Chief Aircraft Systems Engineer - Lead the Development of Next-Generation Aircraft Systems

San Diego, California | On-site

Opportunity Summary

Join a well-funded, venture-backed aerospace company developing advanced aircraft designed to improve efficiency, performance, and operational flexibility for both commercial and government applications. As the company moves from design into flight testing and certification, they are seeking an experienced systems engineering leader to own the integration of the aircraft's major subsystems across the full product lifecycle. As the Chief Aircraft Systems Engineer, you will lead the architecture, integration, and technical execution of aircraft systems spanning propulsion, flight controls, avionics, electrical power, fuel, and mechanical subsystems. This role combines hands-on technical leadership with team management, requiring someone who can define system requirements, solve complex integration challenges, mentor engineers, and work closely with executive leadership to guide major engineering decisions from concept through first flight and into production.

About Us

We are a rapidly growing, venture-backed aerospace company developing next-generation aircraft that challenge conventional aviation design. Our multidisciplinary engineering team is building highly integrated aircraft using modern development methods, rapid prototyping, and iterative testing. As the company continues to scale, we are looking for experienced technical leaders who thrive in fast-moving environments and enjoy solving complex multidisciplinary engineering problems.

Job Duties

• Lead the overall development and integration of aircraft subsystems across the complete product lifecycle
• Define system architectures, technical requirements, and interface strategies between major aircraft systems
• Oversee engineering activities involving propulsion, fuel, electrical, avionics, environmental, hydraulic, mechanical, and flight control systems
• Perform system-level trade studies and technical evaluations to support design decisions
• Develop system requirements, interface documentation, verification plans, and certification strategies
• Coordinate closely with structures, flight sciences, manufacturing, software, avionics, and test engineering teams
• Lead multidisciplinary design reviews and ensure subsystem integration remains aligned with overall aircraft performance goals
• Manage engineering priorities, technical schedules, and key project deliverables
• Mentor and develop systems engineers while establishing engineering standards and best practices
• Support aircraft integration, ground testing, flight test planning, troubleshooting, and design validation
• Identify technical risks early and drive effective resolution across cross-functional teams
• Work directly with executive leadership to help define technical strategy, development priorities, and long-term product roadmap

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 10+ years of aircraft systems engineering or closely related aerospace experience
• Strong understanding of aircraft system architecture and multidisciplinary integration
• Experience developing systems requirements, interface definitions, and verification methodologies
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams through complex engineering programs
• Working knowledge of aircraft certification processes and regulatory requirements
• Experience supporting aircraft integration, ground testing, and flight test activities
• Familiarity with turboprop propulsion systems or other aircraft propulsion integration
• Experience using modern CAD platforms such as Siemens NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines and executive leadership

Preferred Experience

• Experience developing clean-sheet aircraft programs from concept through certification
• Background supporting rapid hardware development and iterative prototype programs
• Hands-on aircraft build, integration, or production experience
• Experience working with composite airframe structures and subsystem installation
• Familiarity with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 certification programs
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations within high-growth aerospace companies

Why Join Us

• Competitive compensation package
• Equity opportunity within a rapidly growing venture-backed company
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Unlimited paid time off
• On-site fitness facilities
• Opportunity to shape the technical direction of a next-generation aircraft program from development through certification
• High level of ownership with direct visibility to executive leadership and company strategy

Compensation Details

$180,000 - $220,000

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