Airworthiness & Safety Engineer, Lead

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryThe Lead Airworthiness (AW) & Safety Engineer Leads airworthiness and product safety activities for complex Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) throughout the product lifecycle. Develops certification strategies, plans, requirements, and compliance approaches supporting military and civil authorities. Coordinates cross-functional engineering teams to resolve safety and certification requirements and support flight releases and continued airworthiness. Engages with customers, regulatory agencies, and senior leadership on certification, audits, RFIs, and RFPs.Position ResponsibilitiesDevelops and performs technical airworthiness and product safety planning, internally driven, customer contract and regulatory drivenProduct requirements development support based on expected market, customer, and regulatory requirementsVerification support including development of airworthiness and product safety approach, plans, basis of certifications, means of compliance, and certification activities for complex total systemsEnsures the logical and systematic realization of customer airworthiness and product safety compliance into UAS solutions to meet program and business objectives (e.g. flight releases, military certification, type certification and supplemental type certifications, continued airworthiness, and operational or airspace Integration)Reviews and coordinates with engineering disciplines at all levels of total system including concept development, requirements, design, test, manufacturing, operation, maintenance and disposalWorks with both military and civil airworthiness authorities for certification of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)Facilitates changes to product designs, testing, analyses, maintenance, operations and documentation in order to satisfy certification and product safety requirementsSupports Field Service Bulletin and Problem Report support related to Airworthiness and product safetyTracks and reports product improvements that provide airworthiness certification value, resolve airworthiness or product safety deficiencies or improve airworthiness or safety of productsParticipates with other senior managers to establish strategic plans and objectivesLeads Airworthiness efforts with the support of broad cross-functional teamsFacilitates customer Safety and AW Accreditation audits supporting company processesSupports Requests for Information (RFI) and Request for Proposals (RFP) in the Airworthiness and Product Safety capacityCommunicates AV’s AW and Product Safety position to Customer and Regulatory bodiesOther duties as assignedBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)BS degree in Engineering required is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experienceMinimum of 8+ years of directly related experienceA minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in Airworthiness related workExperienced in and has demonstrated strong systems engineering backgroundExperienced working in a highly technical, fast-paced environment with both Domestic and International customersHas a detailed understanding of Military, FAA, EU, NATO, and EASA airworthiness and certification processes and standardsUnderstanding of US Government and international safety requirements (UL, CE, REACH, RoHS, etc)Has a proven track record of performance on successful programsExperience communicating with executive level management, Customers, and Customer AW authoritiesTakes initiative to own tasks and can perform with little/no daily management or oversightOther Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesA minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in Product Safety related work desiredPrior experience with Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Unmanned Systems in general desiredInteractions frequently involve special skills, such as negotiating with customers or management or attempting to influence senior level leaders regarding matters of significance to the organizationDemonstrates strong computer skills and proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)Outstanding Leadership skills and experience in a highly technical environment is desire Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skillsAble to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesDisplays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectivesTakes ownership and responsibility for current and past work productsIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyUses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstancesInspires, motivates and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employeesPhysical DemandsAbility to work in an office environment (Constant)Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)Willing to travel both domestically and internationally as required (<10% of the time)Clearance LevelNo ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$122,500 - $187,000AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.ITAR Requirement:This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements. Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: .We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.About AV:AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.ITARU.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.SummaryLocation: Simi Valley, CAType: Full time