Principal Certification & Airworthiness Engineer

Principal Certification & Airworthiness Engineer

Huntington Beach, California, United States

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

The Principal Certification & Airworthiness Engineer serves as the independent technical authority responsible for ensuring the safety, regulatory compliance, and airworthiness of the company’s flight systems and munition payload integrations. This role owns the certification strategy, safety case, and release-to-flight authority, ensuring designs meet applicable military and civil airworthiness standards. This position will also advise on munitions safety and weapon system cybersecurity evaluation methods to ensure both test range accessibility and operational use are approved by the appropriate entities. You will act as a liaison between Mach Industries and the Department of War (DoW) for certification and developmental/risk reduction tests initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Airworthiness Authority

Serve as the independent airworthiness authority for flight systems and payload integrations.

Define certification strategies and compliance plans aligned with MIL-HDBK-516, FAA/EASA regulations, and relevant DoW airworthiness requirements.

Lead development and approval of airworthiness documentation including certification plans, compliance reports, and safety assessments.

Interface with government airworthiness authorities and mission partners to support Military Flight Release (MFR) and related certification approvals.

Safety & Certification Oversight

Lead system safety activities in accordance with MIL-STD-882E, including hazard analyses and safety risk assessments.

Oversee certification activities for aircraft systems, modifications, and repairs.

Provide independent approval for safety-critical design changes and configuration releases.

Maintain continuing airworthiness processes throughout the lifecycle of deployed systems.

Provide certification oversight for hazardous payload and weapons system integrations, including familiarity with MIL-STD-2105 (Insensitive Munitions), MIL-STD-1316 (Fuze Safety), and related safety standards.

Approve handling, integration, and operational procedures involving hazardous payload systems.

Test & Flight Readiness

Provide airworthiness approval for ground and flight testing.

Review and approve test plans to ensure compliance with airworthiness and safety requirements.

Support test team in developing and refining comprehensive test strategies, test plans, and test cases based on Combatant Command CONOPS, airworthiness requirements, and system specifications.

Ensure compliance of testing activities with regulatory, security, and internal standards

Leadership & Governance

Establish and lead certification governance processes including Airworthiness Review Boards and Safety Review Boards.

Develop internal airworthiness processes and mentor engineering teams on certification requirements.

Advise executive leadership on certification strategy, safety risks, and regulatory considerations.

Required Qualifications

15+ years of aerospace, defense, or national security flight systems experience, including significant experience in airworthiness certification or system safety.

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field (Master’s preferred).

Deep knowledge of MIL-HDBK-516 / MIL-STD-516 airworthiness criteria and MIL-STD-882 system safety.

Experience working with DoD airworthiness authorities and supporting Military Flight Release (MFR) processes.

Familiarity with munition or hazardous payload certification standards, including MIL-STD-2105 and MIL-STD-1316.

Experience supporting integrated ground and flight testing of complex aerospace systems.

Strong ability to communicate complex technical issues to executive leadership and external stakeholders.

Additional Requirements

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITARhere .

Principal Engineer

$160,000 - $210,000 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:

• Competitive Salaries : We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
• Performance-Based Incentives : Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win‑win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
• Equity Participation : We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
• Benefit Packages : Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well‑being extends beyond the office.
• Professional Development : We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
• Transparency : We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.

By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long‑term success.

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!