Senior Specialist - Cargo Safety
United Airlines Holdings
Chicago, IL · Posted November 3, 2026
Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks
See every open role at United Airlines Holdings
More in Illinois job market · Transportation & Logistics
More roles at United Airlines Holdings
- Data Engineer · Chicago, IL
- Sr. Manager, AI Platform Engineering · Chicago, IL
- Senior Data Scientist - Operations Research · Chicago, IL
- Java Team Lead (Integration Developer) · Chicago, IL
- Senior Developer – Procurement Technology (Techno-Functional) · Chicago, IL
- Senior Product Manager - Integration Platforms · Chicago, IL
Similar jobs
- Safety and Occupational Health Specialist (GS-12) · Defense Contract Management Agency · Marion, IL
- National Manager of Safety and Compliance · United Scrap Metal · Cicero, IL
- Compliance Safety Manager · Hunter-Search-Global · Melrose Park, IL
- Senior Safety Compliance Manager: Contractor Systems & OSHA · United Rentals · Elk Grove Village, IL
- Risk Control Consultant · Marsh USA · Clearwater, FL
- Safety Health and Environment Manager, Perth Amboy · US Foods · Perth Amboy, NJ
Where Chicago, IL ranks
Where Chicago, IL placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
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
- #1Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Great Lakes684 jobs · of 36
- #1Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Midwest1,140 openings · of 59
- #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
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among occupational health and safety specialists is little observed so far. Measured exposure for occupational health and safety specialists: 0% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Skills this job asks for
Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.
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
About the Job
The Senior Specialist – Cargo Safety manages the health and quality of Cargo's Safety Management System and ensures it continues to be woven into the day-to-day culture. This includes working cross-functionally with senior leadership to identify and mitigate safety hazards/risks in the cargo operation, as well as responsibility for safety policy, risk management, assurance, and promotion. In addition, this position leads key cornerstone United safety programs such as the station safety excellence program, and access to safety data reporting streams.
Lead the SMS culture for Cargo Operations and find creative ways to ensure compliance and build on United Cargo's safety culture.
Influence, Inform and hold internal and external leaders accountable to United Cargo's SMS standards.
Negotiate risk acceptance by the appropriate leader
Spearhead the use of Safety Risk Assessments in all operational change
Develop initiatives to embed SMS within day-to-day cargo operations
Support Cargo Operations in implementing and upholding OSHA standards via United’s Safety Excellence Program.
Ensure day-to-day SMS processes and requirements are met including identifying, assigning and processing Hazards and SMS CAPAs.
Note: This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, with in-office requirements 50% of the time at United’s Corporate Headquarters in Chicago, IL. This role will also be required to travel up to 30% of the time.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
2+ years of relevant experience
Experience supporting cargo operations, safety, security, compliance, or related operational activities
Experience conducting compliance checks, supporting corrective actions, and assisting with root-cause analysis of incidents
Strong skills in workplace safety, cargo security, OSHA, workflow analysis, and operations support
Ability to influence others who do not directly report to you
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
Preferred Qualifications
OSHA 10- or 30-hour certification
Leading an aviation related Safety Management System
Ability to identify, analyze and communicate key metrics that identify the health of an SMS culture
Experience supporting safety training, procedures, or compliance
Experience improving operational processes
Experience analyzing cargo handling and recommending improvements
Experience resolving complex operational challenges and recurring service issues
Demonstrates an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and effectively leverages them to support research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving. Apply critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to organizational policies for responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.
The base pay range for this role is $81,795.00 to $106,602.00. 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