Principal Certification & Airworthiness Engineer
Core
Independent technical authority ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and airworthiness of flight systems and munition payload integrations for defense platforms.
Role type
Principal Certification & Airworthiness Engineer
Builds
Autonomous defense platforms, flight systems, and munition payload integrations
Domain
Defense, Aerospace, National Security
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
Airworthiness certification strategy, System safety case development, MIL-HDBK-516 / MIL-STD-516 expertise, MIL-STD-882E hazard analysis, Military Flight Release (MFR) processes, Munitions safety standards (MIL-STD-2105, MIL-STD-1316), Ground and flight test approval, Airworthiness Review Board leadership
Preferred skills
Master's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems Engineering, Experience with DoD airworthiness authorities, Cybersecurity evaluation for weapon systems
Technologies
MIL-HDBK-516, MIL-STD-516, MIL-STD-882E, MIL-STD-2105, MIL-STD-1316
Responsibilities
Define certification strategies and compliance plans aligned with military and civil airworthiness standards; Lead development and approval of airworthiness documentation including safety assessments; Interface with government airworthiness authorities to support Military Flight Release (MFR); Lead system safety activities including hazard analyses and risk assessments; Provide independent approval for safety-critical design changes and configuration releases; Establish and lead certification governance processes including Airworthiness Review Boards
Seniority
Principal, strategy & mentorship
