Systems Engineer

PDS Tech Commercial, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a Principal Airworthiness Engineer in San Diego to drive airworthiness planning, verification, and certification across advanced programs. You will translate complex requirements into compliant system solutions and coordinate with teams, customers, and authorities.

Responsibilities include developing Airworthiness Plans, Bases of Certification, and Means of Compliance, with a focus on lifecycle certification and regulatory adherence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or higher in a STEM field with airworthiness experience.
• Experience leading airworthiness plans and certification activities.
• Familiarity with MIL-HDBK-516D and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.

Skills

Airworthiness planning

Certification strategies

Systems engineering

Technical documentation

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline

Master of Science degree

PhD

Tools

MIL-HDBK-516D

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Word

SharePoint

Job description

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

• 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 Certificate 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.

Pay Details: $129.66 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

Requirements

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.