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# Systems Engineer

- **Company:** PDS Inc.
- **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $269,693.0
- **Contract:** Temporary contract
- **Skills:** Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Systems Engineering, Configuration Management, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft SharePoint, Subsystems
- **Published:** October 23, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.cjhunter.com//jobsearch/showjob.html?resultid=NvNRoG&offset=275&PageSize=ALL&PageTitle=%3Cspan+style%3D%27font-weight%3Abold%27%3ESystems+Engineer+-+%3C%2Fspan%3ESystems+Engineer+(Principal+Airworthiness+Engineer)Lead+the+Future+of+Flight+Certification+and+Airworthiness+InnovationPDS+Tech+Commercial+is+partnering+with+a+premier+leader+in+th..&SIDW=28d0a913e400915b88c119d245657543.VUlEPTczMzE4ODE5

## About the Role

* 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.

## Description

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., 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
In this highly visible role, you will:

 * 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 Certification 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.