Managing Director - Quality Control (Chief Inspector)
United Airlines Holdings
Chicago, IL · Posted November 4, 2026
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November 2026
- #1Best cities for government pay after cost of living$146k · of 18
- #1Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Midwest684 jobs · of 51
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- #1Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Great Lakes1,140 openings · of 48
- #1Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals in the Midwest80 / 100 · of 20
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About the job
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 Chief Inspector provides executive-level leadership and oversight for aircraft inspection, quality control, and nondestructive testing programs to ensure the continued airworthiness, safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of aircraft maintenance operations. This role serves as the designated FAR Part 119 Chief Inspector and is responsible for maintaining effective inspection systems, ensuring compliance with applicable FAA regulations and company standards, and promoting a strong safety and quality culture across the organization.
Lead the Quality Control inspection and nondestructive testing (NDT) programs to ensure aircraft, engines, and components are inspected, maintained, and returned to service in an airworthy condition in accordance with all applicable regulatory, company, and industry requirements
Coordinate with Maintenance, Engineering, Safety, Compliance, and other operational teams to resolve quality, airworthiness, and regulatory issues
Serve as the FAA-designated Chief Inspector in accordance with 14 CFR Part 119 and assume final authority on all matters concerning aircraft, engine, and component airworthiness
Partner with Director of Maintenance and Director of Safety and interface with FAA Certificate Management Office
Establish and continuously improve inspection policies, procedures, authorizations, and oversight processes to ensure compliance with FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, the General Maintenance Manual, and accepted industry standards
Provide inspection program support to the Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP), participate in Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS) activities as a board member, and utilize inspection program findings to monitor performance, identify risks, and drive systemic corrective actions
Determine qualification, training, certification, and competency requirements for Quality Control, inspection, and NDT personnel and ensure personnel maintain the knowledge, skills, and authorizations necessary to perform assigned functions
Promote a culture of accountability, technical excellence, safety, and regulatory discipline within the inspection organization
Operate the organization efficiently and effectively by ensuring that inspectors with the right qualifications are available to support Maintenance at the right time
Provide oversight and on-site surveillance of essential maintenance providers and other external suppliers to verify compliance with regulatory requirements, company procedures, and airworthiness standards
Develop and maintain the Required Inspection Item (RII) program to ensure maintenance activities affecting airworthiness receive appropriate independent inspection and oversight
Qualifications
What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):
B.S. degree in Engineering, Aviation Management or related field, or comparable experience
Hold a mechanic certificate with both airframe and powerplant ratings, and have held these ratings for at least three years
10+ years of aircraft maintenance/inspection experience, including at least five years in a senior management role
Extensive knowledge of FARs, aircraft equipment design and operational characteristics, aircraft maintenance materials and processes, including NDT processes
Proven leadership experience managing technical personnel, cross-functional teams, and regulatory compliance activities
Ability to interpret technical documentation, maintenance manuals, regulatory guidance, and company policies
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):
Advanced degree
Location
Chicago, IL
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The base pay range for this role is $231,610.00 to $301,554.00. 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. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact JobAccommodations@united.com