Principal Airworthiness Engineer

Applied Research Solutions; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Culture promoting work-life balance

Job summary

A defense contractor is seeking a full-time Principal Airworthiness Engineer at Hanscom AFB, requiring significant software management experience. The role involves providing expert advice on engineering principles and participating in crucial engineering documentation processes. Candidates should possess an Advanced Degree and extensive experience in the DoD. This position offers a salary range of $170k – $190k and is contingent upon background checks. A commitment to prioritizing employees and ensuring their career growth is emphasized.

Qualifications

• 15 years of experience in engineering management, 10 years in DoD.
• Experience securing and maintaining USAF/FAA airworthiness certification.
• Ability to lead complex project teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice and understanding of technical risks.
• Assist in the development of engineering and test plans.
• Support multiple aspects of RFP development.
• Ensure OSS&E for all products.

Skills

Software management

Engineering principles

Technical documentation

Safety compliance

Team building

Education

Advanced Degree (MA/MS)

BA/BS degree

Job description

Applied Research Solutions is seeking a full‑time Principal Airworthiness Engineer for Hanscom AFB. Significant software management experience required, as this position will assist with the contractor process, architecture and coding oversight. The Aerial Networks Division primary mission acquires, fields, and sustains networks, integrated information systems, enterprise services, and applications to support the Global Information Grid (GIG) capabilities. These systems facilitate communication between land, naval, air, and space warfare forces. The Division develops capabilities for voice, video, and data networks focused on joint and coalition warfighter needs to enable worldwide net‑centric operations.

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world‑class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career‑driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state‑of‑the‑art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the utmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work‑life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.

The Principal Airworthiness Engineer has significant experience and expertise in their domain, capability or functional area, including the engineering principles, policies and practices required to support systems acquisition and the engineering documentation as defined in DoDI 5000.2.

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.
• Assists in the development of technical/engineering and test/verification plans which specify the objectives and means to fulfil 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. Assists 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.
• Provides professional aeronautical engineering work involved in the application of advanced theories, concepts, principles, and processes for the acquisition, development and sustainment of weapon systems and subsystems.
• 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.
• Knowledge of 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.
• Assists 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Typical Requirements

• 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.

Minimum Education/Experience Requirements

• Advanced Degree (MA/MS) and 15 years of experience in engineering management or the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, 10 years of which must be in the DoD, or a BA/BS degree and 20 years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, 10 of which must be in the DoD

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.

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60‑741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60‑300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.