-time through process improvements, workscope management, and supplier collaboration. This position provides broad cross-functional visibility and influence across Engine Planning, Production, Quality Control, Procurement, Finance, Engineering, Reliability, Fleet, Quality and is responsible to support an array of strategic initiatives.
Engines fleets: PW4000 & V2500 fleets.
Up to 10% travel is required.
+ **Strategic and Relationship Management**
+ Serve as liaison between the Engine Shop and supporting departments across Planning, Engineering, and Engine Supplier Management
+ Coordinate requests between Engine Supplier Management and Engine Shop
+ Champion projects to drive cost reduction, address quality escapes, improve reliability, and resolve performance deficiencies
+ Participate in Quarterly Business Reviews and annual Aircraft and Propulsion Working Together Team with key suppliers, operators, and stakeholders
+ Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of the engine maintenance program, shop procedures, and emerging technical conditions specific to the engines
+ Partner with Engine Supplier Management, Engineering, Planning, and QA/QC to evaluate and onboard new repair sources and develop supplier repair capabilities
+ Collaborate with Engineering to determine optimal workscopes for each engine induction, balancing technical requirements with cost and schedule objectives
+ Maintain awareness of fleet performance, repair trends, and cost drivers to inform strategic decision-making
+ **Operational & Program Management**
+ Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and maintain long-range induction forecasts, balancing shop capacity, fleet demand, and material availability
+ Drive the readiness of engines and materials for shop induction; proactively identify risks to schedule and mitigate constraints
+ Support Finance in developing accurate cost forecasts, spend analyses, and variance tracking.
+ Collaborate with Production and Planning teams to optimize shop flow, resource utilization, and turnaround time (TAT) performance.
+ Establish and maintain quality control standards to reduce rework, improve process consistency, and ensure compliance with regulatory and internal specifications.
+ Identify and execute cost-reduction and waste-elimination initiatives that enhance material utilization, reduce turnaround time, and improve overall shop efficiency.
+ Use data analytics to monitor KPIs, identify process bottlenecks, and implement lean/continuous improvement initiatives
+ Champion the use of digital tools and process automation to improve visibility, decision-making, and workflow efficiency.
+ Lead cross-functional projects from concept through execution, coordinating with Engineering, Planning, Procurement, and Production to deliver measurable improvements in cost, quality, and schedule performance.
+ **Contract and Supplier Support**
+ Partner with Procurement and Supplier Management to develop, negotiate, and manage engine and component repair contracts.
+ **Leadership**
+ Lead regular governance reviews with cross-functional stakeholders to track engine program KPIs, highlight risks, and ensure alignment with corporate objectives
+ Present performance updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership to inform decision-making
+ Provide guidance and mentorship to cross-functional partners and junior team members
+ Act as a subject matter expert in engine overhaul processes, shop procedures, and cost optimization strategies
+ Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the engine maintenance value stream
Qualifications
What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):
+ BS degree in an aviation, technical or engineering discipline required
+ Minimum 5-years’ experience in turbine engine maintenance, repair, or overhaul operations and/or supply chain management
+ Direct experience working with OEMs such as Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney/IAE and/or GE Aviation
+ In-depth understanding of engine overhaul processes, workscope management, and material flow
+ Strong analytical, problem-solving, and business acumen
+ Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
+ Ability to work collaboratively and lead teams
+ Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to understand and apply technical information
+ Proficient in data analysis and visualization tools (Excel, Power BI, PowerPoint, etc.).
+ 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
What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):
+ MBA, MS, FAA Airframe & Powerplant License
+ A&P Certificate, LEAN Certification, PMP Certification
+ Experience leading cross-functional teams through influence
+ Demonstrated success in cost reduction, TAT improvement, or process optimization projects.
+ Familiarity with SCEPTRE, AMIS/EMS, or similar MRO/ERP systems.
+ Engine line maintenance or borescope training a plus.
The base pay range for this role is $109,820.00 to $142,936.00.
The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, 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 [email protected] to request accommodation.
-
Recent Jobs
-
Lead Program Manager - Engine Supplier Management
- United Airlines (San Francisco, CA)