Flight Test - Flight Operations Captain

Location Chicago, Illinois, United States

Category Corporate

Job Id  WHQ00025212

Flight Ops / Inflight - Management & Administrative

Job Type  Full-Time

Posted Date 06/10/2025

Description

Key Responsibilities:

Tests aircraft on the ground and flight to check operation and performance. Handles assigned duties and technology projects. Collateral duties may include responsibility for Standards, Safety, Fleet Test Captain, Fleet Strategy Coordinator, Test Card Writer, Chronic Aircraft Program, Aircraft Ferry Operations Manual, Training Records, Flight Test Database, Flight Test Operations Manual, Schedules Writer, Special Projects, ODA Coordinator, Designated STC Pilot, DENTK Liaison and Training, Flight Test Duty Officer, and New Aircraft Acceptance Pilot. Ascertains that normal and emergency systems operate on major maintenance and factory accepted aircraft within acceptable tolerances as outlined in the specific UA Flight Manual and Flight Test Manual. Provides a troubleshooting capability to Line Maintenance for peculiar or chronic aircraft problems. Flies all Non-Routine Flight Operations (NRFO) Group II missions requiring other than normal procedures. Flies Maintenance Ferry flights as assigned per existing regulations. Flies all test flights such as diagnostic, heavy maintenance or maintenance validation per existing regulations. Flies other flights as directed such as Group I NRFO, STC, Operational Confirmation, or position flights. Provides detailed write-ups and post-flight debriefing as appropriate. Performs related duties as assigned such as writing and revising Flight Test Procedures, performing qualitative and quantitative engineering flight tests on aircraft, evaluating systems on proposed projects and current aircraft, attending pilot training courses, and maintaining required proficiency level on each type of aircraft. Maintains all qualifications current such as medical, passport, visas and badging.

This is not an ALPA-represented role or a seniority list position.

This position will be posted until June 20, 2025.

Flight Technical

1. Maintains qualification and currency for multiple aircraft types in both seats as assigned
2. Flies all test profiles world-wide for those aircraft
3. Full time test pilot as well as manager of assigned projects
4. Writer and reviewer for assigned technical projects, checklists, and manuals

Leadership/Management

1. Assigned leadership/management responsibilities may include Standards, Safety, Fleet Test Captain, Fleet Strategy Coordinator, Test Card Writer, Chronic Aircraft Program, Aircraft Ferry Operations Manual, Training Records, Flight Test Database, Flight Test Operations Manual, Schedules Writer, Special Projects, ODA Coordinator, Designated STC Pilot, DENTK Liaison and Training, Flight Test Duty Officer, and New Aircraft Acceptance Pilot
2. May be assigned responsibility for specific leadership and test operations 24/7/365, including international routing and management
3. May be assigned to maintain training records, real-time currency status, and personnel files for flight test
4. Regularly communicates safety and operational issues
5. Works aircraft quality and routing concerns with company leaders

External Working Groups

1. Works with United Tech Ops Airframe and Base Maintenance personnel as primary customers
2. Leads daily test operations as Flight Test Duty Officer
3. Coordinates test requirements for Line aircraft with Liaison Engineering
4. Works with Line Maintenance Policy and Procedures for MOP instructions, and Maintenance Planning for aircraft work volumes and schedules
5. Coordinates closely with Operational Engineering for the Aircraft Ferry Manual and other technical issues
6. Communicates with other major airline test and technical groups as required
7. Works on national/international groups
8. Communicates with aircraft manufacturer test representatives
9. Works closely with Outside Vendors
10. Consults with Dispatch and Engineering for unique ferry requirements

Project Management Work

1. Flies project work such as New Aircraft Acceptance/Delivery, new technology, and supplemental type certificate flights as assigned
2. Writer or reviewer for Flight Test Operational Manual inputs, test checklists, and ferry manual changes

Fiscal Responsibility

1. Ensures company return on investment from test operations is maximized through efficient use of travel and flight test operations
2. May be assigned responsibility for test pilot training contract and fiscal execution
3. Works other issues such as crew accommodations, interline travel and fuel efficiency

Qualifications

Qualifications

United values diverse experiences, perspectives, and we encourage everyone who meets the minimum qualifications to apply. While having the “desired” qualifications make for a stronger candidate, we encourage applicants who may not feel they check ALL of those boxes! We are always looking for individuals who will bring something new to the table!

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

1. College graduate with bachelor’s degree
2. Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
3. Current FAA First Class Medical
4. Current Passport
5. Airline Captain or Military Flight Test leadership/management
6. Flight Test or Functional Check Flight experience
7. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
8. Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
9. Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

1. BS Engineering
2. Test Pilot School Graduate
3. Airline, Flight Test, Training, Management and Leadership experience career combination
4. Recent Flight Test experience (4 yrs. out of the past 10)
5. Proven work ethic
6. Type ratings in aircraft owned and operated by United Airlines
7. Systems Engineering, Flight Test, Leadership skills
8. Recency in flying: 20 hours or more in the past 12 months

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 (see our website) to request accommodation.