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Description

The Director - IT Application Development, Crew Ops Technology has responsibility for critical systems that enable Pilot and Flight Attendant scheduling. The technology is responsible for scheduling crew for flights today and tomorrow and managing through irregular operations. These operational applications require robust and efficient architecture and maintenance. This role will also be responsible for leading a team that supports transformation efforts focused on modernizing and optimizing the crew experience through AI‑enabled, automation‑first, and resilient technology solutions.

Our team designs, develops, and maintains massively scaling technology solutions. This includes development, implementation, and maintenance of innovative technologies within United architecture standards and ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of new business capabilities as well as 7x24 support and resiliency.

It is critical that this role establish and maintain strong business relationships with both senior and operating level business leaders and be the key interface point of contact with the business. This position reports to the Managing Director of Crew & Catering Technology.

Job overview and responsibilities

Strategy, vision, and stakeholder management

• Develop and adapt a multi-year application development strategy in line with corporate and IT goals.
• Stay informed of business strategy and performance and understand business processes to recommend IT improvements.

Communication and Stakeholder management

• Establish and maintain strong business relationships with senior and operating-level business leaders to communicate strategy, goals, and program updates.

Project Delivery and technology management

• Lead and oversee projects to ensure delivery of projects are within the committed budget, on schedule, and the quality of individual projects meets the overall department performance goals.
• Align with business partners on delivery success criteria and ensure technology solutions follow architectural standards and security requirements.
• Develop project governance including status reporting.
• Ensure reliability and stability of applications.

Leadership

• Empower, coach, and develop team members.
• Establish department and individual goals, including performance reviews and career and performance plans.
• Assess and recommend improvements to the organizational structure, roles, and responsibilities.

This role is Hybrid out of Chicago, IL or Houston, TX

Qualifications

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

· Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field.

· 8+ years of relevant experience.

· 7+ years of application development.

· 5+ years of management experience in an IT or leadership-related role.

· Requires advanced technical and business knowledge across the software development lifecycle, including application modernization, quality engineering, and delivery of large-scale, mission-critical systems, including those leveraging AI-enabled capabilities.

· In-depth understanding of modern application development practices, including AI-enabled and automation-first approaches that improve delivery speed, quality, and scalability.

· Familiarity with emerging technologies, including cloud services, software architecture, cybersecurity practices, and AI-driven approaches to workload modernization and operational improvement.

· Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with technical teams and business leaders.

· Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external partners, vendors, and service providers.

· Collaboration skills to work across different departments and foster a team-oriented environment.

· Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.

· Successful completion of interviews 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):

· Master’s degree preferred.

· Experience with Agile development.

· Experience with cloud delivery.

· Experience in application development delivery of med-large scale projects/programs.

· Experience in airline technology experience is a plus.

· Experience in custom application development delivery on large scale projects/programs.

· Experience using and applying Agile and Lean principles to improve IT operations.

· Experience implementing IT solutions in the airline industry a plus.

The base pay range for this role is $171,475.00 to $223,246.00.
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