Director, Operations Engineering

Intro

Are you ready to explore a world of possibilities, both at work and during your time off? Join our American Airlines family, and you’ll travel the world, grow your expertise and become the best version of you. As you embark on a new journey, you’ll tackle challenges with flexibility and grace, learning new skills and advancing your career while having the time of your life. Feel free to enrich both your personal and work life and hop on board!

Why you'll love this job

• The Director, Operations Engineering leads the team responsible for all airline and regulatory matters in the areas of aircraft performance and weight & balance. 

What you'll do

This list is intended to reflect the current job but there may be additional essential functions (and certainly non-essential job functions) that are not referenced.  Management will modify the job or require other tasks be performed whenever it is deemed appropriate to do so, observing, of course, any legal obligations including any collective bargaining obligations.

• Establish aircraft performance, weight and balance, and the Minimum Equipment List / Configuration Deviation List technical limits and capabilities to ensure safe, yet economical operations.
• Ensure that the company is compliant with  all regulatory requirements pertinent to the organization’s use of aircraft performance, and weight & balance responsibilities.
• Establish standard aircraft performance calculation methods and documentation for new and existing aircraft while looking for opportunities to improve the airline’s revenue.
• Direct the development, enhancement, and performance of the ACARS system.
• Provide technical support to Operations Control, Flight Operations and Maintenance organizations for MEL, aircraft performance, weight and balance and flight planning.
• Provide analytical and operational support to the Integrated Operation Center (IOC) to ensure aircraft performance and weight & balance decisions are optimized
• Direct the analysis and evaluation of proposed operational changes, either to new cities or with different aircraft types, which includes payload/block time studies, as well as the environmental impact of these operations.
• Direct and coordinate the technical assessment of new aircraft and aircraft equipment to corporate planning functions related to aircraft range/payload.  Determine aircraft performance guarantees for new acquisitions.
• Interface with FAA on regulatory matters pertaining to aircraft performance, weight and balance, and MEL/CDL.
• Serve as the company representative to industry and regulatory agencies, such as the ATA subcommittees for aircraft performance, navigation, environmental concerns, and use of Operations Specifications.
• Ensure that the products and services of Operations Engineering are completed in a timely manner, are of quality work and adhere to budget.
• Participate as a key member of the Operations Data Analysis Group (ODAG) and oversee departmental support of the company’s Safety Management System program.

All you'll need for success

Minimum Qualifications – Education & Prior Job Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering or related technical discipline, or equivalent experience/training.  Advanced Degree preferred.
• 7 years of leadership experience, overseeing large cross-functional teams
• 5 years of work experience in operations engineering or performance engineering
• Thorough knowledge of airline operations and aircraft performance engineering, including takeoff runway analysis and landing performance, route analysis, weight and balance, aircraft performance monitoring, aircraft navigation, Minimum Equipment Lists, and the Flight Operations Evaluation Board process.

Skills, Licenses, and Certifications

• Demonstrates the highest standards of personal ethics and integrity
• Strong knowledge of FARs, operational control, and safety regulations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with airline operations systems and data-driven performance management tools.
• Understanding and familiarity with Boeing and Airbus performance software.
• Understanding and familiarity with Flight Management Systems.
• Excellent conceptual and analytical thinker; demonstrated ability to solve, and to lead others in solving, complex analytical problems
• Ability to think strategically, negotiate skillfully, digest complex details, and use sound judgment and initiative in making decisions
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and change management skills.
• Ability to productively and proactively adjust to dynamic situations
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with, and consensus amongst, multiple stakeholders with varying points of view
• Ability to influence others through outstanding interpersonal skills, collaboration, communication and presentation skills, with ability to handle complex topics comfortably and to interact effectively with all levels, both verbally and written
• Excellent project planning and organizational skills, with ability to effectively and simultaneously manage multiple large projects within tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to create a culture of continuous improvement that is open and respectful and that thrives on diversity and trust
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, including Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

What you'll get

Feel free to take advantage of all that American Airlines has to offer: 

• Travel Perks: Ready to explore the world? You, your family and your friends can reach 365 destinations on more than 6,800 daily flights across our global network.
• Health Benefits: On day one, you’ll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well. And that’s just the start, we also offer virtual doctor visits, flexible spending accounts and more. 
• Wellness Programs: We want you to be the best version of yourself – that’s why our wellness programs provide you with all the right tools, resources and support you need.
• 401(k) Program: Available upon hire and, depending on the workgroup, employer contributions to your 401(k) program are available after one year.
• Additional Benefits: Other great benefits include our Employee Assistance Program, pet insurance and discounts on hotels, cars, cruises and more

Feel free to be yourself at American

From the team members we hire to the customers we serve, inclusion and diversity are the foundation of the dynamic workforce at American Airlines. Our 20+ Employee Business Resource Groups are focused on connecting our team members to our customers, suppliers, communities and shareholders, helping team members reach their full potential and creating an inclusive work environment to meet and exceed the needs of our diverse world.

Are you ready to feel a tremendous sense of pride and satisfaction as you do your part to keep the largest airline in the world running smoothly as we care for people on life’s journey? Feel free to be yourself at American.