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Airworthiness Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hermeus

Airworthiness Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$165K - $220K/yr

Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, test, and quality assurance teams to ensure that activities meet or exceed regulatory standards. * Communicate and manage airworthiness tasking, tracking ...

Hermeus

Airworthiness Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$165K - $220K/yr

Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, test, and quality assurance teams to ensure that activities meet or exceed regulatory standards. * Communicate and manage airworthiness tasking, tracking ...

General Atomics

Engineer IV

Poway, CA · On-site

$98K - $171K/yr

This position provides leadership for airworthiness engineering activities related to civil and military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) seeking airworthiness approvals. This position works with a ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Aircraft Engineer

Marina, CA

$93K - $158K/yr

A Flight Test Aircraft Engineer interfaces directly with Maintenance, Engineering, Production, Quality, Airworthiness and Certification teams as the representative for the aircraft to coordinate work ...

General Atomics

Engineer V

Poway, CA · On-site

$105K - $189K/yr

This position reports to an Engineering Director in the Advanced Programs Office. As part of a ... airworthiness/certification. * Maintain and drive closure of issue trackers and action lists for ...

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Airworthiness Engineer information

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$48.5K

$106.3K

$140K

How much do airworthiness engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for airworthiness engineer in California is $106,302.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,537.00 and $122,403.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an airworthiness engineer?

An Airworthiness Engineer ensures that aircraft meet safety and regulatory standards set by aviation authorities. They review designs, assess compliance, manage certification processes, and coordinate with regulatory agencies to ensure continued airworthiness. Their role involves analyzing structural integrity, systems performance, and maintenance procedures. They work closely with design teams, maintenance crews, and certification bodies to maintain aviation safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the airworthiness engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airworthiness Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, regulatory compliance, and safety analysis, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with certification standards such as EASA or FAA, use of compliance management tools, and proficiency in technical documentation systems are crucial. Exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills help you liaise effectively between engineering teams and regulatory authorities. These competencies ensure aircraft meet stringent safety standards and regulatory requirements, protecting both the organization and public safety.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an airworthiness engineer?

As an Airworthiness Engineer, your day usually involves reviewing and ensuring compliance of aircraft designs or modifications with regulatory requirements, conducting safety assessments, and preparing detailed documentation for certification authorities. You'll collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to identify and rectify any potential airworthiness issues. Additionally, you may participate in project meetings, liaise with regulatory authorities like the FAA or EASA, and stay updated on evolving industry standards. This role is both dynamic and detail-oriented, offering opportunities to contribute directly to the safety and reliability of aerospace products.

What are the most commonly searched types of Airworthiness Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Airworthiness Engineer jobs in California are:
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Infographic showing various Airworthiness Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,302 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Principal Airworthiness Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 537 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems sector has an opening for a Principal Airworthiness Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position is based in El Segundo, CA or Rancho Bernardo, CA. A hybrid/remote work arrangement may be considered for the selected candidate.
The Principal/Senior Principal Airworthiness Engineer will be working within the Airworthiness Engineering Directorate supporting certification efforts on various air vehicle platforms. The selected candidate will ensure the logical and systematic realization of customer airworthiness certification objectives into system solutions to meet program needs throughout the product lifecycle (e.g. Flight Releases, Type Certification, continued airworthiness, and operation of airspace integration). The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative/team settings across all levels.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
  • Performs technical airworthiness planning and verification support including development and negotiation of airworthiness plans, bases of certification, means of compliance, and other certification activities for complex total systems with IPT/REs as well as customer counterparts.
  • Reviews and coordinates with other airworthiness engineers as well as internal engineering disciplines performed across the total system to include design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance and disposal.
  • Performs functional and process analyses, requirements allocation and definition studies to translate customer requirements into criteria and derived requirements. Ensures the logical and systematic realization of customer airworthiness certification objectives into system solutions to meet program needs throughout the product lifecycle (e.g. Flight releases, Type certification, continued airworthiness, operations, and airspace integration).
  • Responsible for managing and maintaining Type Design Data and airworthiness evidence in support of a Military Type Certification and Air System Continued & Continuing Airworthiness as a member of the technical AW staff in a System Design Responsible company.

The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, collaborative/team settings across all levels.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Principal: Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline with 5 years of related experience; OR Master of Science with 3 years of related experience; OR Ph.D. with 1 year of related experience
  • Familiarity of MIL-HDBK-516B Expanded and -516C
  • Work experience leading the development of Airworthiness plans, a Basis of Certification, and related activities
  • Work experience with UAS/RPAS airworthiness authorizations and type certifications
  • Ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance within a reasonable amount of time, as determined by business needs

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Military aircraft development or modification experience
  • Ability to initiate Airworthiness Certification process improvement initiatives
  • DoD and Civil Airworthiness Experience
  • Work experience and familiarity with UAS/RPAS
  • Design and Systems 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
  • Experience with USAF Airworthiness Policy Directives, Instructions, and Airworthiness Bulletins (AWB)
  • Control Account Management (CAM) and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) experience including Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) planning and tracking, Earned Value reporting, variance analysis, and Estimate at Complete (EAC) forecasting.
  • Interactions with airworthiness authorities US DoD, or civil authorities
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, Word and SharePoint
  • A current active U.S. Government in-scope DoD Secret security clearance or higher and the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR/SAP).

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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