Principal Certification & Airworthiness Engineer

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Serve as the independent airworthiness authority for flight systems and payload integrations.
• Define certification strategies and compliance plans aligned with MIL-HDBK-516, FAA/EASA regulations, and relevant DoW airworthiness requirements.
• Lead development and approval of airworthiness documentation including certification plans, compliance reports, and safety assessments.
• Interface with government airworthiness authorities and mission partners to support Military Flight Release (MFR) and related certification approvals.
• Lead system safety activities in accordance with MIL-STD-882E, including hazard analyses and safety risk assessments.
• Oversee certification activities for aircraft systems, modifications, and repairs.
• Provide independent approval for safety-critical design changes and configuration releases.
• Maintain continuing airworthiness processes throughout the lifecycle of deployed systems.

Job requirements

• 15+ years of aerospace, defense, or national security flight systems experience, including significant experience in airworthiness certification or system safety.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field (Master’s preferred).
• Deep knowledge of MIL-HDBK-516 / MIL-STD-516 airworthiness criteria and MIL-STD-882 system safety.
• Experience working with DoD airworthiness authorities and supporting Military Flight Release (MFR) processes.
• Familiarity with munition or hazardous payload certification standards, including MIL-STD-2105 and MIL-STD-1316.
• Experience supporting integrated ground and flight testing of complex aerospace systems.
• Strong ability to communicate complex technical issues to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed