Principal Airworthiness Engineer

Responsibilities

• Provides expert advice regarding their domain and understands the relationship of their area of expertise to the larger project or portfolio and is able to convey the technical and schedule risks and recommend options/strategies to mitigate potential risks that may affect the enterprise.
• Affords assistance in drafting documentation defining system/subsystem specifications.
• Affords assistance in the development of technical/engineering and test/verification plans which specify the objectives and means to fulfill mission and/system requirements.
• Applies appropriate engineering discipline and broad engineering knowledge in interpreting and flowing-down capability needs/requirements, evaluating design approaches/trades and test/verification and modification strategies to delivery of operational capability within limitations imposed by life cycle cost, schedule, and performance priorities, to include and support objectives.
• Provides necessary information to those responsible for Operational Safety, Suitability and Effectiveness (OSS&E) on assigned projects.
• Affords assistance in technical planning for new developments or modification programs.
• Broad knowledge of supporting multi-specialty teams to achieve results specified by program leadership in aircraft research, development, production, and lifecycle acquisition and sustainment activities.
• Performs complex and comprehensive analysis using systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approaches to implement, develop and document projects.
• Supports multiple aspects of RFP development and related technical evaluations.
• Supports development of systems requirements documents and systems specifications to include verification activities relating analysis and testing.
• Demonstrates knowledge in the USAF and FAA policies, processes and responsibilities associated with airworthiness of manned, unmanned fixed wing air systems.
• Knows the requirements associated with the functional areas tied to airworthiness such as aircraft structures, flying qualities, performance, propulsion, subsystems, crew systems, avionics, electrical systems, software and electromagnetic environmental effects.
• Familiarity with system safety, test and sustainment of air vehicles.
• Supports the engineering and avionics team in development of requirements for future upgrades to associated equipment.
• Applies knowledge in reviewing associated airworthiness documentations, in accordance with AFPD 62-6, USAF Airworthiness, and AFI 62-601, Airworthiness. and FAA regulations.
• Maintains specialized education and experience to advise and assist the Government with securing and maintaining USAF/FAA airworthiness certification for the assigned aircraft; supports design and implementation of safe, effective, and USAF/FAA-compliant aircraft operational processes, and manages implementation and execution of a Continuous Airworthiness Management Program that complies with USAF/FAA requirements.
• Affords assistance in technical documents preparation and engineering evaluation of OEM and subcontractor recommendations of airworthiness for operational and support issues such as but not limited to evaluations of Advance Change Study Notices, Engineering Change Proposals, Contract Change Proposals, FAA bulletins, Certification Criteria reports and related documents.
• Provides safety expertise to include compliance with MIL-STD-882, FAA safety requirements, and risk packages.
• Supports the PMO in the performance of disciplined engineering activities to assure OSS&E for all products.
• Supports the mechanical systems integrity program, maintains and updates the critical safety item list, and monitors airworthiness certification for the aircraft.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen
• Top-Secret Clearance is required
• Possesses the advanced knowledge, experience, and recognized ability to be considered an expert in their domain, capability or functional area and possesses the ability to perform tasks and oversee the efforts of other personnel within their area of expertise.
• Will demonstrate advanced knowledge of their area of expertise as well as possess a comprehensive understanding and ability to apply associated standards, procedures, and practices.
• Specialized education and experience to advise and assist the Government with securing and maintaining USAF/FAA airworthiness certification for the assigned aircraft.
• Comprehensive knowledge of design and implementation of safe, effective, and USAF/FAA-compliant aircraft operational processes, and Implementation and execution of a Continuous Airworthiness Management Program.
• Maintains airworthiness certifications as required.
• Possesses experience in identifying engineering/acquisition strategy issues and proposing alternative solutions.
• Demonstrated experience in assisting with strategic level issues and ability to work independently and as a team member under tight deadlines with changing priorities.
• Possesses proven leadership, team building, strategic planning, and organizational development skills.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing and presenting briefings for senior level reviews.
• Extensive experience initiating and managing high visibility aircraft programs.
• Extensive experience with defense acquisition management processes in accordance with the DoD 5000 and variations such as JUON capabilities.
• Ability to lead a project team in completing complex projects and mentoring junior workforce as needed.

Benefits

• The annual salary range: $170k - $190k.
• Salary is dependent upon the role and associated responsibilities, candidate's experience, and qualifications to include education/training, and key skills.