5 A&P Engineer Job Description Templates and Examples

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are hiring a Junior A&P Engineer to join the aircraft maintenance engineering team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this entry level engineering role you will contribute to airframe, engine, component and systems maintenance engineering by supporting certified A&P processes, performing technical documentation reviews, implementing airworthiness directives, and assisting senior engineers with troubleshooting and engineering orders. This role is ideal for candidates with A&P certification or equivalent training who are transitioning into formal engineering work and want hands on exposure to aircraft structures, powerplant systems, regulatory compliance, and maintenance program engineering.

Responsibilities

• Support senior A&P engineers in developing and issuing engineering orders, maintenance release documentation, and field approvals in accordance with FAA/EASA regulations and company procedures
• Assist with inspection planning, non-routine repair dispositions, and structural/engine repairs including damage assessments, teardown findings, and disposition recommendations
• Perform technical literature reviews and cross-reference service bulletins, airworthiness directives, manufacturer manuals, and IPC/MMEL to prepare work packages
• Execute maintenance data updates in CMMS and ensure maintenance task cards, illustrated parts catalogs, and job cards reflect approved engineering changes
• Participate in shop floor troubleshooting with mechanics and technicians to reproduce defects, capture test data, and recommend corrective actions under senior engineer guidance
• Support life-limited parts tracking, engine removal/installation documentation, borescope reporting, and component teardown reports
• Contribute to root cause investigations and reliability data collection, including writing nonconformance reports and compiling trend data for review
• Assist with compliance audits, process improvements, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Maintain accurate records of engineering approvals, conformity letters, and certificate of release to service documentation

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate, or equivalent regulatory certification
• 0 to 2 years of experience working in aircraft maintenance, avionics, or powerplant environments; internships, apprenticeships, or military experience acceptable
• Familiarity with aircraft maintenance manuals (AMM), structural repair manuals (SRM), illustrated parts catalogs (IPC), and service bulletins
• Basic understanding of airworthiness directives, certification data, and maintenance release procedures
• Proficiency with MS Office; ability to learn maintenance and engineering data systems (CMMS, AMOS, TRAX, Ramco, or equivalent)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear technical documentation and work packages
• Ability to work in an industrial environment and access aircraft on ramp, hangar, and shop settings

Preferred

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Aeronautical Engineering, or equivalent technical diploma
• Familiarity with FAA/EASA part 145, part 43 regulations, or civil aviation authority regulations relevant to [$COMPANY_LOCATION]
• Experience with structural repair techniques, composites, NDT methods (eddy current, dye penetrant, ultrasonic), and borescope inspection reporting
• Hands-on experience with piston, turboprop, or turbine engines and component teardown/rebuild processes
• Experience using engineering drawing tools or CAD for basic blueprint reading
• Certifications in NDT or safety training such as OSHA, HAZMAT, or equivalent

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Working knowledge of aircraft systems: airframe structures, flight controls, landing gear, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, fuel systems, environmental control, and avionics interfaces
• Understanding of powerplant systems: engine installation, accessory systems, lubrication, fuel controls, and engine monitoring systems
• Familiarity with maintenance data systems and CMMS such as AMOS, TRAX, Ramco, CAMP, or similar
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and structural repair data
• Basic competency with tooling and test equipment used in maintenance troubleshooting and verification
• Knowledge of regulatory documentation formats, service bulletins, and airworthiness directive compliance processes

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Detail-oriented mindset with a strong commitment to safety, compliance, and quality control
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams including technicians, senior engineers, and quality assurance
• Willingness to learn from experienced engineers and follow established engineering decision records and change control
• Strong problem investigation skills and ability to document findings using tools such as defect logs and nonconformance reports
• Adaptable and resilient in fast-paced maintenance operations with ability to prioritize tasks under supervision
• Growth-oriented attitude with eagerness to pursue additional certifications and technical training

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and an industry-standard benefits package. Salary range and compensation details will be provided during the interview process
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401k or local equivalent with company matching where applicable
• Paid time off, sick leave, and observed company holidays
• Tuition assistance and certification reimbursement for FAA, NDT, and technical training
• Structured onboarding program and mentorship with senior A&P engineers
• Opportunities for career progression into senior engineering, reliability, and maintenance leadership roles

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Location

This position is onsite at our maintenance facility in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. Candidates must be able to work on-site in hangar and ramp environments and comply with access, safety, and security requirements. To apply submit a resume and cover letter describing relevant A&P experience and certifications.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is seeking a licensed Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Engineer to join our aviation engineering and maintenance organization at [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. In this hands-on engineering role you will apply FAA-compliant maintenance engineering principles, engineering orders, and structural/avionics troubleshooting to ensure airworthiness and reliability across a mixed fleet. You will translate airworthiness directives (ADs), service bulletins (SBs), and manufacturer recommendations into maintainable engineering dispositions, develop repair procedures, and support heavy and line maintenance operations. This role requires a blend of practical A&P time-in-service experience, engineering analysis, and clear technical communication across operations, supply chain, and regulatory stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review and issue maintenance engineering documents: repair procedures, structural inspection plans, engineering orders (EOs), and deviation requests in accordance with FAA/EASA requirements
• Analyze discrepancies from flight operations and maintenance data to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions, using failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) principles
• Interpret and implement Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Service Bulletins (SBs), and manufacturer Service Letters; prepare compliance plans and track completions
• Perform structural assessments, damage tolerance analysis, and load calculations; specify non-routine repairs and verify return-to-service criteria
• Design and validate temporary and permanent repairs for composite and metallic structures; collaborate with NDT technicians to define inspection protocols (ultrasonic, eddy current, dye penetrant, radiography)
• Support avionics and engine shop troubleshooting: review fault data, borescope reports, and engine health monitoring outputs; devise corrective actions and preventive measures
• Work closely with quality assurance to perform audits, generate findings, and close corrective action requests (CARs)
• Lead or contribute to cross-functional root cause investigations of in-service events, producing written reports including timelines, data analysis, engineering rationale, and risk mitigations
• Provide technical mentorship and training to maintenance personnel on new procedures, tooling, and airworthiness practices; author standard work and maintenance manuals
• Interface with regulatory authorities during inspections, modifications, and certification activities; prepare technical packages and coordinate supplemental type certificate (STC) or field approval submissions where applicable
• Manage engineering change requests (ECRs) and configuration control for assigned systems and airframes

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• Valid FAA A&P certificate (Airframe & Powerplant) in good standing
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Technology, or equivalent technical experience (associates + substantial experience acceptable)
• 5+ years maintenance/engineering experience on transport or regional aircraft (airframe, engines, or avionics), or equivalent combined military/civilian experience
• Proven experience writing and validating engineering repair procedures, maintenance instructions, and technical records
• Strong familiarity with FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 43/145/21) and experience working with ADs, SBs, and STC processes
• Hands-on experience with NDT methods and structural repair techniques for metallic and composite materials
• Proficiency with engineering tools: MS Excel for analysis, CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, or equivalent), and technical documentation systems
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for technical reports and regulatory interactions

Preferred:

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering or relevant engineering discipline
• Previous role supporting STC development, major modifications, or certification projects
• Experience with Reliability & Maintainability (R&M) metrics, FMEA, RCM, and maintenance planning systems (MPDS, AMOS, CAMP)
• Working knowledge of propulsion systems and borescope inspection techniques
• Familiarity with digital maintenance records and CMMS/ERP systems integration
• Active or prior experience in regulatory liaison roles or with EASA/Transport Canada equivalents

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• FAA A&P certification (required)
• Structural repair methods for aluminum, titanium and composite airframe components
• NDT: ultrasonic (UT), eddy current (ECT), dye penetrant (DPT), radiography (RT)
• Engineering analysis: load calculations, damage tolerance, stress analysis, and basic finite element method (FEM) concepts
• CAD: SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD or equivalent for producing and reviewing engineering drawings
• Maintenance data systems: AMOS, CAMP, TRAX, Oracle EAM or similar
• Maintenance planning and certification workflows: AD/SB tracking, EOs, EO logs, and configuration control
• Common avionics, communication, and engine health monitoring systems diagnostics

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Demonstrated leadership in technical decision-making, including producing Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) or equivalent engineering rationale documents
• Track record of mentoring and upskilling maintenance technicians and junior engineers
• Bias for data-driven decisions; able to extract actionable insights from maintenance logs and flight data recorder (FDR) outputs
• Strong collaborator: experience coordinating across operations, supply chain, quality, and regulatory teams to deliver compliant solutions on tight schedules
• Calm under pressure with proven experience resolving in-service issues and supporting AOG (aircraft on ground) events
• Continuous improvement mindset: advocate for process automation, tooling improvements, and reduced turnaround times

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer match or country-equivalent retirement plan
• Paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid parental leave
• Professional development stipend and reimbursement for FAA/EASA related training and recurrent courses
• Certification and licensing support; reimbursement for recurrent A&P, type ratings, and NDT qualifications
• Employee referral bonus program and performance-based annual bonus
• Relocation assistance when applicable and per-diem for travel to maintenance bases

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Location

This role is primarily onsite at our maintenance and engineering facilities in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]; candidates must be able to work at the assigned base and travel to line stations and maintenance facilities as required. Shift work, night/weekend rotations, and emergency AOG response availability will be part of the operational expectations.

How to Apply

We encourage applicants who may not meet every listed qualification to apply; if you have a strong A&P background, engineering aptitude, or equivalent military maintenance experience, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting relevant aircraft types, certifications, and notable engineering projects. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is hiring a Senior A&P Engineer to lead airworthiness, maintenance engineering, and continued airworthiness activities for our fleet and MRO programs. You will architect and optimize maintenance programs, direct complex structural and powerplant troubleshooting, and own certification and regulatory interfaces with authorities. This role requires deep hands‑on experience with FAA/EASA airworthiness standards, advanced non‑destructive inspection (NDI/NDT) processes, and cross‑functional leadership across production, quality, and flight operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering authority for airframe and powerplant (A&P) technical issues, providing definitive root‑cause analysis and corrective action plans for in‑service defects and recurring discrepancies.
• Develop, approve, and maintain maintenance program documentation: scheduled maintenance tasks, manuals (AMM, CMM, IPC references), structural repair manuals (SRM), wiring diagrams, and inspection intervals in accordance with 14 CFR and applicable continuing airworthiness requirements.
• Interpret and implement Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Service Bulletins (SBs), and Manufacturer Technical Publications; produce engineering disposition memos and substantiation for deviations, repairs, and AMOC requests.
• Design and validate structural and systems repairs for metal and composite structures (damage assessment, repair design, load paths, material selection), including hands‑on oversight of repair execution and re‑certification testing where required.
• Coordinate propulsion maintenance engineering for turbofan and turboprop engines (inspection intervals, borescope programs, life‑limited parts, shop visit scopes) and support engine health monitoring and trending.
• Specify and validate NDT/NDI techniques (eddy current, ultrasonic, radiography, dye penetrant, thermography), establish acceptance criteria, and supervise qualification of NDT personnel and vendors.
• Lead cross‑functional failure investigations using FMECA, fault tree analysis (FTA), and structured root cause methodologies; own corrective and preventive action (CAPA) lifecycle until validation of effectiveness.
• Drive continuous improvement of maintenance processes and reliability programs using CMMS/ERP (AMOS, Ramco, CAMP or equivalent), data analytics, and predictive maintenance practices (CBM/PHM integration).
• Mentor and coach engineering and technical staff; author and present technical reports, Airworthiness Review Packages, and certification deliverables to regulators and customers.
• Represent [$COMPANY_NAME] in regulatory audits, supplier audits, field support visits, and certification meetings with FAA/EASA/other notified bodies.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate or equivalent civil aviation license; active regulatory experience with FAA and/or EASA continuing airworthiness standards.
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in aircraft maintenance engineering, structural repair design, or MRO engineering with transport category or regional aircraft.
• Demonstrated experience implementing ADs/SBs, preparing AMOC/DER packages, and interacting with certification authorities.
• Proven ability to perform structural damage assessments and produce compliant repair designs for metallic and composite structures.
• Hands‑on knowledge of NDT methods and qualification standards (NAS 410 / EN 4179 equivalent) and experience validating inspection techniques.
• Practical familiarity with maintenance planning tools and CMMS systems (AMOS, Ramco, CAMP, TRAX or similar).
• Strong technical writing skills; experience authoring engineering orders, repair cards, and regulatory submissions.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering or equivalent technical experience.
• Prior experience with airline or large MRO operations under FAR Part 145, Part 121/135 operational environments, or military maintenance transition programs.
• Experience with specific engine types (e.g., CFM56, LEAP, PW1000G, CF6, GE90) and their maintenance philosophies.
• Familiarity with composite repair certifications, damage tolerance analysis, and finite element analysis (FEA) tools for stress/strain substantiation.
• Certification or coursework in Safety Management Systems (SMS), Human Factors, and Quality Management (AS9100).

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• In‑depth knowledge of aircraft structures, systems, and powerplant maintenance requirements and practices.
• Experience with NDT/NDI techniques: eddy current, ultrasonic, radiography, dye penetrant, thermography, borescope inspections.
• Proficiency with CMMS and MRO systems (AMOS, Ramco, CAMP, TRAX) and familiarity with ERP integrations and data import/export for reliability analytics.
• Ability to read and apply vendor manuals (AMM, CMM, IPC, SRM), wiring diagrams, and service documents; strong configuration and revision control practices.
• Competence in structural analysis tools and methods (FEA basics, hand calculations, damage tolerance concepts) and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent for trend analysis.
• Understanding of manufacturing and repair processes: composite layup, adhesive bonding, cold working, heat treatments, and corrosion control.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Demonstrated leadership: record of leading multidisciplinary engineering teams, setting technical direction, and influencing operational stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication skills: able to distill complex technical findings into clear, regulator‑grade reports and to present recommendations to executive and operational audiences.
• Proven mentor and teacher: experience onboarding technicians and junior engineers, conducting technical training, and running effective engineering reviews and design reviews (DRB).
• Bias for measurable outcomes: defines KPIs for reliability, MTBUR, and maintenance cost reductions and consistently drives to those metrics.
• Detail oriented and compliance driven: rigorous approach to documentation, torque and inspection specifications, tool control, and traceability.
• Collaborative, pragmatic, and investigative mindset suitable for a fast‑paced MRO or airline environment.

Benefits and Perks

Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; employer‑paid life and AD&D coverage.
• 401(k)/pension plan with company match or equivalent retirement benefits.
• Paid time off, paid public holidays, and structured professional development allowance.
• Certification reimbursement and funded recurrent training (NDT, A&P renewal courses, SMS, human factors).
• Relocation assistance and travel allowance for field support as required.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness stipends, and safety bonus programs aligned with operational KPIs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate candidates on their demonstrated skills, experience, and potential. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other status protected by law. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Location

This position is based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION] and requires on‑site presence for hangar oversight, inspections, and regulatory interactions. Occasional travel to supplier facilities, service centers, and regulatory offices will be required.

Application Instructions

We strongly encourage applicants to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification. If you have equivalent experience, in‑field technical expertise, or transferrable skills, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your most relevant achievements and certifications.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is seeking a Lead A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) Engineer to lead technical maintenance engineering, airworthiness oversight, and continuous airworthiness programs for our aircraft fleet. In this senior, hands-on leadership role you will define maintenance strategies, lead certification and compliance activities with civil aviation authorities, and own engineering deliverables that ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective aircraft operations. You will coordinate cross-functional teams including maintenance operations, quality, reliability, supply chain, and OEM representatives to deliver engineering solutions that meet regulatory and commercial objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for airframe and powerplant engineering across the fleet: develop, approve, and maintain maintenance program documents, structural repair manuals (SRMs), and engine maintenance procedures consistent with FAA/EASA/CAAC regulations.
• Lead airworthiness and certification activities: prepare and submit engineering data packages, service difficulty reports (SDRs), repair schemes, and airworthiness directives (AD) compliance plans; liaise with FAA/EASA DERs, DOAs, and national aviation authorities.
• Architect maintenance philosophies and scheduled maintenance tasks using MSG-3, reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), and condition-based maintenance (CBM) principles to optimize availability and life-cycle cost.
• Own structural and systems repair approvals: analyze damage tolerances, perform structural analyses or coordinate with stress analysts, and issue engineering orders (EOs) and field-approved repair dispositions.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis on complex in-service failures: use structured problem-solving (5-Why, Fishbone), oversee non-destructive inspection (NDI) plans, borescope inspections, and coordinate on-wing interventions.
• Manage configuration control and technical records: ensure accuracy of maintenance data in CMMS, maintenance planning documents, airworthiness records, and engineering change notices (ECNs).
• Drive continuous improvement: implement reliability programs, monitor key performance indicators (MTBUR, MTTR, dispatch reliability), and lead cost-reduction projects through engineering design changes or maintenance process optimization.
• Mentor and develop engineering staff: establish engineering standards, run engineering design reviews and Architecture Decision Records (ADRs), and conduct rigorous peer code/revision reviews for technical documentation.
• Support supply chain and procurement on technical specifications for rotable parts, life-limited components, and repair contracts; evaluate OEM service bulletins and supplier capability.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance in engineering solutions and recommend mitigations for operational risk.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• FAA A&P Certificate or EASA Part 66 certifying experience; active certifying experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering or equivalent military technical background plus 8+ years of aircraft maintenance/engineering experience, including at least 3 years in a lead or senior engineering role.
• Demonstrated experience with maintenance program development (MSG-3), structural repair/analysis, and AD/SB compliance.
• Proven track record working with FAA, EASA, or equivalent civil aviation authorities and familiarity with regulatory processes for approvals, DER submissions, and continuing airworthiness.
• Hands-on experience with maintenance planning systems and CMMS tools (e.g., AMOS, Ramco, TRAX, Maximo) and with technical documentation authoring.
• Strong data analysis skills with experience using reliability tools and scripting/SQL for extracting CMMS and flight data for reliability analysis.
• Valid security clearance if required by contract and ability to travel to line stations, MROs, and OEM facilities.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering, or 12+ years' experience in lieu of advanced degree.
• Experience as a Designated Engineering Representative (DER) or within an EASA Part-21/DOA environment.
• Familiarity with engine shop visits, life-limited parts management, and teardown analysis.
• Experience implementing condition-based maintenance (CBM) programs and working with health monitoring systems (ACMS, Flight Data Monitoring).
• Certifications in Project Management (PMP) or Six Sigma/Lean for process improvement leadership.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• In-depth knowledge of aircraft systems (airframe structures, flight controls, landing gear, hydraulic, fuel, environmental, avionics) and turbofan/turboprop engine maintenance principles.
• Structural analysis tools and practices: finite element method (FEM) fundamentals, stress analysis workflows, and familiarity with tools such as Nastran, Patran, or similar engineering analysis packages.
• Maintenance planning and technical documentation: AMOS, Ramco, TRAX, IFS, Maximo, MS Office (advanced Excel), and document control systems.
• Data analysis and scripting: SQL, Python (pandas), MATLAB for trend analysis, MTBUR/MTTR calculations, and reliability modeling.
• Inspection and NDI technologies: eddy current, ultrasound, borescope, radiography—ability to define inspection regimes and acceptance criteria.
• Configuration and change management: PLM/ALM concepts and experience producing engineering orders, service bulletins, and revision-controlled manuals.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Leadership: track record of leading multidisciplinary engineering teams, establishing engineering standards, and driving technical decisions through ADRs and design reviews.
• Communication: ability to write clear engineering orders, regulatory submissions, and present complex technical findings to leadership and regulatory authorities.
• Stakeholder management: experience collaborating with operations, quality, supply chain, OEMs, and regulators to deliver timely solutions.
• Analytical mindset: rigorous approach to root-cause analysis and evidence-based decision making using flight and maintenance data.
• Mentorship: commitment to developing junior engineers through structured feedback, technical coaching, and knowledge transfer.
• Adaptability: comfort operating in fast-paced, regulated aviation environments with competing operational priorities.

Benefits and Perks

Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance options.
• Retirement savings plan with company match and financial planning resources.
• Generous paid time off, paid parental leave, and flexible leave policies.
• Professional development stipend, support for FAA/EASA training, recurrent training courses, and licensing reimbursements.
• Relocation assistance where applicable and travel expense reimbursement for line visits and regulatory meetings.
• Employee assistance programs, wellness benefits, and safety-focused workplace initiatives.

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process.

Location

This role is based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION] and requires regular on-site presence at maintenance facilities, hangars, and regulatory meetings. Occasional travel to line stations, MRO partners, and OEM sites is expected. Candidates must be able to work the shift patterns necessary to support aircraft maintenance windows.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and a concise cover letter outlining your A&P credentials, relevant engineering leadership experience, and examples of maintenance program or certification work. Only candidates who follow these submission instructions will be considered for the next stage.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is hiring a Chief A&P Engineer to lead airframe & powerplant engineering strategy, certification integrity, and cross-functional execution for complex manned and unmanned platforms. This senior leadership role owns technical authority for structural, propulsion, systems integration, maintainability, and continuing airworthiness activities across development, test, and production. You will define engineering priorities, validate airworthiness compliance, and architect maintenance and reliability programs that reduce operational cost while preserving safety margins and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive technical leadership as Accountable Manager for A&P engineering disciplines: structural design, propulsion/powertrain integration, flight control actuation, systems installation, wiring/harness routing, and environmental control systems.
• Own certification strategy and interface with authorities (FAA, EASA, national CAAs) to generate certification plans, compliance matrices, and type/production certificate deliverables.
• Architect and approve Airworthiness Compliance Packages, Certification Plans (CP), Means of Compliance (MoC) and Compliance Demonstrations including Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Safety Assessment (CSA/SIL where applicable), and Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) inputs.
• Lead systems integration for propulsion and airframe interfaces: define load cases, perform aeroelastic and structural analysis reviews, and approve margins for ultimate/load factor envelopes using tools such as NASTRAN, MSC, Abaqus and bespoke FEM workflows.
• Direct propulsion selection, integration testing, and health monitoring approaches; specify engine/powerplant instrumentation requirements and telemetry to support in-flight testing and CBM/PHM strategies.
• Define and enforce configuration management, drawing release standards, and Engineering Change Notice (ECN) governance to ensure traceability from requirements to delivered product.
• Establish and continuously improve manufacturing readiness and maintainability criteria: DFM/DFMEA reviews, depot and line maintenance planning, and reliability growth programs tied to MTBF/MTTR/KPI targets.
• Partner cross-functionally with Systems Engineering, Flight Test, Certification, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain to deliver test programs, root-cause analyses, and corrective action plans for in-service issues.
• Build and mentor a high-performing A&P engineering organization: hire senior engineers, set technical roadmaps, conduct architecture decision records (ADRs), and institutionalize rigorous peer review and code/data provenance practices.
• Represent the company in technical working groups, industry standards committees, and customer technical reviews; prepare executive briefings and deliverables for stakeholders and certification authorities.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Aeronautical Engineering or equivalent; Master’s or PhD preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive engineering experience in airframe and powerplant domains with at least 7 years in leadership or chief engineer roles on certified or complex experimental aircraft/rotorcraft/UAS programs.
• Demonstrated experience interfacing with FAA/EASA certification processes, producing compliance plans, and leading Type/Production Certificate efforts.
• Deep knowledge of structural analysis, aeroelasticity, propulsion integration, system-level failure analyses, and maintainability engineering.
• Proven track record of delivering hardware through design, integration, flight test, and into production within regulated environments.
• Strong program governance capabilities: configuration management, requirements traceability (DO-178/DO-254 familiarity a plus where avionics overlap), and formal change control processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical content, certification submissions, and executive stakeholder presentations.

Preferred:

• Active FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) or prior DER collaboration experience.
• Experience with composite structures, bonded joint design, and advanced materials testing.
• Familiarity with Digital Twin, PHM/CBM systems, and embedded diagnostics architectures.
• Background in systems safety analysis (ARP4761, ARP4754A), DO-254/DO-178 processes, or equivalent standards.
• Experience scaling engineering teams and implementing model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools like SysML, Cameo, or Capella.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Structural analysis tools: NASTRAN, Abaqus, MSC, or equivalent FEM suites.
• Aeroelastic and CFD tooling experience; proficiency interpreting results from CFD solvers (ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+) and coupling to structural models.
• Experience with propulsion test rigs, engine instrumentation, dynamometer data acquisition, and telemetry systems.
• Configuration management and PLM systems: Windchill, ENOVIA, or Siemens Teamcenter; Git-based engineering data workflows preferred.
• Flight test instrumentation and telemetry platforms; data analysis using MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/Pandas), and signal processing toolchains.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards: FARs, CS, MIL-STD, RTCA/DO-178/254, ARP4761/4754A.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Proven ability to lead architecture decision records (ADRs) and run structured design reviews (Prelim/Detail/Production) with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Track record of mentoring senior and junior engineers, conducting rigorous code/release reviews, and institutionalizing lessons learned.
• Data-driven decision maker: comfortable defining and tracking KPIs (MTBF, MTTR, defect density) and using telemetry/data to drive engineering priorities.
• Skilled negotiator with suppliers and certification authorities; able to translate technical risk into program-level decisions.
• Operates with high integrity and a strong safety-first mindset; embraces continuous improvement and engineering rigor.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive executive compensation with base salary and performance bonus: Salary Range: [$SALARY_RANGE].
• Equity or long-term incentive plans aligned to company performance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage; executive-focused retirement plans and financial planning support.
• Generous paid time off, parental leave, and flexible work policies for senior leadership.
• Professional development stipend, conference budget, and support for certification or continuing education.
• Relocation assistance to [$COMPANY_LOCATION] and executive transition support where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any protected characteristic under applicable law.

Location

This role is based onsite in [$COMPANY_LOCATION] and requires regular presence for engineering integration, flight test programs, and certification meetings. Candidates must be able to work from our facilities and travel to test sites and regulatory authorities as required.

Application Instructions

We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and levels of specific domain experience to apply—if you meet many of the qualifications but not all, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing relevant accomplishments and how you would approach the first 90 days in this role. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an initial technical and leadership interview.