Aircraft Subsystems Engineering Lead

Natilus; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental, Vision)

Retirement Plan – 401k

Unlimited PTO

Onsite Gym Access

Job summary

A leading aircraft manufacturer is seeking an Aircraft Subsystems Engineering Lead to oversee systems development and provide technical leadership at their San Diego location. This role involves managing engineering deliverables, mentoring engineers, and leading design efforts across subsystems. Candidates should have a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and at least 10 years of experience in systems engineering. Benefits include health care, retirement plan, and unlimited PTO.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a systems engineer.
• Strong foundational understanding of aircraft systems.
• Familiarity with FAA Part 23 and 25 requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end systems development including requirements definition.
• Provide technical leadership for the systems design team.
• Manage engineering deliverables and drive corrective actions.

Skills

Aircraft systems engineering

Technical leadership

System architecture

Turboprop powerplant installation design

Proficiency with NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks

Education

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Natilus is building the next generation of aviation through the development of blended-wing-body aircraft, delivering a step-change in overall efficiency. Our growing family of aircraft is designed to make air travel more sustainable while fundamentally improving the economics of commercial flight and the operational effectiveness of defense logistics.

By combining advanced aerodynamics with innovative design, Natilus aircraft achieve exceptional fuel efficiency, increased payload capacity, and seamless compatibility with existing airport infrastructure. With hundreds of aircraft valued in the billions of dollars already on order, we are redefining how aircraft are designed, built, and operated, representing a meaningful evolution in modern aviation.

Work Summary

Natilus is seeking a Aircraft Subsystems Engineering Lead to join our team in San Diego, CA. In this role, you will contribute and lead end-to-end systems development, including requirements definition, system architecture, and technical integration across all subsystems. This role oversees trade studies, interface control, compliance, and scheduling, while providing technical leadership and mentorship to the engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Applies technical knowledge to the aircraft systems design from concept through first flight
• Provide technical leadership and oversight for the Kona systems design team
• Assign work, set priorities, and mentor engineers to ensure timely, high-quality execution
• Communicate and collaborate closely with the executive team including CEO and Head of Engineering
• Manage engineering deliverables, identify issues, and drive corrective actions as needed
• Lead and contribute to aircraft system design and analysis from concept through production, including propulsion, fuel, electrical, avionics, and flight controls

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a systems engineer or in a closely related role
• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• Strong foundational understanding of aircraft systems
• Familiarity with FAA Part 23 and 25 requirements
• Experience with aircraft systems test planning and execution
• Experience with turboprop powerplant installation design
• Familiarity with composite airframe design and integration
• Proficiency with NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks
• Experience with rapid prototype aircraft programs from conceptual and preliminary design through build

Desired Experience

• Kickoff through production program experience
• Rapid prototype program experience
• Hands-on build experience

Core Behaviors

• Build trust through ownership, transparency, and follow-through
• Communicates clearly, directly, and respectfully across teams
• Lead by example and model expected behaviors
• Ability to give and receive direct, constructive feedback
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with evolving priorities

Travel Requirements

Occasional travel and on-site work at the local hangar may be required.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medica, Dental, Vision)
• Retirement Plan – 401k
• Unlimited PTO
• Onsite Gym Access

Equal Opportunity

Natilus Inc. hires solely based on qualifications, merit and competence. Natilus Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Natilus Inc. does not hire on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.