Principal Systems Engineer (CA)
Sunnyvale, California
Engineering – Systems /
Full-time /
On-site
A highly experienced and technically proficient Principal Systems Engineer with a strong background in aerospace is sought to join a growing LTA team. The Principal Systems Engineer will be pivotal in the design, development, integration, and verification of LTA’s next generation Airship. This individual will provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and ensure adherence to the highest safety and quality standards throughout the product lifecycle, with a specific focus on navigating the FAA certification process.
Responsibilities
- Assist in leading the definition, design, and development of system architectures, subsystems, and interfaces, ensuring alignment with mission objectives and compliance with specifications and FAA regulations.
- Guide and mentor a team of systems engineers and cross-functional engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment, particularly in relation to FAA certification requirements.
- Manage and analyze system requirements, ensuring traceability from concept to verification and validation, including documentation needed for FAA approvals.
- Oversee and execute system integration, verification, and validation activities, including formal and informal testing, to confirm system performance and compliance with FAA regulations and requirements.
- Implement and manage risk mitigation strategies at the system and subsystem levels, utilizing techniques like FMEA to proactively address potential issues and support the FAA's continued airworthiness standards.
- Apply expertise in specialized aerospace software tools for design, analysis, and simulation (e.g., CAD, CFD, FEA, MATLAB, Simulink) to optimize performance and predict behavior under various conditions, ensuring compliance with FAA design standards.
- Support advanced test planning and execution, including environmental and flight testing, analyzing data to identify and resolve system anomalies, and providing data for FAA review.
- Drive adherence to aerospace safety standards, regulations such as FAA regulations 14 CFR Part 25 for large transport airplanes and 14 CFR Part 23 for smaller airplanes and industry best practices, such as AS9100, specifically within the FAA certification process. As well as ARP 4754b and ARP 4761
- Collaborate effectively with internal teams, customers, and external stakeholders, including FAA representatives and Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs), providing clear and concise technical communication throughout the certification lifecycle.
- Contribute to proposals, research and development initiatives, and the strategic roadmap for LTA Airship system advancements, considering FAA certification implications.
- Maintain comprehensive technical documentation of system architectures, designs, processes, and procedures, ensuring all documentation required for FAA certification is complete and accurate.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in systems engineering within the aerospace industry, with significant experience in FAA certification projects.
- Proven experience in leading the design, integration, and testing of complex aerospace systems through the FAA certification process (e.g., Type Certification (TC), Production Certification, or Supplemental Type Certification (STC)).
- In-depth knowledge of aerospace design principles, avionics, propulsion systems, structural analysis, and flight mechanics, and their application within FAA regulations.
- Proficiency in relevant aerospace software tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, CAD, CFD, FEA) and requirements management tools (e.g., Jama) to generate the data and documentation required for FAA approvals.
- Thorough understanding of FAA regulations (e.g., 14 CFR parts 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 33, and 35), FAA guidance material (e.g., ACs, Orders), and industry standards like AS9100 related to aircraft certification. ARP 4754B and ARP 4761 experience
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams, mentoring junior engineers, and interacting with FAA officials.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex technical challenges and ensure compliance with FAA requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in a relevant engineering field.
- Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies in the context of FAA certification.
- Experience supporting FAA audits, inspections, and responding to FAA inquiries.
What We Offer!
- Relocation assistance
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
- Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
- Parental leave
- Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
- 401(k) matching up to 6%
- Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
- Monthly wellness stipend
- Monthly cell phone stipend
- Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
- Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
- An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields
Compliance Requirements
- Criminal background check clearance
- Drug test clearance wherever applicable
$160,000 - $200,000 a year
The base salary range for this role is $160,000 - 200,000, which is determined based on experience, geography, and qualifications. The base salary is one component of the total compensation package, which includes a very competitive annual bonus, 401K Match, and other generous benefits. While we believe competitive compensation is a critical aspect of your decision to join us, we do hope you also spend time considering why our mission and culture are right for you.
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LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.
Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.
