Aerospace Engineer III - Certification Engineer

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Plano (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation is seeking an aerospace engineer specializing in aircraft certification to drive airworthiness substantiation and regulatory compliance across MCDA projects. You will coordinate certification planning, develop compliance artifacts, and collaborate with the FAA and military customers to meet stringent standards.

The role requires a BS in a related field and at least 6+ years of experience, with the ability to obtain a Secret U.S.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to interpret military and regulatory requirements for compliance.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate certification planning activities to support military airworthiness approval for MCDA projects.
• Participate in internal and external design and management reviews (PDR, CDR) with technical presentations for airworthiness authorities.
• Collaborate with program management, engineering teams, SMEs, the FAA and military customers to align certification requirements.
• Provide guidance on airworthiness and certification requirements to internal and external partners.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related

Job description

Overview

As an aerospace engineer specializing in aircraft certification, you will play a key role in bringing cutting‑edge concepts to life, working closely with aircraft regulators to ensure our designs meet stringent military and civilian standards. You will experience every stage of the product lifecycle from brainstorming and development to analysis, testing and delivery, solving a wide variety of technical challenges related to aircraft design, modification, and operation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate certification planning activities to support military airworthiness approval for MCDA projects, including development of certification and compliance planning documents.
• Actively participate in internal and external design and management reviews (PDR, CDR), preparing technical presentations and documentation for review by airworthiness authorities.
• Collaborate closely with program management, engineering teams, SMEs, the FAA and military customers to ensure clear communication and alignment of certification requirements.
• Provide guidance on airworthiness and certification requirements to internal stakeholders and external partners, supporting teams in navigating complex military certification challenges and processes.
• Review compliance documentation for accuracy, completeness and adherence to applicable regulatory and military standards, including MIL-HDB-516.
• Develop, author and maintain detailed compliance documentation, certification reports and other required artifacts to support successful airworthiness substantiation and project milestones.

Qualifications (Must Have)

• Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline and typically 6 or more years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading military aircraft certification projects in accordance with MIL‑HDBK‑516, including developing certification plans, establishing certification basis, proposing methods of compliance and compliance artifacts.
• Experience reading, reviewing and interpreting technical documentation for accuracy, completeness and compliance with applicable military and regulatory regulations.
• Experience working in the aerospace and/or defense industry.
• Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and interface with military and regulatory agencies.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting military airworthiness approvals for MCDA projects, specifically utilizing FAA Order 8110.101A.
• Experience coordinating certification approvals with the FAA Aircraft Certification Office, Organization Designation Authorization (ODA), Delegated Engineering Representatives (DERs)/Unit Members or other certifying authorities.
• Familiarity with FAA Certification Standards and processes, including 14CFR Part21, 23 and 25.
• Background or formal training in project management.
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering.

Essential Functions

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.
• Work in an office or hybrid environment.
• May require lifting up to 25 lbs occasionally.

Benefits

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, a 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement and more.

Security Clearance

Position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship status is required. Non‑U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.