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Job Summary

The AD&D Engineer Principal - Mechanical Systems and Powerplants is a visionary and hands-on engineer responsible for driving the early-stage development of new and innovative aircraft, systems, or powerplant development projects within the Cirrus Advanced Design and Development (AD&D) department. This position will focus on the initial phases of aircraft development—ideation, hypothesis generation, stakeholder engagement, technology maturation, and conceptual design.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Lead the development of Mechanical Systems and Powerplants from ideation thru conceptual design and into practical product paths – including but not limited to piston engines, turbine engines, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, fuel systems, environmental control systems, and kinematic systems
• Provide guidance to technical professionals, making quick, sound engineering decisions with limited data
• Generate and test hypotheses through hands-on prototyping, simulation, and evaluation, with minimal supervision
• Create and manage development plans focused on early-stage exploration, requirements capture, and concept validation
• Engineer and refine requirements and objectives through stakeholder engagement and iterative experimentation
• Translate verbal direction and vision into actionable design objectives and development strategies
• Collaborate directly with pilots, mechanics, and experimental technicians, as well as external stakeholders such as Product Development, Certification, and Production teams
• Foster a culture of rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration, learning from both success and failure
• Communicate complex ideas effectively and efficiently to diverse audiences
• Travel up to 25% may be required

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related STEM discipline)
• 10+ years of experience in aviation, aerospace, or advanced product development
• Broad technical skillset related to aircraft, with strong understanding of mechanical systems and powerplants
• Previous early product development experience – from a clean sheet to working prototypes
• Proven track record of producing results when developing new designs or products
• Willingness to take smart risks, accept accountability, and fix mistakes
• Demonstrated ability to lead small technical teams and manage early development projects
• Intrinsic motivation to drive progress - to explore, challenge, and innovate – and to minimize administrative overhead
• Experienced in iterative development cycles, with a strong ability to identify non-viable solutions early and reorient technical strategy quickly
• Strong hands-on skills in prototyping, simulation, and testing.
• Comfortable operating under tight deadlines with minimal direction and in a shop or lab environment
• Proficient in creating engineering design definition - 3D models, 2D drawings, sketches, schematics, BOMs
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in English

Preferred qualifications

• Master's degree in related discipline.
• Previous aircraft development program experience, from early concepts to entry into service
• Previous experience leading Integrated Product Teams or similar technical teams
• Private pilot certificate or personal aviation experience
• Familiarity with system safety and system development standards (e.g., ARP4754A, ARP4761)
• Familiarity with PTC products (e.g. CREO, Windchill)
• Familiarity with Mathworks products (e.g. Matlab, Simulink)
• Familiarity with Atlassian products (e.g. Jira, Confluence)
• Proficient in at least one coding language
• Experience with FAA certification processes and standards (e.g. Part 23, Part 27, Advisory Circulars, Industry Consensus Standards)
• Experience in cross-disciplinary system integration and trade studies
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, negotiate, and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization, from the shop floor to the C-suite
• Bonus points if your weekends involve flying, plane spotting, or building RC aircraft

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

• Strategic Thinking & Decision Making
• Cross-functional Leadership
• Risk & Opportunity Management
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
• Conflict Management
• Resiliency & Adaptability

 Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required. 

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:  

• 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting after one year of employment.
• Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
• Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
• Generous PTO: 120+ hours accrued within the first year.
• Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
• Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations.