1

Airworthiness Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$165K - $175K/yr

Overview Principal Airworthiness Engineer LOCATION : Hanscom AFB, MA Salary Range : $165-$175,000 annually *depending on experience, certifications, and qualifications JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE

next page

Showing results 1-20

Airworthiness information

See salary details

$11K

$60.5K

How much do airworthiness jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for airworthiness in the United States is $59,339.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel in Airworthiness, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering or a related field, along with knowledge of aviation regulations and standards such as EASA or FAA. Familiarity with technical documentation systems, compliance tools, and certifications like Part 21 or Part 145 is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help professionals collaborate with engineers and regulatory bodies. These competencies are crucial for ensuring aircraft safety, regulatory compliance, and the reliability of aviation operations.

What is airworthiness?

Airworthiness refers to the condition of an aircraft and its components being fit for safe flight. An airworthy aircraft meets its type design and is in a condition for safe operation, as determined by regulatory agencies such as the FAA or EASA. Ensuring airworthiness involves routine inspections, maintenance, and adherence to safety regulations throughout the aircraft's service life. This concept is fundamental to aviation safety and is legally required before any aircraft can be operated.

What are some common challenges faced by airworthiness engineers when ensuring ongoing compliance with aviation regulations?

Airworthiness engineers often encounter challenges in keeping up with evolving aviation regulations and ensuring that aircraft modifications or repairs meet strict compliance standards. They must collaborate closely with maintenance teams, design engineers, and regulatory authorities to interpret and implement complex requirements. Additionally, documenting compliance and maintaining thorough records can be demanding, especially when dealing with aging fleets or new technologies. Proactive communication and continuous learning are essential to navigate these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Airworthiness vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectAirworthinessAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsFAA Airworthiness Certificate, type-specific certificationsFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License
Work EnvironmentRegulatory oversight, certification processes, inspectionsPerforming repairs, inspections, and maintenance on aircraft
Industry UsageEnsures aircraft meet safety standards for flightMaintains aircraft to meet safety and operational standards

While both roles are essential in aviation safety, Airworthiness focuses on certifying and ensuring aircraft meet safety standards, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform hands-on repairs and inspections to maintain aircraft in operational condition.

More about Airworthiness jobs
What cities are hiring for Airworthiness jobs? Cities with the most Airworthiness job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Airworthiness jobs? The most popular types of Airworthiness jobs are:
What states have the most Airworthiness jobs? States with the most job openings for Airworthiness jobs include:
Infographic showing various Airworthiness job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,339 per year, or $28.5 per hour.
Principal/Sr Principal Airworthiness Engineer

Principal/Sr Principal Airworthiness Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 or Senior Principal Airworthiness Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position is based inSan Diegowith ahybrid telework option available.

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.

Position may be filled as either a Principal Airworthiness Engineer (level 3) OR Senior Principal Project Airworthiness Engineer (level 4) depending on the qualifications below.

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

  • Sr Principal: Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline with 8 years of related experience; OR Master of Science with 6 years of related experience; OR Ph.D. with 4 years of related experience

  • Design or 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

  • Ability to assess overall aircraft system impacts due to a modification including determination of necessary documentation, analysis and testing

  • Familiarity of MIL-HDBK-516B Expanded and/or MIL-HDBK-516C

  • Ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance within a reasonable amount of time, as determined by business needs

  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active, in-scope DoD Secret security clearance

  • Work experience leading Airworthiness plan development, a Basis of Certification, and related activities

  • Work experience with domestic and international UAS/RPAS airworthiness authorizations and type certifications 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

  • 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.

  • Experience in a System Design Responsible (SDR) organization per international regulations with signature authority

  • Interactions with airworthiness authorities US DoD, MoD International, or civil authorities

  • Familiarity of European Military Aviation Regulations (EMARs)

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

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