Systems Engineer (Principal Airworthiness Engineer)

Lead the Future of Flight Certification and Airworthiness Innovation
PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a premier leader in the aviation and aerospace industry to find an experienced Systems Engineer - Principal Airworthiness Engineer ready to help shape the next generation of airborne systems. If you're passionate about airworthiness, certification, systems engineering, and supporting groundbreaking aerospace technologies, this is your opportunity to work on mission-critical programs that are redefining what's possible in aviation.
 
Job Title: Systems Engineer (Principal Airworthiness Engineer)
Job Type: Full-Time Contract (12 Months)
Location: San Diego, CA 92123
Schedule: Monday-Friday | 9/80 Schedule
Pay Rate: $129.66 per Hour
Work Arrangement: Onsite
 
Take Flight on Programs That Make History
As a Principal Airworthiness Engineer, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring advanced aircraft and air vehicle systems meet rigorous airworthiness and certification requirements throughout their lifecycle. From flight releases and type certifications to continued airworthiness and airspace integration, your expertise will help transform complex engineering requirements into safe, compliant, and mission-ready solutions.
This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of aerospace innovation, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support cutting-edge technologies that impact national defense, aviation advancement, and future generations.
What You'll Do
In this highly visible role, you will:

• Lead technical airworthiness planning and verification activities across complex aerospace programs.

• Develop and negotiate Airworthiness Plans, Bases of Certification, Means of Compliance, and related certification documentation.

• Support certification efforts for air vehicle platforms, including UAS/RPAS systems.

• Collaborate with Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), Responsible Engineers, customers, and certification authorities.

• Review and coordinate engineering activities spanning design, fabrication, testing, installation, operations, maintenance, and disposal.

• Perform requirements analysis, allocation, and definition studies to translate customer objectives into compliant system solutions.

• Support product lifecycle certification activities, including:

  • Flight Releases

  • Type Certifications

  • Continued Airworthiness

  • Continuing Airworthiness

  • Airspace Integration

• Manage and maintain Type Design Data and airworthiness evidence supporting Military Type Certification programs.

• Ensure compliance with airworthiness standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.

• Partner with engineering and program teams to identify certification risks and develop mitigation strategies.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance airworthiness processes and program execution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline with 5+ years of related experience, OR

• Master of Science degree with 3+ years of related experience, OR

• PhD with 1+ year of related experience.

• Working knowledge of MIL-HDBK-516D.

• Experience leading the development of:

  • Airworthiness Plans

  • Bases of Certification

  • Certification strategies and compliance activities

• Experience supporting UAS/RPAS airworthiness authorizations and type certifications.

• Strong systems engineering and technical documentation skills.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment supporting complex aerospace programs

• Must be eligible to obtain a Security Clearance.

 
 
Preferred Qualifications

• Military aircraft development or modification experience.

• Experience driving airworthiness certification process improvements.

• Background in both DoD and Civil Airworthiness programs.

• Extensive experience working with UAS/RPAS platforms.

• Systems Engineering or Design Engineering experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Structures

  • Flight Technology

  • Air Vehicle Subsystems

  • Avionics

  • Mission Payload Integration

  • System Safety

  • Flight Test

  • Configuration Management

• Knowledge of USAF Airworthiness Policy Directives, Instructions, and Airworthiness Bulletins (AWBs).

• Experience with:

  • Control Account Management (CAM)

  • Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)

  • Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) planning and tracking

  • Variance analysis

  • Estimate at Complete (EAC) forecasting

• Experience interacting with U.S. DoD and civilian airworthiness authorities.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and SharePoint.

 
Why Join Us?
At PDS Tech Commercial, we connect exceptional talent with organizations pushing the boundaries of aviation, aerospace, and advanced technology. This opportunity offers more than a job—it offers a chance to influence the safety, certification, and operational success of some of the industry's most advanced air systems.
What You'll Gain

• Competitive compensation at $129.66 per hour.

• Opportunity to support revolutionary aerospace and defense programs.

• Exposure to cutting-edge aircraft technologies and certification initiatives.

• Collaboration with leading engineers, technical experts, and industry innovators.

• Challenging, meaningful work that directly impacts mission success and aviation safety.

• Professional growth within a culture that values innovation, teamwork, continuous learning, and technical excellence.

• The opportunity to contribute to systems that advance aerospace capabilities for years to come.

If you're a strategic thinker with deep airworthiness expertise and a passion for bringing complex aerospace systems from concept to certified operation, this role offers the challenge and impact you've been seeking.
Apply Today
Ready to help define the future of airworthiness and aerospace innovation?
Apply today with PDS Tech Commercial and take your engineering career to new heights. Join a team that's shaping the future of flight, advancing critical missions, and making aerospace history one breakthrough at a time.
 
This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.                                               
 
 

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