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Master Airworthiness Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Master Airworthiness Engineering information

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$68.5K

$109.4K

$148.5K

How much do master airworthiness engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for master airworthiness engineering in the United States is $109,399.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Master Airworthiness Engineering vs Aircraft Certification Engineer?

AspectMaster Airworthiness EngineeringAircraft Certification Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in airworthiness standardsEngineering degree, certifications in aircraft certification processes
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, regulatory agencies, aircraft manufacturingRegulatory agencies, aircraft manufacturers, certification bodies
Industry UsageEnsures aircraft meet airworthiness standards during design and maintenanceEvaluates and approves aircraft for certification and compliance

Master Airworthiness Engineering focuses on maintaining and ensuring aircraft meet safety standards throughout their lifecycle, while Aircraft Certification Engineers primarily evaluate and approve aircraft designs for certification. Both roles require similar credentials and work within the aviation industry, but their specific responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Master Airworthiness Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Master Airworthiness Engineer, you need deep expertise in aerospace engineering principles, regulatory compliance, and airworthiness certification, often supported by an engineering degree and relevant licensing such as CEng or equivalent. Familiarity with industry standards (EASA/FAA regulations), CAD software, and safety management systems is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating across technical teams and regulatory bodies. These skills ensure that aircraft meet rigorous safety standards, comply with regulations, and maintain operational reliability throughout their lifecycle.

What is Master Airworthiness Engineering?

Master Airworthiness Engineering is a specialized field focused on ensuring that aircraft and aerospace systems are designed, maintained, and operated to meet strict safety and regulatory standards. Professionals in this area assess and manage the airworthiness of aircraft, oversee compliance with aviation authorities, and address the engineering aspects required for certification and continued safety. Their expertise is vital throughout an aircraft's lifecycle, from initial design through decommissioning, helping to ensure that aviation operations remain safe and reliable.

What are some common challenges faced by Master Airworthiness Engineers when working on certification projects?

Master Airworthiness Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing complex compliance requirements, coordinating with multiple stakeholders like design, testing, and regulatory authorities, and staying up-to-date with evolving aviation standards. Balancing project timelines while ensuring thorough documentation and safety assessments can also be demanding. These engineers frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and ensure that all certification documentation meets both internal quality standards and regulatory expectations.
Infographic showing various Master Airworthiness Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 8% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 66% Part Time, 20% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,399 per year, or $52.6 per hour.
Staff Airworthiness Engineer

Staff Airworthiness Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 339 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 518 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 Staff Airworthiness Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position is based inSan Diego, CAwith ahybrid telework option available.

Staff 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).

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:

  • Staff: Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline with 12 years of related experience; OR Master of Science with 10 years of related experience; OR Ph.D. with 8 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 Managemen

  • 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 domestic and international UAS/RPAS airworthiness authorizations and type certifications

  • Ability to obtain U.S. Government in-scope DoD Secret security clearance or higher.

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

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.

  • 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)

  • 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: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00The 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.

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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